Page 177 of Wicked Promises (Fallen Royals 3)
Not going to lie, my blood runs hot when I remember how he looked racing across the field, in total command of his team.
“Margo,” Riley calls, knocking on the door. “Do you need help?”
I jump. Whoops.
“One second.” I change into the dress, pulling the straps into place and struggling to zip it on my own. It fits like a glove—small miracles, since Riley is a size smaller than me.
When I open the door, her mouth drops open. “Damn.”
It’s a halter top with a deep V neckline, similar to the one Riley wore to the last dance we attended. This one is beaded, glittering. From my hips up, it’s skintight. The silky fabric goes to the floor, but it’s the slit that ends halfway up my thigh that’s the real showstopper. Paired with skinny, strappy heels?
I kind of feel like a warrior princess. But also—
“I feel like I’m going to throw up. How many people are down there?”
“Just…” She rolls her eyes. “Don’t think about it. It’s just Caleb and Hanna, Iris, your foster parents and dad…”
I swallow. “Is that all?”
Iris has suddenly found herself in our circle. Along with the shocking revelation that Hanna and Caleb were half-siblings, and Hanna was pretty obviously attached to me, everyone involved decided that she shouldn’t be kept away from us. Caleb and I have been including her on our weekend dates.
What started as Iris waiting in the car, staring stoically ahead, soon became her getting out of the car and chatting with Robert and Lenora on the porch. That transitioned into staying for a drink or dinner. And it wasn’t too surprising when Iris dropped off Hanna to go out with Lenora and Robert.
“Lipstick,” Riley suggests, showing me a few different options from her purse. She has a mental debate, then hands me one. “Here.”
I know better than to try to argue, so I take it from her hand and swipe it on. I’ll give my best friend this: she knows how to pick her lipsticks.
“Thank you,” I say quietly.
“Thank you for giving me this distraction.” She smiles. “Besides, I’ll go to prom next year once all of you are gone.”
“What are you going to do without me?”
She throws her arms around my bare shoulders. “Don’t get me started. Graduation day, I’m going to be a wreck with a capital W.”
I hug her back. “It’s not too late to come.”
“It’s definitely too late.” She steps away. “Ready?”
“Yes.”
She leaves before me, and it’s oddly reminiscent of the masquerade ball. Except then…
Then, I wasn’t half the woman I am now.
I take a moment to look at myself in the mirror.
Strength comes from being pushed to your limits and surviving. Dad told me that the day he got out of prison and straight into my arms.
And, my girl, you’ve survived.
I fix the edge of my lipstick and flip my hair over my shoulder, then go to the stairs. Down I go, reliving the déjà vu.
Caleb is waiting at the bottom of the stairs just as I knew he would be. His gaze sweeps up and down my body, and his eyes darken. I take a moment to relish it before my cheeks heat up. Goosebumps scatter down my arms.
He offers his hand, and I take it. The soft squeeze tells me I’m not alone.
I look around, but… we are alone.