Page 50 of Broken Prince

This is how one-night stands should be. Just that. One night.

But I have a feeling this one night is going to stick with me for a very long time.

Chapter 11

Delaney

It’s the first day of classes, and I’m not really sure how I feel. At first, I was excited to meet new people, have some fun, learn something, and find my way in this life.

But when Mom mentioned orientation week a few days before the wedding, Winter looked put off. Later, when I got her alone, I asked her what was wrong, and she told me that her orientation week was pure hell. I felt awful because, apparently, the girls from high school didn’t grow up and continued bullying her right through college. This is her sophomore year, so we might have a few classes together, but for the most part, I’m on my own.

Whoever these girls are, I won’t be afraid to say something and stick up for Winter. We’ve quickly become good friends, hanging out whenever Elijah isn’t home. She keeps telling me that we should all hang out together, but I’m not sure if I’m ready for that.

After what he said to me at the wedding, I’m not sure I could look him in the face without thinking of doing exactly what he said. I still can’t believe that came out of the shy, quiet guy I’ve seen since coming here.

I woke up early so I could get my morning run in before school. Logan stayed true to his word, and security has been steady. He doesn’t understand how much it means to me that he cares enough to make sure I feel safe and comfortable.

After I shower, I put on a pair of ripped skinny jeans and an off-the-shoulder green knitted sweater. My hair is down today in hopes of covering the marks Kai left behind, but I guess the cover-up I used isn’t doing the best job because as I snatch a piece of bacon off a plate from the pile my mom made, she notices. Grabbing my shoulder, she pulls me around to face her and moves my hair to the side.

“Delaney,” she gasps. “What are these!”

Biting my lip, I try not to smile. “Hickeys, Mom.”

“I know what hickeys are, smart-ass.” She gives me a playful glare. “But why is your neck covered in them?”

“Okay, so don’t get mad at me,” I start as she crosses her arms, raising a brow.

“What a way to start a sentence, Laney.”

I laugh. “It’s nothing bad, I promise. I just went out this weekend, and well, I met a guy. He was really sweet, we had a good night talking and well...” I’m open with my mom, I tell her almost everything. But I’m not going to go into detail about the hottest sex I’ve ever had. I do have a line, and this is it.

“Laney,” she sighs, shaking her head. “I know you’re an adult, and you can do as you please. Just tell me you were smart and safe?”

“Always,” I reply. The only time I’ve ever slipped up was with Owen, and thankfully, I’m on birth control, and we were both clean.

She chews on her lower lip. “Was he cute?”

“No, Mom, this man was gorgeous. He’s a little older,”—I don’t tell her how much—“big, tall, with long hair. A Viking of a man.” I swoon just thinking about him.

“Well, damn.” Mom sighs wistfully. “Would it be too much to say I’m a little jealous?”

“Oh, stop.” I laugh, lightly giving her arm a push. “Don’t act like you didn’t bag yourself a hottie. James is damn fine.”

“He is, isn’t he?” she giggles. “Sometimes I just stare at him and wonder how I got so lucky, ending up with a man like him.”

“Because you're fucking amazing and a mother-fucking queen. He should be bowing at your feet.”

“Delaney!” she scolds me, a blush taking over her cheeks. “Language.”

“She’s right, though,” James’ voice filters into the room. He steps into the kitchen and over to my mom. “You're a queen. The most stunning one I’ve ever laid eyes on.”

And then he gets down on his knees and actually kisses my mom’s feet. Her lips part in shock, her blush growing crimson red.

I grin big, eyes widening in surprise as I watch in shock. He gets up and wraps his arm around my mom’s waist. “Morning, my love.” He kisses her deeply, making her melt into his touch.

When they pull apart, I’m grinning like a fool, chewing on a piece of bacon. Mom spins around, looking embarrassed as she continues to cook. “Coffee is ready,” she tells James, clearing her throat.

James chuckles, shooting me a wink. I grin and give him a high five. “Smooth, my man. I like you.”