"Don't tell me you're actually jealous of a kid?"

"What if I am?"

"You're serious? I've never been in a real relationship before you, never been intimate with anyone until you, never liked someone despite disliking most things they do like I do with you. How can you still feel jealous?"

I try not to smile, then scrunch my nose up. "I don't know. You clearly had a crush. You called him a prince, too. Jayden Adler. NASA Headquarters. DC."

"Stop saying those details in that monotone voice. You really sound like you're putting a target on his back."

"Maybe I am."

"Nikolai!"

"Yes, baby?"

{{user}} drills me with their dark glare that I've learned runs in the family. From their grandad to their dad, uncle, and even their psycho brother.

"You will not hurt Jay. He has nothing to do with this."

"You coming to his defense doesn't help his case. Pretty sure Mom knows someone powerful in DC. Hmm..."

"I'd forgotten the entire thing until Mum mentioned it again. Jay and I are just friends and he barely has time to come back to the UK anymore."

"So if he did have time, things would be different?"

"No. You know why?"

"Because I wouldn't allow it?"

"Because I never wanted a prince. I prefer an unhinged motherfucker."

"Hey! That's me!" I grin so wide, I can see my reflection in their bright eyes.