Page 51 of Wicked Games (Fallen Royals 2)

I’m lucky Margo doesn’t know how I treat my mother—and hers.

Jake leans over and brushes the flour from her cheeks.

She smiles, touching the back of his hand for a brief moment.

I shift in my seat. Affection is something that’s been a little sparse in my life… except Margo. I don’t think I’ve ever had anyone care as much as she does, even if she tries not to. Even if she pretends otherwise. Even if she’s fucking pissed at me.

That’s one thing I’ll continue to be jealous about: Liam has a mom who gives a shit.

“The soup is delicious,” I tell her.

“Thank you, dear. Old family recipe.”

She asks Liam and Jake about school and sports, then turns her attention on me. I answer her questions the best I can—how I’m getting on and dealing with school and whatever. And then dinner’s over, and I go retrieve my phone from Liam’s room.

“Sorry about the interrogation.” Liam picks up a lacrosse ball. He tosses it from one hand to the other.

“It’s nice that someone cares,” I mumble. “I gotta go.”

My phone has three missed calls—one from my mother and two from Uncle David.

Once I’m in the car, I call him back.

“My house. Now.”

I sigh. “I was invited to dinner by my friend’s mom. I’d already accepted by the time Mother called to ask—”

“It’s perfectly acceptable to tell them that your presence has been requested—”

“Request makes it sound like a choice,” I interrupt. I don’t have time for this. I’ll pay for it later, but right now, I don’t really give a shit.

“Let me remind you who your legal guardian is until you’re eighteen,” he growls. “Do not make me—”

I hang up on him, turning onto Margo’s street. There are cars in front of her house. Riley’s is easy to recognize… but Savannah’s is a bit more surprising.

I park down the street and slip across the front lawn, quickly scaling the side of her house. The light is off in her bedroom, the window unlocked. Almost like she’s expecting me.

I’m pulling my leg through just as the front porch light flickers on, and girls’ voices drift toward me. Talk about good timing.

“See you tomorrow,” Riley calls.

“Bye,” Margo answers.

Savannah doesn’t say anything, but she waves and walks to her car.

Interesting.

I sit on her bed and pick up the sleep shirt she left on her pillow. She might hate me, but I can’t stay away.

I’ve tried—but life is so much more exciting with Margo around.

12

Margo

Sav suggested rumors. Evil, irrefutable claims that will turn the school against anyone.

Riley wants justice through more proper channels. Rising above and all that shit.

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