Page 88 of Wicked Promises (Fallen Royals 3)

“Yeah, I know,” I say. “Which means we need to get to Riley’s, and then after…”

Theo and Liam come thundering back down the stairs. “Boy’s passed out.”

“Good,” Caleb says. “I’ll see you guys at school tomorrow.”

It’s a dismissal, and everyone knows it.

They leave, closing the door behind them, and Caleb smiles at me.

“Hi.”

“Hi,” I laugh.

“You’re not mad at me?”

I take a closer look at his face, surprised when I discover that he’s being vulnerable. Open, for once in our lives. Well, recent lives. I used to be able to read him like a book.

“I’m not.” I run my hand up his arm, to his neck. “And I’ll be less inclined to get mad if you kiss me.”

He leans down. “I think I can oblige.”

His lips touch mine softly. Butterflies erupt in my chest. We’re used to being greedy with our kisses, always demanding more of each other. Now, it stays honey-sweet. His tongue runs along my lower lip, but it isn’t demanding. It’s slow, and I feel it so much more, down to my toes.

Whoever said kisses could be toe-curling was clearly talking about this kind.

“So, to Riley’s house,” he says against my lips. “You sure?”

“Maybe I should just text her…”

He grins, moving down to kiss my neck. He hovers over my throat, expectant.

“Oh, you mean right now?”

His teeth nip my skin.

I laugh, but it’s more of a breathless sigh.

Still, he doesn’t move until I’ve pulled out my phone and dialed her number.

“H-Hello?” Riley answers.

“Hey. Are you okay? Do you want me to come over there?”

Caleb resumes his attack on my neck, and I bite my lip to keep from moaning into the phone.

“I’ll be okay.” Her voice is hoarse, and it tugs at my heart. “You have a lot going on, and I’m just going to be moping around.”

“Tomorrow. My house. Ice cream and action movies.”

Caleb’s tongue touches my neck, and I jump. I try pushing him away, but he just latches on with his teeth. Evil man. Each touch is an electric zap bouncing through my body. I’m ready to tear his clothes off right here in the living room, in front of the windows—

“Sounds good,” Riley says.

My mind is already a mile away.

“I’ll call you tomorrow, okay? And if you’re skipping school, come hang out with me.”

She manages to laugh, which I consider a win.