Page 15 of Wicked Games (Fallen Royals 2)

“No,” he growls. “You might be delusional enough to think—”

“Because you tricked me,” I screech.

He narrows his eyes.

I almost wish we were drawing attention, just to have an excuse to break free of him. As it is, my body is ignoring all the warning signs.

It’s been less than a day. I miss him and I hate him.

“It doesn’t matter.” He squints at me.

“How? In what world does it not—”

“You belong to me just as I belong to you,” he says.

“First to give in loses,” I whisper. “I guess that’s my big punishment? Ruining my life?” None of this belonging shit. He ruined everything.

I can’t go home.

I don’t even have a home.

Maybe I should go back to the Jenkins’s and get it over with. Let Angela take me out of this God-forsaken town once and for all.

“Even then, I’d find you.” He’s a mind reader. “I’ll never let you go. Which I think you know.” He touches the bracelet on my wrist. “And you’ll never let go of me, either.”

I flinch. I forgot it was there. The metal is warm, digging in under his finger. And beneath the metal, the threads that wove us together when we were kids. Dressed up like a bride and groom, tying the bracelets around each other’s wrists, a kiss to seal the deal.

Look how far we’ve fallen.

“Stop, Caleb.” I pull my arms down, trying to get away from him.

He releases me.

For a split second, I’m free, and then he’s back in my space, holding me captive by more than my wrists. His hips press into mine, and he leans his elbows on the wall on either side of my head. I have my hands, but he has my body.

“No.”

Simple. Effective. I’m pretty sure I hate the word—and him.

“You’re so hell-bent on destroying my life,” I snap. “Why not just drive the knife in deeper?”

He smiles.

He’s insane.

“You ran to Ian Fletcher. You’re wearing his sweatshirt. How am I supposed to react?” He leans forward. Our lips are so close.

“I hate you.”

His smile widens. “Right back atcha, love.”

I push him away, shaking my head. I am wearing Ian’s sweatshirt—through no fault of my own. He made me come here, where I had hoped he wouldn’t find me.

There’s a gleam in Caleb’s eyes that scares me. He’s out of his mind, and I’m only just now seeing it. Witnessing his demons take control.

I run to the door, getting halfway through the living room before Caleb grabs me. He slams me against the wall, hand on my throat.

The party falls silent. Even the music cuts out.

---