Page 102 of Vicious Desire (Fallen Royals 4)

“Eli didn’t, either.” She wiggles her eyebrows. “You guys rekindling after everything that happened?”

I snort. “Why would we do that? He not only broke my heart once, but twice.” Who cares if he’s gentle when he wants to be, and considerate, and protective? We all know what it looks like when the switch flips.

“You have a… a gleam in your eye.” She shrugs. “Don’t tell me if you want, but maybe I can help.”

I sigh. “Are we going to your place?”

“Yep. Parker is meeting us there.”

It isn’t until we’re on the road that I glance at her. “I kissed him.”

A grin spreads across her face. “I knew it. He was totally staring at you like he wanted to eat you today. And I mean in a good way.”

I roll my eyes. “Yeah, well. I think it’s just the circumstance. Noah—”

I haven’t told anyone.

Coach probably would’ve booted me from the meet if I had, which is why I shoved it out of my mind.

“What about your brother?”

“He was mugged last night,” I say. “That’s why we weren’t at your party, and how I ended up kissing Eli. It was just an emotional night.”

She stares at me. “Is Noah okay?”

“He spent the night in the hospital. Dad was there with him. I think he’s being discharged this afternoon, so I won’t be able to stay long.”

Skylar waves her hand. “Are you sure you want to come over at all?”

“You’re already in my car, Skylar. And we’re halfway there.”

She groans.

“Stop. Noah is fine. Dad would’ve called me…” I reach for my phone to show her my blank screen. It’s been silent in my pocket for a while now—nothing unusual with that, but a relief.

Except, my phone isn’t in the pocket I thought it was.

“Can you check my bag for my phone?” I ask Skylar.

She nods and unbuckles her seat belt.

I automatically grip the steering wheel tighter, and she twists onto her knees to reach for my bag on the seat behind her.

“Where would it be?”

“Um…”

I know I had it when I was on the bus going to the meet. Parker had texted me and Skylar, and Margo had wished me good luck.

“Maybe the side pocket? If you don’t see it, I’ll check at your house.”

“Yeah, I got nothing.” She flips back around.

“Okay.”

“How’s your mom?” Skylar asks.

I shrug. “Fine, I guess. The same.”