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Hated By The Bully King 111
CoraWe eat in silence. Well, not really in silence because we're devouring our burgers like we've been starving for days. I find Alessandro smirking as he looks at me. "What?" I demand."Your face is a mess," he says."So? It's a burger. It's supposed to be messy.""Colt's face isn't a mess. Neither is mine."I narrow my eyes. "Are you calling me a pig?""No. Of course not," he says with another smirk."You're lucky that all I want to do is sit here and finish my burger, or else I'd have to introduce your jaw to my fist."Alessandro chuckles. "You really think you can take me?""No," I say.That makes him laugh again."Well, I know the real way to eat a burger," I say. "And that is as messy as possible. So you two are in the wrong." I roll my eyes. "Rich people."Colt's eyes move from me to Alessandro. "I'm really glad you two are getting along again."My eyes meet Alessandro's. He gives me a small smile, which I return.Then he puts down his burger and points to his chin. "You've go
Last Updated : 2024-12-22Hated By The Bully King 112
CoraHomework, homework, homework. Why the hell was it invented?Again, I've hardly seen the boys, not even by meals because I've been skipping some. I just don't have enough hours in the day to catch up. But I did notice something about Colt—he's been acting a little strange the last couple days. I can't really describe what's different about him, because he's doing a really good job pretending to be normal. Maybe it's a feeling I have.Thursday night, I text Alessandro.Me: Is something off with Colt?Alessandro: You noticed it, too?Me: Damn, I hoped I was imagining it. What could it be?Alessandro: No idea.Me: I don't think I've ever seen him so...I don't know.Alessandro: Bothered?Me: Yeah, I guess that's what it is. He seems stressed about something. Could it be his business?Alessandro: I heard it's doing really well.Me: But you never know.Alessandro: Yeah.I toss and turn all night. I know he doesn't like to deal with reality and always pretends to be happy—that's what wor
Last Updated : 2024-12-22Hated By The Bully King 113
CoraWhen I'm all packed, I make my way downstairs and to the boys' dorm. Colt isn't here and neither is the car. For a second, I wonder if I dreamed the whole thing, but then I catch him opening the door to the boys' dorm, a backpack slung over one shoulder."Hey." I wave.He smiles brightly. "Hey."I don't see even a glimpse of the dark emotions I saw before. Maybe this trip to New York is exactly what he needs.He swings an arm over my shoulder. "The car should be here soon. What do you say, Cora? Excited?""Totally. I've never been to New York City before."His jaw falls open. "You've never been to New York City?"I laugh lightly. "Is it a crime?"Colt starts singing New York, New York by Frank Sinatra, making me laugh. Some of the passing girls stop walking and stare at Colt, longing in their eyes. Then their gazes move to mine, and they look like they want to claw my eyes out.I lean forward and whisper in his ear, "I think they want to scratch my face."Colt glances at them. "T
Last Updated : 2024-12-22Hated By The Bully King 114
CoraNah, I'm just imagining it. Colt doesn't have any feelings for me, just friendship. And as for me...well, I don't really know. I don't want to self-analyze right now."See all the way down there?" Colt points. "That's the Statue of Liberty.""Cool." I press my face to the window and study all the activity around me. "What bridge is that?""That would be the Manhattan Bridge," the driver informs me."Is that a subway?"Colt leans closer to me to look out my window. "Yep, the famous New York City subway.""Are we going to ride on one?"Colt wrinkles his nose. "You want to ride on the subway?"I give him a face. "It doesn't match someone of your stature?""Not really.""But it looks like so much fun! I've seen New York City subways on TV and movies all the time." I grab his arm and shake. "Promise me we'll ride the subway. Please, please, please."Colt frowns and sighs in surrender. "Why do I crack when girls beg?"I kiss his cheek. "Thank you, my good sir."Colt turns his head, his
Last Updated : 2024-12-22Hated By The Bully King 115
