Page 39 of Wicked Promises (Fallen Royals 3)

Given the detective’s interest in me and everything happening with Margo’s family, I figured…

“Yes. I talked to the school, and since no formal charges were brought against you, they can’t expel you. Understand?” The expression he levels me with says I can’t make any more mistakes.

I nod. “Yes, sir.”

He exhales. “Goodnight, then.”

He and Eli head up the stairs, but I hesitate. I should go see Margo, make sure she’s okay. And yet…

Guilt overrides my decision. I can’t see her, knowing I failed. I failed her in so many ways, I can’t even count them.

I shove the emotion down and clear my throat. I’ll see her tomorrow before school—or after, if she’s still sleeping.

I get to the basement and stop. My bathroom light is on, throwing a warm, dim light across my room. I scan it, uneasy.

This wouldn’t be the first time my uncle ambushed me.

Instead, my gaze lands on my bed. My unmade… lumpy bed.

A knot forms in my chest. She was waiting for me in my bed while I was being an idiot.

I go closer, until her hair fanned across my pillow becomes clearer. She faces me, but her lips are slightly parted. Eyes closed. She’s beautiful and innocent in sleep, with no walls between us.

Well, none of her walls.

I sit on the edge of the bed and brush her hair off her face. She shifts, and I about die when her tongue pokes out, sweeping over her lower lip.

“You’re back,” she murmurs.

“You’re in my bed,” I answer. My chest tightens.

She sighs, reaching out blindly for me.

I catch her hand and kiss her knuckles.

Her eyes open, meeting mine. “I don’t know if you’re the best or the worst thing to happen to me.”

I suppress a frown. Where is this coming from?

“Definitely the worst,” I say.

She watches me for a moment with those huge dark eyes. “You’ve been avoiding me.”

I could deny it, but I don’t want to lie to her. So I keep my mouth shut.

All the excuses come to the tip of my tongue.

She was kidnapped because of me.

She’s been hurt, over and over, because of me.

And the worst part is, I haven’t been able to prevent any of it.

Ian, our parents, her abduction.

“Stop thinking,” she orders, pushing herself upright. “Caleb. I’m right here. I’m okay.”

“But you…”