Page 90 of Wicked Games (Fallen Royals 2)

I shrink away from both of them, rubbing my arms. “So? It won’t be your problem.”

Lenora clucks her tongue and goes to one of the plush chairs in front of Robert’s desk. “Let’s start at the beginning. Sit down, honey. Both of you.”

We do. Robert perches on the edge of his chair, and I sink into the one next to Lenora. I guess it’s about time we discuss my plans for the future.

“All I said was, once I’m out of the system, I’ll apply for community housing and get a job.” I pull my leg up to my chest, wrapping my arms around it. It’s safer that way. “I don’t have the money to put myself through college. They require the tax forms filled out ahead of time, so I guess I could take a few classes the following year…”

“Unacceptable,” Robert says. “You are bright. You have a future ahead of you that I refuse to see you throw away.”

I shake my head. “I get it. You wanted the best for Josie. But me? Once I leave, I have nothing. I’ll be starting over—again.”

Lenora puts her hand on top of mine. “You don’t have to leave.”

The whole world screeches to a halt.

“What?”

She smiles at me, but it’s tentative. “We want you to stay.”

“Even when you age out,” Robert adds. “And…”

“If you want to go to college, we’re going to support you.” Lenora reaches out and wipes a tear from my cheek.

I didn’t even realize I was crying, but everything is blurry. My chest is tight.

There’s a very specific decimation of a foster child’s hopes. The kid I was knew my parents would’ve taken me to visit colleges, helped me fill out the form, co-signed on a loan. They would’ve urged me to get a job to help fund it, maybe given me rides or taught me how to drive.

And then Mom abandoned ship and Dad was taken away.

The first foster home I was put in was horrific. Eight kids, severe rules, no freedom. No friendships. School and home. No dinner if we were bad. The older kids made lunches for the younger ones, tucked us into bed.

I don’t remember their names.

Another home, and then another. Some were abrupt, some were only meant for short periods of time. Angela was my saving grace, or the devil that I didn’t want to see coming. She represented change.

Caleb almost destroyed my relationship with the Jenkinses. And only a few weeks later, they’re asking me to stay… permanently.

“I don’t…” I don’t know what to say. How to react.

My heart pounds. And, surprisingly, there’s a large amount of fear in me, too.

Because this could end. They could change their minds and send me away.

“We would never want to come between you and your father, Margo,” Lenora says, “but we would adopt you if we could.”

I shake my head. “It’s only been a few months. How do you know? Why…” Why do you even want me?

“You’re smart and kind,” Robert says. “And you fit in with us. You’ve had a hard life. We want to be your home, kiddo.”

I shake my head. “What do you mean, come between me and my father? We don’t have a relationship.”

Lenora and Robert exchange a glance. She raises her eyebrows at him, and he frowns.

“You could if you wanted to.” Lenora holds up her hands. “We’re not pushing this on you, Margo. But if you wanted to see him, we’re supportive of it. You haven’t seen him since the trial?”

I close my eyes. “I wasn’t allowed to go to the trial. The last time I saw him was at the park when he was arrested.”

Do I want to see him again?

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