Page 16 of The Wicked

“Yes, but he has an unfortunate habit of making poor life choices.” If that was the main criteria, then technically, I did qualify. “Let me guess—you’re sorority sisters?”

“That’s actually quite insulting.”

“You’re one of her skiing buddies?”

“I’ve never been on a pair of skis in my life.”

“You’re her dog’s au pair?”

“That’s not even a thing.”

“Swear on my grandma’s grave that it is.”

“I thought your grandma was alive and shimmying?”

“My other grandma.”

I reached over to squeeze his hand. “I’m sorry for your loss. It’s never easy when a loved one passes.”

“Yeah, well.” Charming made a face. He didn’t get along with his family? “Are you on Hadley’s beach volleyball team?”

“Are you serious? Do I look as if I play beach volleyball? DoesHadleyeven play beach volleyball?”

“It was the only reason she didn’t get kicked out of college. She’s actually pretty good, and if you don’t know that, I’m gonna guess the two of you aren’t close.”

Damn him.Charming was smart, much smarter than me. Now I had to confess or lie, and I’d already proven I was a terrible liar. Would he tell security if he knew I was there uninvited? I didn’t think so. We’d grown closer over the past two hours—quite literally—and he didn’t seem to have much affection for Hadley and her crowd.

“I heard there was free food, and nobody was checking invites at the door.”

“You crashed Hadley’s birthday party?”

“The cake pops were worth it.”

Charming looked me up and down. “You sure did make an effort with your costume.”

“What, this old thing?”

He threw his head back and laughed. “I like your style, Cinderella.” Then he leaned closer and whispered, “This is the fourth party of Hadley’s that I’ve snuck into, but the first I haven’t wanted to leave right away.”

Charming had been keeping an eye on his sibling all evening, even while we danced. Little bro always had a drink in his hand, and at this moment, he was in the far corner of the ballroom, unsteady on his feet as he tried to play beer pong with top-shelf liquor. Charming hadn’t touched a drop of alcohol. Was he the designated driver as well as the responsible big brother? Nico Belinsky appeared in the doorway, and he didn’t look happy. I’d go as far as to say he looked a little scary. Brooke had once hinted that he had a dark past, and although she hadn’t elaborated on the details, I could believe it when I looked at him now.

“Have you seen Lillian Baldwin?” he asked the inebriated bumblebee beside us.

Her antennae waggled as she shook her head.

“She went out to the terrace five minutes ago,” Charming told him. “I haven’t seen her come back in.”

Add “observant” to his list of qualities.

“Thanks.” Nico’s smile was tight, his frame rigid as he strode past.

“That should be an interesting battle,” I murmured, half to myself.

“My money’s on that guy.” Charming nodded in Nico’s direction. “Want to go listen in?”

A man after my own heart.

“Won’t that look weird?”

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