Page 42 of Wicked Scandal

I scrape the excess food from my plate into the garbage then set it in the sink. “Do I look like I’m in a good mood?” I look at her glumly.

“Well, not now. But that’s because your brother is being a jerk. But before he got here, and every other minute of the day, you’re always smiling. I know it’s not Sam, so tell me who’s really got you so giddy all of a sudden.”

I laugh, that girl has been spreading rumors that we are practically getting married. “Definitely not Sam.”

“You do realize she’s been telling everyone you’re going to prom together and just meeting there, right?”

“I heard. She can think what she wants. She knows what I told her. I don’t want a date for prom.” I don’t buy into girls’ drama. Sam can pretend in her head. I won’t be dancing with her or even sitting by her. It was her choice to lie and it will be her choice to face the consequences of that lie.

I step aside so Elodie can clear her plate. Once she gets all the food off, she sets it in the sink and turns on the water. “You say you don’t want a date, but is there anyone you would absolutely go with if they asked?” She raises her brows, a smile playing on her lips as she awaits my response.

I play it cool because I know where she’s going with this. “Nope. Not a single soul.”

“Hmm.” She taps her chin. “No one at all?”

“I know what you’re doing, El.” I try not to get angry with her. I love the girl as if she were my blood sister, but I will fight for what I want. And I want—no, need—Elodie to keep her lips sealed.

“Oh yeah? What’s that?” She looks so damn smug.

I take a deep breath and shut the water off for her before leaning into the counter. “There’s nothing going on, if that’s what you’re thinking.”

“For your sake, I truly hope there isn’t. A lot of people would get hurt if there was.” Her eyes narrow at me as if she were my mother.

“Look who’s talking,” I say, stating the obvious. “Did you consider that when you started sleeping with my brother, your stepbrother?”

“No one got hurt in that process.” She points a finger at me. “Besides, the heart wants what the heart wants.”

“But that doesn’t fly in my case?”

“It’s different.” She leans in, dropping her voice to a whisper. “She’s married. To the mayor, I might add.” Her eyebrows shoot to her forehead. “Your dad’s opponent in the election.”

“You’re telling me everything I already know, El. But…I think she’s in trouble.”

Fuck. Why did I say that? In the process of trying to defend myself, I shared something I shouldn’t have shared. I don’t owe Elodie excuses or reasoning for what I do. I should have kept my damn mouth shut.

Her eyes widen. “What kind of trouble?”

"Nothing.” My hand sweeps through the air. “Forget about it.” I walk toward the doorway to the dining room, but Elodie grabs the back of my arm.

“Wilder. You can’t just say something like that then walk away. You can trust me.”

“I know I can,” I say to her truthfully. Elodie and I have gotten pretty close and I’ve helped her through some shit so I know she just wants to help me, too. The thing is, I don’t need help. It’s Cat who needs my help.

“So tell me. Maybe there’s something I can do. You don’t always have to be the hero alone.”

Just as I open my mouth to speak, Rome comes into view. He shoots us a look of confusion. “Everything all right?”

“Does he know?” I say quietly to Elodie.

Her head tilts slightly to the left, a look of sorrow on her face. “I tell him everything.”

I figured. But it’s fine. I know I can trust Rome, too.

“Do I know what?” Rome asks, and his question has me dropping my head back with a sigh.

“I can’t do this right now, you guys. I’ve gotta shower then I have somewhere to be. We’ll talk later.”

“I’m holding you to it,” Elodie says with a stern eye when I glance back. “If something is going on, we want to help.”

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