The Prince of Broken Crowns by Jessica Sorensen

Author:Jessica Sorensen [Sorensen, Jessica]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Borrowed Hearts Publishing LLC
Published: 2024-09-13T00:00:00+00:00

Maddison

The inside of River’s car smells like his cologne. I wasn’t aware of how much I liked his cologne until now. I keep breathing it in, and it makes me feel lighter.

“So … I looked up a few taco places we can go to,” I tell River as he steers the car down the main road that weaves through the heart of the glittering city sparkling against the sky. Traffic is thick, so we’re at a stop-and-go point. River has the heat on, and music is softly playing from the stereo. I feel calm around him, and it’s strange. I rarely feel calm around anyone.

“I have a place picked out.” He has one hand resting on the steering wheel and the other on the shifter. “I searched around and found one at a park not too far away from the lake. It has high ratings.” He flicks me a glance. “If that’s okay with you.”

I sink my teeth into my bottom lip as I nod. Is it weird that I think it’s sweet he did this all beforehand? I’m so used to taking care of myself that it’s nice not having to worry about stuff. For a while, anyway.

River is taking me out tonight because he wants to talk about stuff. What those things are, I don’t have a clue. It makes me mildly nervous, but it’s in my nature to assume the worst.

“You planned out tonight?” I question as I rotate in the seat to face him.

He drums his fingers on top of the steering wheel. “Yeah, I told you I was taking you out, so why wouldn’t I?”

I prop my elbow on the back of the seat and rest my cheek against my hand. “I don’t know … I guess if I were going out with anyone from my old life, we’d have probably ended up wandering around until we got bored and went to a party. It’s sweet you picked out a place.”

He throws me a look. “You’re the only person who’s ever called me sweet.”

I teasingly smile. “Have you ever been sweet to another person?”

“I’m nice to Lily,” he says with a shrug. “And sometimes Finn, when he’s not getting on my nerves. I used to be nice to Noah, but …” He trails off.

I consider my next words carefully. “Have you ever thought about forgiving him?”

His brows crease, and the muscles in his jaw pulsate. “His mother cheating with my father destroyed my mother. She had to check into rehab for a few months afterward, and she’s still not the same.”

“I’m sorry. I know how hard it is to watch your parents break apart.” I give a short pause. “But even if Noah told you about the affair, it wouldn’t have changed anything. Plus, he kind of was in a tough spot, too. I mean, it’s his mom, so he probably felt like he was betraying her if he told you guys.” When River stares at me perplexedly, I add, “Look, I’m not trying to tell you what to do—your feelings are your feelings.

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