That got him suspended, but it didn’t stop him.

Now that I think about it, that was practically the only time Silver did a decent thing.

She even told me something once we were out of the principal’s office.

‘You need to pick your battles, Frozen.’ Then she rolled her eyes and buggered off before I could ask her what the hell she meant by that.

Bottom line is, Adam is bad. However, he’s backed off since Aiden stepped up for both of us.

Whoa.

Now that I think about it, Aiden stopped the bullying for Kim and me.

Adam is the captain of the rugby team and somewhat popular. He also has some aristocratic title behind him, but his power doesn’t compare to Aiden or any of the horsemen.

He’s been smart enough to not antagonise Aiden or get on his radar, but his glares chill me out of my skin.

“What are you looking at?” I jut my chin.

“Nothing,” he says with nonchalance, pushing off the wall. “Just waiting to see the clusterfuck you’ll be in.”

And then he’s heading inside the tower.

I want to follow and ask him what the hell he means by that. However, that could be exactly what he wants and I don’t give bullies what they want.

Well, except for Aiden. But that dickhead takes without asking for permission anyway.

Ugh. I really hate that he’s not speaking to me.

Maybe I should text him or —

No. Nope. I won’t cower away.

Kim texts me that she’s waiting for me by the car. I text back that I’m almost there.

When I round the corner, I find her blocking Silver’s way to her car. From the expression on my friend’s face, it seems like she’s taunting her.

I like Kim’s confident change. I really do. But I don’t want her to turn into the bullies who ruined our lives.

We’re bigger than them.

We’re bigger than Adam Herran and Silver Queens.

Hell. We’re even bigger than Aiden King and Xander Knight.

I hurry to them and grip Kim by the arm. “Let’s go. We won’t lower ourselves to their level.”

Silver has the scarf wrapped tightly around her face. She stares at me, but it’s neither of maliciousness or fear. It’s more like with calculation.

I narrow my eyes. Is she trying to challenge me again right now?

“You ruined everything, do you know that?” she asks me.

“What are you talking about?”

“This is a bigger game than you and I, Elsa.”

I pause for a second. That’s the first time she calls me by my actual name. Usually, it’s Frozen this and Frozen that.

Huh. Did it take a beating for her to finally respect me?

“I have one piece of advice for you.”

“We don’t need your advice,” Kim snaps at her.

Silver doesn’t pay her attention and continues in a calm tone. “If you still want King, then stay away from Cole.”

She sidesteps us, then stops. “And oh. You watched me fall. One day, I’ll return the favour and watch you fall, too.”

She storms to her car with fast steps.

“Bitch,” Kim hisses. “You should’ve let me tell her a piece of my mind.”

“We’re not Silver, Kim. We were bullied all our lives, we won’t be those type of people, okay?”

“Whatever.” She throws her hands in the air and stalks to her car.

Great.

Inside, I receive a text.

Knox: Are you free tonight?

I check my texts from Aiden just in case. He’d usually send me his plans. The last few days, his texts were along the line:

Aiden: Today, I’ll fuck you harder than usual because I’m pissed off about the limit.

Aiden: P.S I’m still pissed off.

Aiden: See you at the Meet Up. Don’t wear anything under that skirt or I’ll rip it off.

Aiden: Hmm. I can’t taste you from last night. I’m taking my refill tonight.

There are none of those texts today.

Screw him for ignoring me.

I pull back Knox’s text and type.

Elsa: Sure. What did you have in mind?

Knox: How about I pick you up and then we decide?

I bite my lower lip and scroll back to Aiden and type.

Elsa: Are you going to stop being a dickhead?

He sees it immediately. Isn’t he supposed to be in practice?

Aiden: Are you going to do as I asked?

Elsa: No. I told you that you don’t control my life. I’ve given you enough leverage already.

He sees it, but he doesn’t reply.

You know what? Damn him. I’m not going to play this game.

I pull Knox again and type.

Elsa: Sure!

After we agree on the time, I pocket my phone in my backpack with a smile.

Aiden can go suck it.

“You’re planning trouble, aren’t you?” Kim asks from beside me.

“Why would you say that?”

“You have this almost sadistic look in your eyes and a smirk when you do.”

“Really?”

“Uh-huh.” She laughs. “I’m teensy bit starting to regret asking you to live an adventure.”

“Did I always have this expression?” I frown.

How come I never knew about it?

“Sometimes.” She glances at me. “Are you okay?”

It’s the usual question she, Aunt, and Uncle ask.

As usual, I smile. “Why wouldn’t I be?”

“Just checking.” She grins. “You want to join me and Kir for mac and cheese?”

“I’d love to, but I’m going out with Knox.”

“You’re kidding, right?”

“No, why would I?”

“Eh, I don’t know, Ellie. Because of King? He’ll flip his shit if he hears you’re going out with Knox.”

“Knox is a friend who saved my life. Aiden should get used to it.”

She taps her fingers on the steering wheel. “You’re right. I know that, but King has no filter whatsoever. He treats you like I’ve never seen him treat anyone else.”

“And how is that?”

“Like he wants to shield you from the world. I don’t think you even notice it, but sometimes, he looks at you like he can’t breathe without you. And believe me, that’s not the King everyone knows.”

I tighten my hold on the backpack. “What are you saying, Kim?”

“All I’m saying is; if he feels this intensely towards you, he’ll react tenfold worse if you threaten him.”

“You’re my friend. You’re supposed to be on my side.”

“I am, Ellie.” She sighs. “That’s why I’m telling you not to stir King’s ugly side.”

Aunt and Uncle come home early. It’s so rare that I can’t help hugging them more than needed.

Then I find out they’re only coming to check on me before going back to work.

I contemplate cancelling with Knox just so I can get some alone time with them and maybe have dinner together.

“No, hon.” Aunt ruffles my hair. “Go and have fun. Don’t let us keep you here.”

“I’m sure Knox will understand,” I argue.

“Go on. Don’t keep him waiting. He seems like a nice boy.”