Page 94 of Wicked Dreams

Amelie?

Her full, painted lips are pressed into a flat line, and she doesn’t relent until we’re well away from the idiots fighting.

“What was that for?” I yank my arm out of her manicured hands.

“What are you doing?” She glares daggers at me.

“Me? I’m just standing with Theo andyourboyfriendgoes nuts.”This is what you wanted, I remind myself. “Maybe you should’ve dragged him out here to askhimwhy he’s so bothered?—”

“Oh, drop the act, Margo.” She looks away. “We all know that he only sees you.”

Her mean-girl bravado is not all it’s cracked up to be.

“I don’t want him to only see me.”

I’m lying. I’msolying.

It’s why I agreed to walk in on Theo’s arm in the first place, right? To urge Caleb toward breaking up with her. If I’m throwing a wrench in their friend group, it isn’t without help.

Amelie shakes her head. “It’s sad, you know?”

I tilt my head.

“That he would pickyouover… Well, over everyone. You’re not worth it, Margo.”

Ouch.

She continues. “He didn’t fight for you. Remember that when he’s promising you the world. Shit gets real, and he gets lost.”

We both turn toward a commotion at the end of the closest row, and I step away from her. It’s not safe standing next to a viper—never has been, never will be.

But I either believe her or I trust my gut.

What happens if they’re telling me the same thing?

Caleb strides toward me, ignoring the teacher who’s following him. I expect him to go for Amelie. After all, they’re dating. Maybe he’ll shove her up against the lockers and kiss her right in front of me, just to drive the knife in deeper.

He touched me. He’s done wicked things to my body. To my mind.

And yet.

He didn’t fight for you. Remember that.

I watch Amelie as he gets closer. She doesn’t seem afraid… just resigned.

And then he puts his arm around my waist and pulls me along with him. I squeak, suddenly moving, but he just snarls under his breath.

I cast a glance behind me. Amelie leans on the hood of a car, her head tipped back.

Then it’s too late. He unlocks his and yanks the door open, shoving me inside. I start to scramble out—this is kidnapping—but he blocks my way and leans in.

Ooh, he’s furious.

“Stay.”

I roll my eyes but fold myself back in the car. He slams the door and circles it as Riley rushes up to his vehicle.

“She’s not feeling well,” he tells her. “I’m taking her home.”

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