Page 27 of Vicious Desire (Fallen Royals 4)

She laughs, raising her arms above her head and sliding between two girls. I copy the movement, and then… the kitchen.

“Hey, Skylar,” one of the boys calls.

Her cheeks flush red. “Hey, Liam.”

“Going to introduce your new friend?”

What had Amelie called them? The devious ones. There are four of them, including the one who caught my eye earlier.

He’s still watching me, but at least it’s a little subtler.

Skylar beams, tossing her dark hair over her shoulder. “This is Riley.”

My stomach unexpectedly seems to dip into my throat.

Liam comes closer, leaning his hip on the kitchen island in front of us. “You know you guys shouldn’t even be here, right? You’re not technically in high school until you start. And who wants to be at a party with babies?”

Her expression slowly falls. “I’m—”

“School starts on Monday,” I say, crossing my arms. “Does it even matter? Go about your business and leave us alone.”

My traitorous eyes keep straying to the one who won’t quit staring at me.

I face him head-on and snap, “What?”

He lifts one shoulder. “Just enjoying the show.”

“There’s no show here.” My face heats. I’m not sure how to get out from under this squashed feeling, so I do what I do best: avoid.

I march to the keg and grab a cup, filling it two-thirds of the way. I push it at Skylar, who frowns, and I take another one.

A hot hand wraps around my wrist, jerking me away from the keg.

I glare at the boy. “Did I do something to piss you off?”

“Yes.”

He’s prettier up close. His eyes have gold flecks mixed in with the brown, and his lips are full when they’re not pressed into a thin line.

“Care to fill me in?”

He’s still holding my wrist, and his grip tightens for a brief moment. There’s commotion at the door, and suddenly my brother is right beside me.

When has he ever come riding to my rescue like a freaking white knight?

Never.

Good timing, Noah.

“What’s up?” he asks, leaning on me.

Ah. Not so much white knight as… drunken jester.

My wrist is returned to me, and I wrap my arm around Noah’s waist.

“You good?” He frowns at the boy. “Why were you holding my sister’s wrist? The fuck, man?”

“Okay, okay.” I guide him backward. “What did you expect when you brought me to a party?”

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