Page 161 of Wicked Promises

Outside of these four walls, we’re strangers.

We were once best friends, and now I’m not supposed to know her at all. It’s her parents’ wish, after all.

I climb out her window and land in the soft, wet grass, where her father waits. He’s got salt-and-pepper hair, a weathered look to his tanned skin, and eyes the same shade of blue as Skylar. His hands are in his pockets, and a familiar scowl twists his face.

“Thought you kicked this habit,” he says. “Didn’t we warn you against it?”

I lift my chin. I will not feel the same guilt they made me feel before. Guilt for being herperson. The one she cried out forin the middle of the night when her parents were right there. It probably made them feel like shit, knowing they weren’t the ones she wanted.

“I knew she’d need me last night. It’s about her, not me.” I stare him down, then raise my hands in surrender. “Won’t happen again, Mr. Buckley.”

He nods and exhales. His breath creates a cloud in front of his face. “Well, she’ll be gone soon enough. And you…”

Will still be here.

Right.

Destined to be abso-fucking-lutely nothing.

Epilogue

Five months later

CALEB

Iunlock the door and stride inside. The apartment has been furnished to my specifications, but it looks better than expected. I run my finger along the kitchen island, which is the only thing separating the kitchen from the rest of the open space.

It’s small, but it’ll do.

Keith Wolfe walks in, eyeing me like I’m crazy.

“This is mine?” he asks.

“Free and clear.” I bought this small apartment complex back in January and spent the next month bringing it up to code—and fashion. Well, my contractor spent the next month renovating it. Margo picked wall colors and flooring, but she didn’t know the half of it.

There are six apartments in this building, tucked in a cozy neighborhood in Brooklyn. It’s two blocks from theotherbuilding I bought.

Real estate mogul at eighteen. Who would’ve thought I’d end up following in my dad’s footsteps after all?

Josh helped me. Once David was arrested, my inheritance was given to me without restrictions. Still, seventeen was abityoung to be buying property. I waited until April rolled around, eyeing the market, and then made my move.

Two properties.

Ten apartments between the two of them, and eight are already filled with tenants.

The least I can do is give one to Margo’s dad.

He got a job in the city and has been commuting from Rose Hill. He joins Margo, Robert, and Lenora for dinner every Friday night. On Wednesdays, Margo goes to his Rose Hill apartment, occasionally accompanied by me.

The original plan was that Margo and I were going to move into the building after graduation. She got an acceptance letter to NYU a few weeks ago that I intercepted. But an even better one came today.

And I can’t pass it up.

“Does Margo know?” He’s at the window, staring out at the street.

“Not yet.”

He runs his hand through his hair. It’s gotten longer since his time in prison. When I look at him, I feel guilt.