Page 89 of Wicked Games (Fallen Royals 2)

I roll my eyes, turning away from Riley. If I push Caleb to his breaking point, I’ll know where we stand. “Maybe I like dangerous ground.”

It strikes me that I did something similar when we were kids. Showing up at his house in a white dress, asking him to marry me… The motive was the same. I push until he gives me a definite answer.

He’s silent. Thinking, perhaps.

“Enjoy your girl time.”

The line goes dead, and I blink down at it. He just hung up on me without an argument.

My pushing didn’t work.

“Did that backfire?” Riley laughs at my expression. “You shove him away and he’ll just hold you tighter.”

“He said to enjoy girl time.” I hand her phone back, shaking my head. “I never know what to do with him.”

“Enjoy the ride,” she says, nudging me. “Oh! Margo! This is actually perfect. I have an idea.”

“What?”

She grabs my hand and tows me downstairs, into Robert’s study.

He looks up at us and smiles. “You seem a bit on the mischievous side, Riley. What’s up?”

“My parents are taking me to the open house for NYU next weekend,” she says.

My heart seems to drop into my feet.

“So I was thinking that Margo should come with us. You know, get to tour a college.” She glances back at me, ignoring the panic I’m sure is on my face. “She hasn’t really spoken much about it, and deadlines are coming up.”

“Riley.” I slip my hand from hers. “I’m not going to college.”

Robert and Riley both pause.

This has been a reality since I was ten years old. Before then? I had a plan. A loose one, of course, but a plan nonetheless. Kid-Margo was a planner, but that side of me got destroyed by the foster system. Now, the best plan is no plan.

“What are you going to do after you graduate?” Robert leans forward on his desk and watches me closely.

I shrug, shifting. “Well, you’re only obligated to keep me until I’m eighteen. And then I’ll apply for community housing closer to the city and find a job. Maybe I’ll be a waitress. They make good tips.”

“No.”

I blink at my foster dad. “Huh?”

“No, I’m sorry.” He stands and brushes past me. In the hallway, he yells, “Len! Come here, please.” And then he’s back, and he glances at Riley.

“Right, er, okay. I’ll see you later, Margo.” She pats my shoulder and scurries out.

Robert and I stare at each other. I made him mad. I’m not quite sure how—maybe insinuating that I’d last a whole year here?

More like nine months.

“What’s wrong?” Lenora asks me. She reaches out and touches my cheek. “You’re flushed. Are you okay?”

“She doesn’t want to go to college,” Robert bites out.

This is the first time I’ve seen him upset like this.

It scares me.

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