Page 34 of Wicked Promises (Fallen Royals 3)

She raises her hand when Masters starts to speak. “Honestly, I don’t really want to hear it. Please leave.”

He winces.

“Like you had no idea this was my house,” she adds. “If you’d like to speak with Caleb, you can arrange to do so through his lawyer.”

Detective Masters takes a step forward, but Beth just lifts her chin.

“What happened to you, Elizabeth?” he asks her. “Defending criminals?”

Her eyes narrow. “The only one exhibiting criminal behavior here is you. Get out.”

I’ve never felt like cheering so much in my life.

The detective looks at me as if to say, We’re not done. He spins on his heel and shows himself out, the door slamming behind him. The four of us stand in silence as his car turns over, the engine roaring to life. His headlights flash through the window, then swing away from us. We watch him get to the end of the road and turn toward the main gate.

“You do not let that man into our home,” she tells Theo. “Understand?”

“Yes, ma’am,” Theo answers.

His tone isn’t sassy. Beth Alistair demands respect. Commands a room, even though she’s barely five-four and slight.

“It’s late,” she says to me. “Let me drive you home.”

“Mom—”

She silences Theo with a wave. “No. Caleb, stay home until things have settled down.”

A warning to avoid her son?

I spare a fleeting thought for what Emery-Rose will do. What Coach will do. The Asher name is powerful, but there’s only so far they can go.

I’m innocent. First time I’ve ever said those words—but no doubt the last.

“Let him stay,” Theo mutters. “Liam is on his way over. We’re just going to play cards, and then I’ll take them home.”

“Please, Mrs. Alistair?” Eli gives her his best smile.

She sighs. “Fine, but I want this house empty except for my family by nine thirty.”

Needless to say, this is why we don’t hang out at Theo’s often.

Eli grabs us drinks, and Liam arrives just as we’re sitting down.

He frowns at me. “You look like hell.”

“He’s a convict now.” Eli cracks his knuckles. “He already had a rugged style, but now…”

I roll my eyes.

Liam throws his keys on the side table and falls onto the chair next to mine. “So, what’s the plan? I’m ready to beat—”

“Me at poker?” Eli raises his eyebrows. “Like hell.”

Liam catches on fast. Maybe he does know Theo’s house better than anyone, because he glances around like the walls have ears.

“Careful,” Theo jabs. “Liam likes to count cards.”

“Gotta be good at something in life,” Liam answers. He shuffles the deck, then deals our hands. “Besides, how else am I going to afford college?”