CoraWe're led by a hotel staff member all the way to the top floor, to their most luxurious suite. That same uncomfortable feeling pricks me from all over, but I try to shove it away. Maybe Colt is right and I should just let loose and have fun. Who knows if I'll ever get to experience this again? Colt might be spending money on me, but he's gaining something from me in return. Companionship. I know my being with him makes him feel better.My jaw nearly hits the floor when I take in our suite. Holy hell, I can't even begin to describe it. From the main area with a huge TV and sofas, to the many spacious rooms, the polished furniture and soft carpeting. There's even a kitchen area. I feel like I'm in a dream."Pick whatever room you want," Colt tells me.Every room has a large window with a view of the beautiful city. There's a great view from the main area, too, and there's even a balcony. I choose a room, my head once again spinning. This is a room fit for a princess. A huge bed in
Last Updated : 2024-12-22Hated By The Bully King 116
CoraMy eyes flutter open, a sigh escaping my lips. I feel like I slept on a cloud.It all comes back to me: Colt inviting me to New York City with him, eating the most amazing food at a fancy restaurant, seeing the beautiful sights. Me trying to crack Colt's shell.I sit up and rub the sleep out of my eyes, then grab my phone for the time. Wow, eleven. I must have been wiped out last night.I have a text from Ethan.Ethan: Hey. Colt told me he took you to NYC. Have a great time. I might be back at Royal Elite later this week.There is nothing from Alessandro. But I know he saw my texts. Maybe he's ignoring me because of his dad?I respond to Ethan's text and get out of bed. When I leave my room, I find Colt sprawled on the sofa in the main area, flipping through the TV. "Hey, sleepyhead," he says."I didn't mean to sleep in. How long have you been up?""Couple hours. No worries. This is our vacation, remember? But we should eat brunch soon and get our day going. What Broadway show do
Last Updated : 2024-12-22Hated By The Bully King 117
CoraThe Lion King is amazing. Colt and I can't stop gushing over it as we make our way out of the theater, with our merchandise. We bought T-shirts and the cast recording, which we'll listen to on the way back home."In another life, maybe I would be an actor on stage," Colt says. "You know, if I could actually sing and dance and my acting didn't suck.""And the girls would go nuts after you," I joke. "Are you calling the car?""Car? Hell no. We're taking the subway."I laugh. "Look at you. You're one of the normal people now."He laughs, too. "Don't get used to it," he says as we get into the station. This time the train is packed and we have to stand, squished with all the other passengers and clutching onto the poles like we're scared we'll die."I take it back," Colt mutters. "I don't like the subway."When we emerge from the station, I ask, "What's on the schedule for the rest of the day?""We'll rest up in the hotel and then I have a surprise for you.""Really? You're not going
Last Updated : 2024-12-22Hated By The Bully King 118
CoraThe car stops before Rockefeller Center. Colt leads me to the skating rink."Is this my surprise?" I ask. "Ice skating?""Yeah. Do you like skating?""Of course! I love it. Though it's been a while since I've skated.""Perfect. Come."We get our ice skates and put them on."I would have rented a skating rink all to ourselves," he says as he ties his skates. "But I want you to experience ice skating in Rockefeller Center. It's magical. A little crowded, but still amazing.""Thanks so much, Colt. It means so much to me, especially because you're feeling down.""You kidding? Skating here with you will bring me so high I'll soar over the clouds."That makes me smile.We clutch hands and skate with everyone else. I'm a little wobbly at first because I haven't done this in a while, but then I get used to it. Colt is so graceful as he skates. "Did you have lessons?" I ask."When I was a kid. Watch this." He lets go of my hand and speeds up, leaping off the ground and doing a double axel
Last Updated : 2024-12-22
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Hated By The Bully King 130
