Page 128 of Wicked Games (Fallen Royals 2)

“Margo isn’t sure she wants to go to NYU,” Caleb tells him. “I was trying to convince her to apply.”

Robert’s eyes widen. “Margo,” he chides. “You should at least apply. Give yourself some options.” He’s quiet for a moment. “I’m sorry, we should’ve discussed this more after the open house. Most deadlines are January first, which gives us a few weeks to tour more schools, if you wanted.”

I fake a smile. There’s no way I can afford that. Even if I get scholarships, or the Jenkinses offer to help out, I’m basically screwed. I’ll be in debt forever. And nowadays, a degree isn’t even a guarantee of a job.

“We’ll talk tomorrow.” Robert glances at his watch. “You’re going straight to Lion’s Head?”

I nod. “My overnight bag is in Riley’s car.”

He winks. “Good. And keep it on the down low on social media, huh? If Angela found out about your sleepovers, we’d all be in trouble.”

Caleb glances between us. “She doesn’t know?”

“Well, it isn’t exactly allowed,” I murmur. “Even if it’s at my best friend’s house. If it’s not a pre-approved home, then…”

Caleb grins. Robert and Len think I sleep at Riley’s—but I haven’t so much as spent an evening there. So I guess, inadvertently, I just called Caleb my best friend.

About time I acknowledged that. He’s returned to the pedestal in my mind.

“Have fun.” Robert pats my shoulder. “No funny business.”

“Just an afterparty,” I whisper. I told him about it already, how it was going to be at Ian’s house, and then Riley and I were going straight home.

Lies.

“Barely any drinking,” Caleb adds.

Robert snorts. “Nice try. Just have Margo home safe and sound by noon tomorrow.”

“Sir, yes, sir.”

“Back to work,” Robert says, shaking his head.

He wanders away, and I turn my attention back to the piece I started yesterday. A field of flowers. It’s more impressionistic than anything. You can really see the yellow sunflowers if you squint and tilt your head to the left. I add in darker strokes, bringing the foreground to life.

“How’s your portrait coming along?” Caleb asks. “Seeing as how it’s due soon.”

I shrug and clean off my brush. “Almost done. You?”

“Finished.” He smirks. “I can’t wait for you to see it.”

My cheeks heat up. I don’t know how Caleb sees me, and up until now I was eager to find out. I think I can hold off a bit longer, though.

Because you’re afraid, a voice in my head whispers.

I’ll keep being afraid until I find out what happened to us.

The rest of the class flies by, and soon enough the bell is ringing. In the hallway, Caleb takes my hand. Our fingers lace together.

The energy in the halls is palpable, kids rushing by. The football players are grinning, bouncing on their heels. They move in a pack toward the locker rooms.

And yet, no one knocks into us. They skirt around Caleb and me like we’re protected by a forcefield.

The advantage of being Caleb Asher, I imagine.

Riley and Eli meet us at my locker.

“Are we all riding together?” Riley asks.

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