Page 109 of Vicious Desire (Fallen Royals 4)

But it’s empty.

The school year is almost over. Spring break is just around the corner, and before we know it, summer will be upon us. Eli will be a senior, and I’ll be a junior.

The cool air whips through the house, tugging at our clothes.

“Maybe they’re outside,” Eli suggests.

Weird.

We go onto the back porch, and then we see them: what looks like every upperclassman from Emery-Rose has spread out on the lawn, wearing black. They all hold candles.

Amelie steps forward, candle-free, and throws her arms around me. “I’m so sorry, Riley. I just couldn’t imagine—”

“What?” I detach myself from her, sort of difficult to manage one-handed, and glance between her and Eli.

I can’t read his expression.

He scowls at Amelie.

“Your mom, Riley. When we found out she died, we knew there was something we should do. After all…” Amelie grimaces. “What sort of mother does that?”

My mom is alive.

“What are you talking about?”

Amelie leans in. “It’s okay, Riley. Everyone knows that things were rough in your house. And, well… no one blames her for taking the easy way out.” Her gaze goes pointedly to my boyfriend. “Right, Eli?”

He shifts. “I don’t think…”

“The easy way out?” I repeat. My head spins in confusion. “I don’t…”

“I just can’t believe she took her own life.” Amelie withdraws, keeping me at arm’s length with her hands on my shoulders. “We’re all here for you.”

Suicide.

They think my mom died?

For a moment, I picture what my state of mind might be like if Mom actually did kill herself. If I was left with that pit in my stomach that sucked everything into it like a black hole. If I wasn’t thrilled she’s in remission.

That girl would be crushed.

But me? I’m just… mortified.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I say in a very deliberate voice.

Amelie throws her arm around my shoulder and pulls me away from Eli. I had still been holding on to him, but he doesn’t move. My hand falls from his arm.

“When Eli told us, I was devastated. It’s been a tough year for you.”

People are reaching out, giving their condolences.

I wish I could tell them that this is an awful joke, to yell that she’s still with me—but some are smirking.

The trick wasn’t seamless.

Every single person here is at fault.

I dig my heels into the grass, stopping my forward momentum.