Page 148 of Wicked Games

“No,” Margo murmurs.

“I’ll pass, too,” I say. To Margo, I whisper, “Plenty of time for that later.”

She snorts.

Matt flips the cooler lid closed, shaking his head. “Just as well. It’s probably not cold.”

He types on his phone, then stuffs it back in his pocket.

“So, you two know each other?” Margo points from Claire to Matt.

“You told me to keep an eye on her.” He raises his bottle, tipping it toward Claire. “So that’s what I did.”

Margo doesn’t say anything, but her attention bounces between her foster sister and my friend. Trying to figure out a deeper connection? I don’t know. I’d believe Matt over the foster girl.

My phone buzzes, and I reach for it eagerly. Honestly, this is the last place Margo and I should be—with her foster siblings and my friend who has probably watched a spy-cam video of Margo and I fucking. But I can’t see a way out of here without being rude… or leaving Margo’s foster siblings with Matt.

I’m not that big of a dick.

Liam is calling me.

“Yeah?” I answer.

“That was fucking wild,” Liam hoots. “Police are gone. Coach sorted them out, although they hauled away like a dozen kids. Not sure how Theo got out—ow, okay, I guess the deputy recognized his last name—ow, fucking hell, Theo, stop?—”

I snicker.

“Shut it, Asher,” he says. “Where’d you go? Eli texted, said he and Riley would double back for you if you needed it.”

I exhale, motioning for Margo to come closer. “We’ll be at the parking lot in ten. Doesn’t matter who gives us a ride as long as someone waits for us.”

“Over and out,” Liam answers.

I stuff my phone back in my pocket.

“Cops are gone,” I tell them. “We’re going to head down.”

“Yeah, we’ll join you,” Matt agrees. “Wouldn’t want anyone getting lost.”

Claire leads the way, and Hanna slips her hand into Margo’s. My heart warms just a bit at the sight of the younger girl clinging to Margo. Of all the injustices, Hanna and Margo being separated seems like one of the worst.

And then Matt is beside me, and I glare at him.

“I’m just being friendly.” He raises his hands in surrender. “Not my fault she’s so damn pretty.”

I chuckle. “Don’t even think about it.”

“Whoa, whoa.” Matt’s eyebrows hike up. We both turn on our flashlights. “Think about what?”

I sigh. “I’m gonna do this even though I might puke after. They’re Margo’s sisters. You can’t fuck with them.”

“Them?Buddy, my eye is just on Claire. And if she wants what I’m giving…”

“Don’t make me punch you.” I glance ahead, then pull him slower. “Any update on you-know-who?”

He groans. “No. It’s been maddeningly frustrating. No activity. I think they know their figurine was found and they’re lying low.”

“Keep an eye on it,” I tell him. And then I break away, jogging to catch up with Margo.

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