Page 107 of Vicious Desire (Fallen Royals 4)

Depression runs in our family.

“Wait for me,” I tell her, jumping to my feet. Fear is icy and hot at the same time, spurring me into action. “Just, whatever you’re planning, wait. Okay?”

My heart is in my throat, and it’s going to beat out of my skin at this rate. I run out the locker room’s side door which leads to the parking lot.

“I don’t want you to see me like this, honey. I just wanted to say…”

“Save it, Mom,” I beg. “I’m on my way.”

I get all the way to my car when I realize I don’t have my keys.

They’re probably forgotten in the locker room, along with the water bottle.

“Shit!” I scream.

I kick my tire and turn around, stopping dead. I stare at Eli, who must’ve followed me.

Who witnessed everything.

I approach him quickly, reaching out to grab his arm. I don’t know why—the thought that he might bolt, or refuse, doesn’t occur to me until after I’ve latched on.

“Eli. I need you to take me home. My mom—” I shake my head. “She’s going to hurt herself.”

He’s the last person I should ask.

He’s the last person I trust.

But… he’s here. And he’s looking at me with concern written all over his features, like I just told him my house was on fire—perhaps it is.

I can only think about what is happening in my mother’s head.

“Okay,” he agrees.

26

Riley

Two Years Ago

Eli tucks my hand into the crook of his arm and smiles at me.

This is it. Our first time coming out as actually… liking each other. We talked about dating, but the word never felt real because no dates were happening. He’d come over to my house or I would go over to his. We would do homework, talk. Sometimes he’d drive me places.

It’s still a secret we’ve been hiding for months, and what better time than a party?

One at Amelie’s house, nonetheless. I’d been here over the summer with the other girls, giggling over magazines and stealing sips of liquor straight from the bottles on her parents’ wet bar. We hang out here after cheerleading practice, and on the weekends we take turns trying on clothes from her extensive wardrobe.

My relationship with Eli is new and exciting, but worse: captivating. I’ve fallen head over heels for the boy in a matter of months.

I went back to school for my sophomore year, finally caved and joined the cheerleaders. In public, Eli and I trade barbs like it’s our job. We grin viciously at each other.

And then… we go back to his place or mine and make out for hours.

Or talk.

But we haven’t had sex. Not yet, anyway.

Maybe tonight.