Page 67 of Wicked Dreams (Fallen Royals 1)

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

I tilt my head.

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

I flinch.

She continues, “He didn’t fight for you. Remember that when he’s inside you.”

We both turn toward a commotion at the end of the hall, and she misses my quick step away. It’s not safe standing next to a viper—never has been, never will be. Anger and self-loathing mix in my stomach. I either believe her or I trust my gut.

But 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’s not mine.

He didn’t fight for you. Remember that.

I watch Amelie as he gets closer. She doesn’t look 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 lockers, her head tipped back.

Then it’s too late. We’re out the side door, heading too fast toward the cars. 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 another teacher comes out, the principal behind her.

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

The principal has a blank expression. I get the urge to leap out of the car, but it’s too late: he climbs in and locks us in, and in a matter of seconds we’re flying out of the parking lot.

We stay silent. His anger takes up most of the oxygen, but the longer it remains, the madder I get.

He finally turns off the road at an overlook, and I leap out. He follows me, watching like a lion waiting to fucking pounce. I have electricity in my veins, energy that has to come out.

“Not cool.” I rub my arms.

“Not cool?” He scowls at me. “What the fuck, Margo?”

I stare at him. “What the fuck? Like I’m supposed to just sit on the sidelines and watch you date my ex-friend? I have a life.”

“Not with fucking Theo, you don’t.” He stops short, pacing in front of me. “I can’t do this. I can’t—”

“Oh, fuck you, Caleb.” Can’t do it. He’s getting on my ever-loving last nerve. I kick at the ground, gravel scattering ahead of me. “Can’t do what?”

He stalks toward me. “How did you crawl under my skin so easily?”

I back away, but he keeps coming.

“I’ll kill whoever touches you. I don’t give a flying fuck if they’re a friend, because all that matters is me. My touch. My words.”

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