Page 159 of Wicked Promises

Once she’s gone, Caleb meets my gaze. “I told Aunt Iris I just wanted to get her some fresh air.”

“She really didn’t have anything to do with it? Your aunt, I mean?”

He shrugs. “She’s denying it, and no one’s implicated her. She’s nice enough. Probably only stuck around the marriage for Uncle David’s money, though.”

I nod. “Is that the surprise I’m not going to like?”

“No.” A mischievous expression comes over him. “That was the balm before I tell you that I got us an apartment in the city.”

My mouth drops open. “Why would you do that?”

“Because we’re both going to school. You’re going to apply to your dream school and get in. And I’ll be right there with you.”

I look up at the house I’ve been callinghomefor the past few months. “So, what, we’re going to finish high school and just… pack up and leave?”

“It’s only an hour away,” he says in a low voice. “Leaving doesn’t mean forever.”

“You said you were in love with me.”

He watches me. “I did.”

“You haven’t said it since,” I point out.

He wraps his hands around my waist, yanking me closer. One hand slides up my back, into my hair. It’s loose today, cascading in waves over my shoulders. Slowly, he lowers his mouth to mine, stealing a quick kiss before his lips move to my ear. His tongue flicks out, and I shudder.

“I’m so in love with you, Margo Wolfe. The person you were and the person you’ve become. You’re the only one I want for the rest of my life.”

I can’t stop the sudden tremble running through me.

I turn my head, catching his lips and leaning into it. This kiss is slow and hungry. It’s soul-demolishing. His tongue slides against mine, eliciting a groan from deep inside me.

When we break away, we’re both breathing heavy. I tip forward, resting my forehead against his.

“I’ve been in love with you forever,” I whisper. “And I’m so totally in love with you right now, I might just float away.”

“Forever,” he repeats.

I laugh and wave my wrist. The bracelet shines in the sunlight. “It was my idea to get married.”

His eyes darken. “When we get married for real, you’re getting something better than a braided bracelet.”

“When, huh?”

He pulls me closer, then guides me toward the front door.

“Yes, when,” he says. “There’s no escaping us.”

I rest my head on his shoulder. “I can live with that.”

Chapter 40

Liam

Iclimb in through Sky’s window with ease.

Years of practicing escaping from my window at the house in Rose Hill, and then even more of sneakinginthis way, has made the journey muscle memory. I could probably do it blindfolded.

Lightning flashes behind me, illuminating the room. The empty bed with its covers thrown back.