Page 66 of Wicked Promises (Fallen Royals 3)

She grins. “I thought so.”

We leave our friends behind and go down the hall, into Robert’s room. The television is on, muted. The lamp in the corner burns dimly, casting deep shadows around the room.

“There’s my girls,” Robert mumbles. His eyes are half closed, but his head lolls in our direction. He smiles. “What an adventure we’re on, huh, Lenny?”

“An adventure? You nearly gave me a heart attack.” She goes to his side, brushing back his hair and kissing his cheek. “How are you feeling?”

“Dandy, dandy.” He smiles. “Had a nice chat with Josie.”

I freeze.

“Ah, there she is.” He looks right at me, and everything in me locks up.

Does he think you’re his dead daughter? No, no, no.

Can surgery cause amnesia?

Am I going to have to tell him that I’m not his daughter?

“Margo-girl, you had me worried,” he continues. “But you two stuck together, right?”

“We did.” Lenora straightens his blankets.

I venture closer. “I’m sorry for worrying you.”

He takes my hand once I’m close enough. “You’re okay?”

I’m really sick of crying. A lump forms in my throat at his blatant concern.

“You were just in surgery, and you’re worried about me?” I clutch at his hand with both of mine. “It’s…”

“My job as a dad,” he says. “Josie would expect no less of me and neither should you.”

I glance to Lenora, but her eyes are fastened on him. Her hand covers her mouth.

“It’s late,” I say, pretending to check the clock on the wall. I already know that it’s well past nine. The surgery went on for a long time, and I don’t think I can take much more of this hospital. “I’ll come see you tomorrow.”

I lean down and wrap my arms around him, gingerly. He rubs my back, then I stand back up.

“I’ll walk you out,” Lenora says. We go to the doorway together. “You’ll be okay with the Blacks?”

“They’re very nice.” I shift. “Once Robert comes back, I get to…”

“Yes,” she answers immediately. “You’ll come home, too. We’ll figure it out.”

I nod. Caleb has eyes on me—I can feel his stare from here—and I give Lenora one last hug before I go.

I pause in front of Caleb. “Riley’s bringing me home,” I inform him. “We have things to discuss.”

“Things,” he says. “Things you don’t want me to hear?”

“Yes.” I raise my eyebrows. “You don’t trust her?”

“I don’t trust anyone around you, love. Not anymore.”

I trace my bracelet. “But you trust me?”

He puts his finger under my chin, lifting it. I meet his gaze and frown.

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