Page 60 of Ruthless Chaos

I hate this shit.

I’ve started comparing every girl I see to her, too.

I promised myself I wouldn’t think of her again, yet here I am, getting hard to the thought of her.

I pace the length of the rooftop, hoping the cool night air will distract me.

Setting my drink on one of the bistro tables nearby, I grip the edge of the iron-and-glass railing.

Allie is a complication I don’t need.

Squashing Keller and retaining my title as Head Kingmaker is all I have the capacity to handle this year. That’s how I will secure my future.

That’s what my focus should be.

Not some girl with innocent eyes that seem to see into my soul.

They remind me a lot of my mom’s.

I run a hand through my hair, stunned at my thoughts.

I hate the comparison. Whenever I think of my mom, the next thing that comes to mind always makes me murderous—how my father’s inaction killed her.

I push the heels of my palm into my eyes. I hate that I’m losing control of what’s happening in my head. It’s the only place I can find solace.

I need to get this under control, and quickly because—

“I figured I would find you up here, Alexipoo.” A voice cuts through my thoughts, and my stomach falls.

Bloody hell, what the fuck did I do to deserve this.

I turn to find Cassidy’s just emerged from the elevator and is walking towards me. She’s changed out of her cheerleading uniform into a revealing pink dress that looks like it’s squeezing the life out of her.

This bitch has a knack for showing up at the worst possible time.

“Cassidy, I’m not in the mood for your bullshit tonight,” I say, not even bothering to hide my displeasure. “I’ve had a long day. Leave me alone.”

She’s still approaching me.

A manic smile is plastered on her face. She’s definitely here to start shit.

For a moment, I consider throwing her off the roof. We’re off campus, so technically I can do anything. But she’s not even worth the trouble.

Her family descends from royalty—her mother’s a Duchess, I think. Not in line for the throne, but close enough that her death would cause unnecessary problems for the Empire.

Things are already tenuous as it is.

“I can make you feel better,” she smiles, moving her hair over her shoulder. “Come clubbing with me.”

I square my shoulders, looking down my nose at her.

She sidles up to me. When she realizes how pissed I am, her grin grows. Anything that happens to her beyond this point, she deserves it.

I warned her.

“Tell me something, Cass.” My voice is low. She perks up at my use of her nickname. “If I toss you off this building right now, what will the police think?” Her smile falters, and I continue. “Do you think they’ll think I did it? Or will they think you killed yourself, hm?”

Miraculously, she takes a step back, fear kindling in her gaze. Her eyes narrow slightly, considering my threat.