Total pages in book: 54
Estimated words: 51193 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 256(@200wpm)___ 205(@250wpm)___ 171(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 51193 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 256(@200wpm)___ 205(@250wpm)___ 171(@300wpm)
The Queen is another coder with legit skills. But I’m better. I just have to act like it.
Two days later, we’re hanging out in the living room of our house when our cell phones ding with a notification from the Dethroned app. A look of horror crosses each of our faces. Who will The Queen dethrone next? A chill rolls down my spine as I open the app to read her latest post.
Dethroned
November Edition
* * *
Mirror, mirror, on the wall who’s the douchiest of them all? I was planning to give this week’s D-Bag Award to Preston Parker, Mr. MVP and captain of the men’s ice hockey team, for his scandalous affair with his coach’s daughter.
* * *
But the Kane twins have stolen the throne. Their latest shenanigans make you wonder…. can two princes share one crown? Or in this case, one girl?
* * *
XO,
The Queen
I breathe a sigh of relief that I have escaped her wrath. Not like I ever do anything particularly memorable to land on her blog. Still, I have to keep my nose clean and out of her line of sight. My dad’s company and reputation are on the line. So is mine.
“Fucking bitch,” Preston yells, throwing his phone across the living room. It hits a pillow on the couch next to me. “If Coach Bryant finds out about Bex and me before I get the chance to tell him, he will flip out.”
“Then, man up and tell him,” Drake says.
Preston tugs at the ends of his hair. “I will. Eventually.”
Two weeks ago, Trent and Tucker accidentally hooked up with the same girl. She’s Shannon’s Little Sister in her sorority. Trent stares at his phone, re-reading the blog post over again while shaking his head at the screen. I feel bad for him. Tucker loves the attention and probably couldn’t care less that he’s been the star of the last two monthly editions of Dethroned.
“You’re missing the point,” Preston growls at Drake. “The fucking Queen will ruin our lives if we don’t stop her.”
“I still can’t track her IP address.” I kick my feet up on the coffee table separating us. “She’s good, whoever she is.”
My friends don’t understand the technical aspect, so there’s no point in filling them in on the details. The Queen is becoming a real thorn in my side. I can’t sleep most nights knowing a girl is getting the best of me.
“Ask your dad,” Preston snaps.
I shake my head, insulted by his request. “No way. I’m not getting him involved. I can do it. Just give me some time.”
I’m not telling my dad about The Queen. I also don’t want him to know how hard of a time I’m having breaking through her firewalls. It will disappoint him. I learned everything I know from him, and she’s testing me. Every time I hit a wall, she’s there to laugh in my face. And some part of me respects her for the challenge.
“That’s what you said last month,” Preston says. “Just make the call. If you don’t, then I will.”
I glare at Preston, and he crosses his arms over his chest. The vibe in the room is miserable. We’re all sporting scowls and mad at each other for no reason. The Queen started this, and because of her, our team is feeling the pain.
“All of you, knock it off,” Trent booms, standing up from the couch. He slides his cell phone back into his pocket and sighs. “There’s no point fighting with each other over something we can’t control. I got enough shit to deal with.”
His blue eyes full of hatred, he walks out of the living room. Preston is next to leave. Irritated, I follow behind him, desperate for some air. I hate when Preston challenges me in front of everyone. He keeps pushing me to call my dad for help, as if I’m not good enough to track down The Queen.
I will find her.
And when I do, I will make her pay for everything she has put us through.
Chapter Eleven
Shannon
I do a double take when a Tesla pulls up out front of the bakery. Expensive cars are rare in this neighborhood. Mrs. Rizzo stops in front of the bay window, staring at the man who’s getting out of the electric car. And when he does, my jaw drops.
Jamie steps inside the bakery, taking my breath away.
“What’re you doing here?” I ask, somewhat confused.
He smirks, pressing his palms to the long countertop separating us. “And here I thought you’d be happy to see me.”
“I am.” My cheeks flush, my skin warming from his proximity. Jamie has this effect on me every time. “I’m just surprised. I wasn’t expecting to see you until tomorrow.”
“I couldn’t wait.” He stretches his hand across the counter to cover mine, a fire blazing behind his blue eyes. “I’m too impatient with you. Actually, I was hoping you haven’t eaten yet because… I made reservations for dinner.”