Page 132 of Wicked Promises (Fallen Royals 3)

I push the blanket off and stand, wrapping my arms around Lenora. She gives much better hugs than my mother ever did.

An image of Mom standing in the diner flashes through my mind, but I shove it away. She left me alone, to fend for myself. And when I did see her? It was only about money to feed her habit.

Lenora rubs my back. “You’re shaking.”

“Just trying to forget about my mother.” I lean back and wipe at my face.

All I’ve done lately is cry. I hope I run out of tears soon.

“Should we watch the movie?” Robert asks.

I smile. “Yeah.”

As good a distraction as any.

My chest hurts. I wrap the blanket around me, sinking into the armchair. It’s nice to zone out at the screen for a while.

Adoption means my dad would have to give up his rights. I’d have a family, but I would lose him.

How the hell am I supposed to choose?

32

Caleb

“Why aren’t we going inside?” Eli asks me.

“You can go,” I say. “I’m waiting for Margo.”

He glares at me. “Margo, who’s arriving with Riley.”

They haven’t talked. Still. And while I’m curious, there have been other pressing concerns stealing my attention.

I exhale, watching my breath make little clouds.

“Okay, fine,” he snaps. “I’m going in.”

I flip him off.

He salutes me with his middle finger back, then saunters toward the building.

No sooner is he gone than Robert’s car arrives, and Margo climbs out. She grins when she sees me, and I pull her in for a kiss. Foster dad be damned.

She smiles when I linger.

“Let’s go in,” she says. “It’s freezing.”

“I thought you were getting a ride in with Riley?”

She shrugs. “She said she was running late. Not sure what she has planned.”

I roll my eyes. “Did she say she was planning something?”

“No, but she’s never late—”

“Ms. Wolfe,” the guidance counselor calls. “Could you join me?”

I reluctantly release her. “I’ll see you in homeroom.”