CoraFour years laterAlessandro, Ethan, Colt and I stare at the mansion that sits before us, our jaws practically hitting the ground.Colt whistles. "That's a little bigger than our last house."I throw him an incredulous look. "Major understatement of the year. This isn't a mansion—it's a palace."He throws an arm around me and grins. "A palace fit for the most beautiful queen in the world. Our queen." He brushes his lips across my cheek.I playfully swat him away. "You know I don't like when you guys call me your queen.""Too bad. Because you are our queen. Just get used to it, Cora. The guys and I want to spoil you rotten. You gotta learn to accept it."I smile and shake my head. "Never."Ethan slides his hand into mine. "Ready to see our new home?""I'm more than ready."The four of us march up the stairs, where staff members scurry around to help us with our bags and welcome us in. I'm still trying to get used to the whole staff thing. The guys insisted we have them at our old h
Hated By The Bully King 129
CoraBeckham watches his son for a very long time, the fury seeming to grow even more intense. Then he finally sits forward, placing his palms on his desk. "What a little boy you are," he hisses. "You think you're in a damn romance movie? This is real life, Alessandro. In real life, you don't get to live in fantasy worlds. You don't get to decide what happens. You do what it takes to jump over everyone else, or else they will be the ones on top and they will step on you. So stop with this childhood nonsense. You'll marry a girl whom I see fit, someone who will help you advance in your life and career."Alessandro folds his arms over his chest, his fury a match for his father's. "Someone like Heather Mclauren?""Yes. Heather Mclauren is the perfect match for you.""Match," Colt mutters under his breath. "Who the hell gets matched up these days?"Alessandro lowers his hands on the desk, leaning close to stare his dad down. "You sent her after me, didn't you?""Of course I did! Someone h
Hated By The Bully King 128
CoraThe limo stops before the Beckham Mansion. I stare up at it from the window, once again marveling at how stunning it is. I can't believe just four months ago, I came here for the first time working at Alessandro's party. I remember that day as though it happened yesterday: how there were so many people, but Alessandro was still alone. How I saved his life, which led me down the path that would become my dream future. It's funny how one small act can change your life forever."Cora?"Ethan is holding out his hand for me. Colt and Alessandro have already climbed out of the car, Alessandro looking a little anxious. He's not trying to hide his emotions anymore—none of the guys are. The three handsome young men who stand before me are the true souls I have come to love with every fiber of my being.I accept Ethan's hand and let him help me out of the car. Colt puts his hand on my shoulder while Alessandro slides his hand into mine and gives it a reassuring squeeze. "Whatever happens,
Hated By The Bully King 127
CoraEthan's just as happy to see me at his door as Alessandro was. There's a change in his face, and as I make my way inside, I try to figure out what it is. He seems...happier, maybe? No, it's more than that. It's like—"What?" he asks with a laugh as he sits down at his desk and motions for me to come over."Sorry, was I staring?" I head over to him, where he pulls me onto his lap, my back pressed tightly to his chest, and his arms wrapped around my stomach. "I don't mean to. There's just something different about you.""There is?"I stretch my neck to scrutinize his mesmerizing emerald eyes. "You look alive.""Alive?" A soft chuckle reverberates through his chest. "Yeah, I think I'm breathing.""You're laughing, Ethan. A real one. I can't remember the last time I saw you like this."He tucks some hair behind my ear. "I'm happy, Cora. I think for the first time since my family died, I feel genuinely happy. It's like up until today, I was just trudging through life, going through th
Hated By The Bully King 126
CoraAlessandro's eyes fill with surprise when he opens the door. "Cora, hi.""Hi. Can I come in?""Sure." He widens the door.His desk is cluttered with papers—business documents. "Am I bothering you?""You never bother me," he says with a smile, but it doesn't quite reach his eyes.I take his hand and lead him to the bed, where we sit side by side. "Sandro, what's going on?""What?""I know something's bothering you. And I have a feeling it's not the three boyfriends thing."His cheeks puff up. "You know me really well, don't you?" He shakes his head. "It doesn't matter. I'm okay.""If we're going to be together, you need to be open and honest with me. You don't have to worry about protecting me. I want to be here for you. I want you to pour your heart out to me. I want to feel as close to you as I can.""I want that, too." He caresses my cheek, gazing at me with raw emotions. "I want that really badly."I press my lips to his palm. "Tell me what's going on."He turns away from me,
