Page 96 of Vicious Desire (Fallen Royals 4)

“Did you think you were dreaming?” I’m not sure if I’m happy or sad at that fact… but when her cheeks get red, I sway toward happy. “You thought you were dreaming of making out with me?”

She pushes at my chest. “You were supposed to stay on the chair. Not…”

I look away. No point in saying I don’t exactly remember the moment I crept into her bed. I must’ve done it in my sleep.

“Do you hate me?” I ask. “Because I’m just saying, hate sex isn’t off the menu.”

She squirms. “Stop.”

I hold my breath.

“I don’t think I hate you. But I can’t have sex with you, because…”

Because there are too many emotions between us. Even if she says she systematically pushed me out of her life—she’s wrong. I’m still there.

Just like she’s still affecting me.

Her hair is a mess. She has morning breath. But she’s still the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen.

“One more,” I say. “And then I’ll get off you.”

She raises her eyebrow. “One more what?”

“Kiss. For good luck.”

She shakes her head, trying to hide the smile. “You don’t need good luck.”

“No.” I lean into her, putting my lips against her ear. “But I think you might.”

“Are you supposed to bring me good luck? Eli Black, of all people?” She’s stock-still, and her voice is breathless.

“Kiss me and find out.”

I am a selfish, selfish man.

I rise to look in her eyes, and my chest tightens at what I see.

Her eyes are filled with tears, and she stares over my shoulder at the wall. Her lower lip trembles—the only tell she has before she starts crying.

I hate that I know that.

That I am probably the one to bring this on her.

“Riley—”

“Don’t.” She waves a hand in front of her face. “Just ignore it and let me up.”

I do, offering my hand.

She takes it, and I help her to her feet. Carefully, I brush my thumbs under her eyes.

“I can’t ignore it,” I whisper.

She shakes her head. “You have to.”

Her alarm goes off, and we both flinch. I hadn’t realized…

“You wake up early,” I say.

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