Page 8 of Wicked Games

A dream—maybe more real than not?

There are gaps in my memory. I think they’re bigger than I realized.

“Who is Unknown?”

I roll over with a gasp.

Ian sits on the edge of my bed, facing away from me. He has my notebook open on his lap. He’s reading from my list of questions.

“Well, I think the point of the name Unknown signifies your lack of knowing who they are. Unless they call themselves Unknown? Hmm.” Pen scratches the paper as he writes something. “‘Why is Caleb set on ruining my life?’”

“Why are you in my room?”

He glances back at me. “Technically it isn’tyourroom.”

“You’re prying.” I get off the bed and circle around it, stopping in front of him. “Give it back.”

“I’m most curious about this question. Why is Caleb set on ruining your life?” He taps his pen on his lip. “Dare I answer?”

“Knock yourself out.”

“You ruined his life first,” he reasons. “At least, that’s the way my parents explained it.”

I stare at him. “What?”

“What part of that was confusing?”

“The part where your parents were talking about it.”

He chuckles, setting the notebook down next to him. “Ah. Caleb’s aunt and mine are second cousins.”

“Holy shit. You’re related? I didn’t?—”

“Distantly,” he says in a tone that ends all of my other questions.

He stands, and I take a quick step backward.

That door really needs a lock.

“You think he won’t come here searching for you?” Ian walks to the door.

Does he realize that by standing in the doorway, he cages me in? Boys like him have all the power. I shouldn’t be taken aback by that.

He’s still watching me, and I realize he asked me a question.

“He might,” I admit. “He’ll probably look high and low for me. Especially since I shut my phone off.”

Ian scoffs. “Well, I guess that’ll put you in a predicament tonight.”

“What’s tonight?”

“Party.”

Of course. It’s Saturday.

“We just had the ball last night,” I protest. “And you’re hosting a party? Here?”

He shrugs. “Yep. It’s an after-party of sorts.”

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