Page 29 of Wicked Dreams (Fallen Royals 1)

The next week of school, Caleb Asher ignores me. Not a glance. Not a whisper. No insults, no name-calling—nothing.

It rattles me more than I admit. I have to wonder if he somehow read my mind: maybe he’s the one who just started a war, before I ever had a chance to act out a plan.

After a few days, Riley and I start to enjoy our newfound peace. We even creep into the lunchroom and claim a table in the corner, spying on the rest of the school. It’s like we’re camouflaged.

“You used to be friends with that?” Riley asks, pointing with her spoon toward Savannah.

She sits with her cheerleader friends at a table in the center of the room, taking up as much space and noise as possible. Today’s a game day, which means the football players are wearing their jerseys and the cheerleaders are in their uniforms. They stand out against the monotonous sea of white shirts.

“Um, yeah, when I was like nine.”

She snorts. “You had poor taste as a nine-year-old.”

“Yeah, I was friends with Caleb, too.”

“Like, friends-friends? Or, you went to the same school and kind of knew each other—”

“Definitely friends-friends,” I say. “Let’s not talk about that.”

She perks up. “Have you come up with a plan?”

“Oh, my diabolical mind-fuck of Caleb Asher? Yes, yes I have.” I make her wait a minute before I say, “I need to find a boyfriend.”

Silence.

Shock.

“What? Who?”

I shrug. “I’m not too picky. I just need someone to hold my hand and maybe kiss me… Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Who’s kissing you, Sheep?”

I guess that explains the weird expression on Riley’s face.

I grit my teeth as Caleb lowers himself down next to me. He drapes his arm over my shoulders and winks at Riley.

“Earth to Margo.” He taps my temple. “Anyone home?”

I grimace and try to slide away from him. I should know by now that it’s useless.

“Almost full week of ignoring me.” I look at Riley. “We almost made it.”

“Aw, you noticed. I’m flattered. Have you met Savannah?”

“You’re not serious.”

“Nah, I’m dead serious. Let’s go. Excuse us, Appleton.”

He lifts me out of my seat and guides me over to the table where Savannah reigns over the other cheerleaders.

“Savannah, sweetie,” Caleb says, drawing… all of the eyes. Every last one. “You were out last week, you must’ve missed the news: our old friend Margo has returned.”

I stare down at my shoes. That’s really the only available option when her icy gaze lands on his hand that’s currently glued to my shoulder.

“Savannah,” Caleb prompts. He grins.

“Welcome back,” Savannah answers in a voice that—well, it’s downright frozen. And insincere.

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