Wicked princess

I thought I could do this. I figured if Stone could shoulder what my brothers put him through, I could be strong enough to withstand dealing with his. 

But I can’t. 

Not when he’s hurting someone I care about. 

“You’re a real piece of work, Tommy.” Standing up, I toss my napkin in my dish. “I know you don’t understand the concept because you have a cactus where your heart should be, but I’m in love with your brother. And neither you nor your stupid insults will change how I feel about him.” 

With that, I stalk off to the bathroom so I can splash some cool water on my face and remind myself that committing homicide is wrong. 

I’m fixing my lipstick when the latch on the door clicks.

“I’ll be done in a min—” 

Words die in my throat when I see Tommy. “Well, if it isn’t the little Covington whore.” 

I’m on my last thread with the douchebag. “Eat shit and die.” 

I go to brush past him, but he stands in front of the door, blocking it. 

“Get out of my way.” 

He doesn’t budge. “Relax. I just want to talk.” 

Somehow, I highly doubt that. “Fine. Let’s talk about what an asshole—”

“Do you really love my brother?” 

His question rattles me. Not because of what he’s asking, but the sincerity behind it. As if he’s actually concerned for Stone’s welfare.

He doesn’t deserve it, but I give him the truth anyway. “Yes.” I meet his eyes. “I really do.” 

Blowing out a breath, he nods. “Okay.” 

I attempt to leave again but he presses me up against the sink, keeping me there with the force of his body. 

“What the fuck are you doing?” I try to push him away, but he’s stronger than I am. “Get the fuck off me.” 

He grips my ponytail so hard I yelp. “You and your brothers are scum, Covington. And if you think I’m go

“Awe, don’t worry, Tommy.” I flash him some teeth. “Once I tell my brothers you attacked me, you won’t be standing ever again.” 

His tongue finds his cheek. “Then I guess I better make this worth my while, huh?” 

Bile rises up my throat as he shoves his hand up my skirt and slams his mouth against mine. 

“What the fuck is going on here?”

Stone looks so hurt, so betrayed…it sucks all the oxygen out of the room. 

“Like I said,” Tommy sneers. “You can’t trust a slut.” 

My stomach knots because I know how bad this looks. 

I also know there’s no way Stone will take my word against his own brother’s. 

Because I wouldn’t. 

I shake my head. “This isn’t—”

I don’t get a chance to finish my sentence, because Stone’s fist flies into Tommy’s face. “You, motherfucker.”  

Tommy tries to defend himself, but he’s no match for the rage Stone unleashes on him. The next punch is so hard, blood trickles from his nose. 

Gripping him by the collar of his shirt, Stone shoves his brother against a wall. “Don’t ever fucking touch her again, you lying, piece of shit, junkie.”

Woah. 

I had no idea Tommy was on drugs, although it makes a whole lot of sense now. Not that it excuses any of his behavior. 

Tommy starts coughing. “You’re really go

Stone’s answer comes in the form of a sharp kick to the groin. 

Tommy howls in pain, but Stone isn’t finished with him yet. 

He begins dragging him by his hair toward the front door. “We’re fucking done. I’m tired of defending you. Tired of lending you money all the time. Tired of you destroying everything good in my life.” His voice cracks. “Tired of being your brother.” 

Tommy tries to argue, but Stone pushes him out the door and deadbolts it. 

“You can’t kick me out.” Tommy pounds on the door. “I’m your family.” 

Pain illuminates Stone’s face and he closes his eyes, his body going slack against the frame. “Not anymore.” He looks at his mom who’s crying. “If you let him back in, I’m moving out.” 

She nods before disappearing in a fit of sobs. 

Chest heaving, his gaze slides to me. “You okay?”

“Are you?” 

I can’t imagine how hard that must have been for him. 

“Honestly?” He shakes his head. “Not really.” 

I wrap my arms around him, hugging him tight. “I didn’t know he was on drugs.” 

“I didn’t either,” he whispers. “Not until recently.” 

“I’m so sorry.” 

It’s all I‘ve got because I don’t know the right words to say or how to make any of this better for him. 

“You have nothing to be sorry for.” He cups my cheek. “Did he hurt you?” 

“No.” Not physically anyway. “I’m okay.”

Thanks to him.  

“Thank you for stopping him when you did.” 

For choosing me. 

Wincing, he shakes out his hand. “Fucker has a hard-ass head.” He juts his chin toward the kitchen. “I’m go

While he does that, I take out my phone and start a group message with Jace and Cole. 

I need them to know Stone is nothing like his brother. 

Bianca: Stone just beat the shit out of Tommy.  

Cole: That’s surprising. Stone hits like a girl. 

Jace: And you’re telling us this because...

Irritation lodges in my throat as I type out my next text. 

Bianca: Because he did it for me. Tommy cornered me in the bathroom and tried to attack me, but Stone protected me. He beat his ass and kicked him out of the house. 

And his life. 

A second later my phone vibrates and Jace’s name illuminates my screen. 

I swiftly pick it up. 

“Hey—”

“Put Stone on the phone,” Jace grinds out. “Now.” 

The lethal tone of his voice makes it clear there’s no room for argument. 

On shaky legs, I walk over to Stone and hand him my cell. “Jace wants to talk to you.” 

Stone pinches the bridge of his nose. “Of course he does.” He brings the phone to his ear. “Look, man. I already got into one fight today and I’m not looking for another—” His forehead creases. “Yeah, I did. What—” His jaw tics. “Because I love her.” 

There’s a long pause…and then. “Okay.” 

I’m on the edge of my seat when he hangs up. 

“What did he say?” 

“He asked me if what you said was true…and then he asked me why I beat my brother up and kicked him out.” Placing a bag of frozen peas on his wrist, he shrugs. “And then he said thank you and told me he wouldn’t kick my ass the next time I drop you off.” 

Evidently, I got two miracles this Christmas.