Page 152 of Wicked Dreams

I move back into my own seat, clicking my seat belt into place. My desire for answers chews at me, but he’s right. We can’t do this now. Not after that.

He starts the car. I close my eyes. Whether I actually fall asleep or just doze, I couldn’t say. But what feels like minutes later, he’s lifting me out of the car.

I keep my head tucked under his chin. Everything hurts, but what stings the most is my pride. I let myself be swept away by him,enamoredby him, and I forgot the most important part.

He carries his own share of fault in our families’ destruction.

“Is she okay?” Robert asks.

“She just fell asleep in the car,” Caleb’s voice is soft. “I didn’t want to wake her. I’ll just put her in bed…”

I snake my arms around his neck as he’s laying me down. He chuckles in my ear, his hands sliding along my forearms.

“I hate you,” I mumble, “but I still want you to stay.”

He exhales. “Your foster parents wouldn’t be happy with me.”

I adjust my grip, plastering him to me. It isn’t really fair for him—I have the leverage.

He lies next to me, petting my hair. “Okay, Margo. For just a minute.”

I sigh and inch closer. I still feel broken.

It’s unexpected. It’s sharp. If I move the wrong way, my heart may start bleeding. Best to stay completely still and hope that I heal overnight, and then I can wish away all the bad pieces of Caleb—and me.

I fall asleep with his hand in my hair and my nose against his throat.

Chapter 34

Margo

Amelie and Savannah have pulled a disappearing act.

It’s not surprising, Riley informs me. They like to take trips, and the school is resigned to accept their halfhearted attendance. After all, their parents make considerable donations each year. Moreso Amelie’s family, but still.

Rumors fly that they’ve jetted off to Paris to find the best dresses and masks for the Fall Ball. Always a step above us little people, I suppose.

“Do they have dates?” I ask Riley.

May as well ask, since both would’ve been vying for Caleb if I wasn’t here.

She makes a face. “Last I heard, Amelie and Ian were going together. Not sure about Savannah.”

Ian Fletcher has been keeping his distance, but his stare burns like a hot coal against my skin. Why he’s taken such an interest is anyone’s guess.

“We need to pick out dresses,” Riley continues. “I was thinking we should have a shopping day this weekend.”

We’re in the library, which has remained our safe haven. So far, Caleb and Eli haven’t come searching for us. A few times Caleb has shot me questioning glances as I slipped into the class right after lunch. But he never asked, and I never mentioned it.

It’s been three days since Caleb and I went to New York City. He kept his distance on Sunday—letting me sort my emotions, I guess—and on Monday we were back to normal. As normal as we can be anyway. And unsurprisingly, people have stopped making so many remarks. The picture drew attention at first, but they’ve all but forgotten it now.

“Lenora mentioned dress shopping this weekend, too,” I tell her. “Want to come?”

Riley grins. “Absolutely.”

The door to the library creaks open. We can’t see it from where we sit in the back, so both of us automatically slink down. Students aren’t supposed to be in here—let alone with food. It’s only because of Riley’s familial relationship with Amy that this is even possible.

A few times, we’ve had to hide in the stacks because the principal came in to speak with Amy.

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