Hated By The Bully King 125
CoraThe four of us are quiet.Colt looks at Alessandro. "I'm sorry for being selfish. I guess I was a little jealous of how close you and Cora were getting. I've wanted something like that for a really long time. It was never my intention to steal her from you or anything. I want you to be happy, Sandro, really I do. But the more time I spent with you, Cora, the more I liked you. I didn't ask you to come to New York City for some romantic getaway. I wanted to escape my life for a few days, and I knew you would be the one to make me feel better. But it was never my intention to kiss you. It kind of just happened. I'm sorry for being so selfish, Sandro."Alessandro's quiet for a few seconds before shaking his head. "I'm the selfish one. A part of me suspected you and Ethan might like Cora, too. But I wanted her all to myself. We should have talked about it.""Like we're doing now?" Colt says with a wry smile. Then he faces me. "All I want is for the two of you to be happy. So if you an
Hated By The Bully King 124
CoraAnother week passes with Alessandro and Colt not speaking."That's it," I mutter Saturday morning. "It's time I take matters into my own hands."I'm sick of feeling confused and guilty. I'm sick of seeing three former best friends hardly saying a thing to each other.I send Ethan and Colt a text, telling them to meet me in the bowling alley in half an hour. Then I head over to Alessandro's room. I could send him a text, too, but I know he won't meet up with us. It's harder to refuse someone when they stand right in your face. Well, that's what I'm counting on, anyway.I knock a few times on his door, hoping he didn't go away for the weekend. A few seconds later, footsteps approach."Who is it?" his voice calls."Cora."I hold my breath. There's a good chance he'll ignore me.The air slowly leaves my mouth when I hear him turn the handle. He stands before me with an unreadable expression on his face. I look at him closely, making out the hint of emotion hiding behind his blank mas
Hated By The Bully King 123
CoraI try texting Ethan the rest of the night. He answers a few, usually one worded answers, assuring me he's okay, but that's about it. Colt and I text, too, talking about the silliest things in the world. I guess neither of us wants to broach the kiss, Alessandro, or even Ethan.Alessandro doesn't answer any of my texts. It's been a week already. Is he ever going to forgive me? Or at least talk to me?Somehow, I fall asleep. I wake up the next morning way too early, and the first thing to enter my mind is Ethan. I reach for my phone and send him a text.Me: Are you feeling better?He responds almost immediately.Ethan: A little.Me: I hate that you were alone yesterday.Ethan: I wouldn't have been the best company.Me: I don't care about that. I just didn't want you to feel so alone.He's quiet for a bit before he responds.Ethan: I am alone. The only one left in my family.That causes tears to prick my eyes.Me: Can I take you out today? I want to take your mind off things.Ethan:
Hated By The Bully King 122
CoraColt's talking to me, which is such a relief. Though he doesn't mention anything about New York or what happened right after. He, Ethan and I sit together during lunch, but Alessandro is nowhere to be found. I don't think he even eats lunch. And I can't voice my concerns with the guys because I don't want to cause any more drama.The fact that Alessandro and Colt are still not talking to each other is like a stab in the heart. I never meant to ruin their friendship. I don't think Alessandro talks to Ethan, either. He must feel so lonely.Friday morning, I'm woken up by a text from Alessandro. I'm so shocked and thrilled that I drop my phone. After quickly sweeping it off the floor, I read the text.Alessandro: Hard day for Ethan. You should make sure he's okay.My fingers fly across my phone screen.Me: What do you mean? Why is it a hard day?He looks at the text right away, but he doesn't respond.Me: Alessandro, why is today hard for Ethan?Finally, he responds.Alessandro: His
