Page 46 of Vicious Desire (Fallen Royals 4)

Who does that?

“He’s a sweet boy,” Mom says.

I flinch. “What?”

“Kaiden.” She stands in front of me, squinting. Looking more grounded than she has in a long time.

Like if I reached out, she might be solid under my fingertips.

“Are you all right, Riley?”

I shake my head. She didn’t see Eli.

“I’m okay. I just was glad to see you smiling.”

She offers me a smile now, then cups my cheek. Her hand is cool and dry, and I close my eyes for a moment. My heart is thumping painfully, and I can’t seem to release the doorknob.

“Your brother should be home soon,” she says. “It’s getting dark so early now…”

There it is.

The fade away.

Her hand falls, and I open my eyes in time to see the dream-like expression pass over her face. She tilts her head, then turns toward the stairs.

“Goodnight,” I call.

She doesn’t answer.

I have a sudden need to get out of here. My eyes burn, and the familiar lump in my throat returns. I can’t even swallow around it. My ears buzz like I’m filled with swarming bees.

I open the door again, only to find Eli still standing there.

A debate springs to mind. A choice.

A moment.

So much time has passed since Gram told me her theory about fate and the magic of a million moments colliding together, but it all comes rushing back.

What will you do when you get to a fork in the road, child?

“Come on,” I snap.

This is familiar.

He follows doggedly, as I knew he would. I head for his truck. The lights flash, doors unlocking just as I get to it, and I pull myself up into the passenger seat.

He opens his door but doesn’t get in. “What are you doing?”

“If you didn’t want me to get in, you wouldn’t have unlocked the door. I just need…” I grimace. “I don’t know.”

He nods once, finally climbing up and starting the engine.

“Do you remember the first time we did this?” he asks. “Pretty sure you were having a meltdown then, too.”

“I’m not—” I stop. I am. “Shut up.”

I stare out the window as we fly down the street. He’s always been a reckless driver, and it scared me… until it didn’t. He drives like this truck makes him invincible.

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