Page 82 of Depraved Boys

“Hold on just a minute,” said Sebastian.

I wrapped my arms around my belly and gulped mouthfuls of air.

After what felt like an eternity later, Sebastian stopped the car. I unbuckled my seatbelt, rushed to the roadside, and expelled the contents of my stomach in successive heaves that wouldn’t seem to stop.

“How much did she have to drink?” asked Sebastian.

“Two gins, amaretto coffee, a glass of vino santo, and two amaretto and cokes.”

“That’s about seven units of alcohol.” Sebastian rubbed my back. “Do you usually get sick when you mix your drinks?”

“I’ve never mixed—” Another powerful spasm seized my stomach.

Sebastian chuckled. “At least you won’t be hungover tomorrow morning.”

I would have groaned, but my stomach heaved one more time. So much for my three goodnight kisses. I had been looking forward to finally getting close to Prakash.

I probably reeked of stale vomit by the time the jeep reached the academy, but the kings were kind enough not to mention it. At least I was now completely sober with zero traces of nausea.

All I needed was a glass of water for my dry throat, and I’d have a deep, satisfying sleep, knowing that I had saved the house from being sold to strangers.

Leopold waited at the academy’s double doors. “What took you so long?” He handed the Audi’s car key back to Prakash. “I had to ask Mr. Blunt to wait a few more minutes before he locked the doors.”

“Stomach malfunction,” I muttered.

Leopold patted me on the back. “Poor Wills. I’ll have to chaperone your next date with Kash.”

Prakash rolled his eyes. “We haven’t even had a first date yet. I’m having Willow next Saturday evening, and there’ll be no interlopers.”

Sebastian grinned. “The hideout is free.”

Prakash shook his head. “I won’t take her anywhere you can gatecrash.”

I placed my hand over my mouth to cover a smile. This was the first real sign that he was romantically interested and didn’t just pity me for being similar to Corrine. He placed an arm around my middle, and we all strolled past a grumbling caretaker.

“Thanks,” said Leopold as we headed toward the west wing. “I owe you one.”

Warmth glowed through my insides, and I walked in step with the kings. I couldn’t wait for the weekend. Now that I had given up on Ashley, I wouldn’t put myself under pressure to achieve ultra-high grades to keep her in the academy. That meant I could give up the swimming team and let my grades slip to a comfortable ninety to ninety-five percent.

We reached the top of the stairs, and Leopold opened the door. “This way, Your Majesty.”

I giggled back. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

They walked me to my room, and I leaned back on the door. The goodnight kisses were now out of the question, but three hugs would tide me over until tomorrow.

Sebastian wrapped his arms around me and pressed a kiss on my forehead. “Sweet dreams.”

I inhaled his masculine, sandalwood scent and melted into his touch. “Thanks for coming to get us tonight.”

“I wouldn’t leave my girlfriend and my best friend stranded.” He stepped back.

“And neither would I.” Leopold elbowed his way forward and placed both hands on my waist. “Since Kash has marked your Saturday night dance card, may I have you on Sunday? I promise to bring you back on Monday in time for lectures.”

I glanced at Sebastian. When would I get a chance to see him?

Leopold rolled his eyes. “Yes, he’ll be coming, too. We’ll go somewhere elegant, this time.”

I threw my arms around Leopold’s neck and kissed his cheek. “Sunday sounds wonderful.”