Page 34 of Wicked Dreams (Fallen Royals 1)

“Should I add that to my painting?” I ask dryly.

He shrugs again.

I turn back to my canvas. It’s… blank. He’s been fiddling with his paintbrush for the last ten minutes. His paints are still packed away. I assume his canvas is just a long stretch of white, too. It’s a little daunting. The first stroke.

Robert—er, Mr. Jenkins—is circling around the room, and he stops behind me.

“Interesting,” he says. “Is that how you see Caleb?”

I glance up at him. “Can I just paint the whole thing black?”

Caleb chuckles. “Well, that’s a new one.”

“You wanted a window into his soul,” I tell Robert. “And his soul is—”

“Okay,” he says, holding up his hand. “I’m sure there’s more to Mr. Asher than what meets the eye. You’re our only pair that hasn’t even started. Why is that?”

“I have her figured out,” Caleb says. “It’s just a matter of finding the right way to portray it.”

I hum. “Pretty sure he’s blowing smoke out of his—”

“All right,” Robert interrupts. “New plan.” He claps, drawing all eyes to him. “This assignment is now homework.”

Cue: many groans. Including mine.

“We’re going to work on technique and smaller projects in here, and I expect everyone to have a masterpiece using what they’ve learned over the semester.”

I meet Caleb’s eyes, but he doesn’t seem mad about it. In fact, he’s smiling.

Ugh.

He raises his hand once Robert is done. “I have a very rigid after-school schedule,” he says. “Especially with the games…”

“Well, lucky for us,” Robert answers, “this project is due before winter break. As you know, our art classes aren’t for the full year. You’ll be filling the gap in your schedule in the spring with a different art class… or study hall.”

“Is that new?” one student demands. She pushes her glasses up on her face and frowns.

“Yes, new policy went into effect over the summer.” He shrugs. “I go with what the school board tells me. Now, there’s no use debating it with me, Ms. Addams. Let’s get back to the actual class, yes? Put those canvases aside, we’re going to work on something new…”

We all shuffle our easels around so we’re not facing our partner. Once Caleb’s eyes are off of me—albeit momentarily—I let loose a breath of relief. Staring at him for forty-five minutes is exhausting.

He leans into me. “You’re coming to the game.”

I jerk. “No,” I lie. “Why?”

“Riley’s going.” He smirks. “Eli confirmed that while you and I were…” His eyes heat, and his gaze drops to my breasts.

I clear my throat.

“I’ll drive you.”

I shake my head. “I’m going with Riley, as you just deduced—”

“Riley’s going with Eli.”

“You’re bossy.” My palms are sweating.

“You’re a pain in the ass.” He shrugs. “It works.”

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