Page 123 of Vicious Desire (Fallen Royals 4)

I focus on my heartbeat. Now is not the time for a stupid panic attack.

“I don’t think so,” I say.

I wish Eli wasn’t here. If he wasn’t, I might not be so afraid. But as it is, the man has a gun. He has us alone—with Kaiden, of all people.

I don’t understand it.

He tuts, coming closer. “Because your daddy tried his best to shield you.”

“What?”

Eli pushes me behind him. “What do you want?”

The man frowns. “Eli Black. I suppose it’s fitting that you wound up with us… you were a culprit in my brother’s imprisonment, too.”

He straightens, and my jaw drops.

“What?” I whisper. “You—”

“Lawrence West.” His hands are in his pockets, which should seem non-threatening. He manages to make it look the opposite. The name isn’t just familiar—it’s terrifying.

It echoes around my head like a grenade about to explode.

Lawrence continues, “But if you don’t know me, you might be familiar with my brother-in-law, James Courier.”

I stop breathing.

So does Eli.

This is it. Where my sins finally catch up to me.

31

Riley

One Year Ago

“Riley!” Jackie is coming toward me, sunglasses perched on top of her head and a giant, expensive purse on her arm. “Oh my gosh, it’s been so long!”

I stare at her.

She stops in front of me, ignoring my confusion. She leans in and kisses the air next to my cheek, then the other one.

I thought the French style was Amelie’s, but apparently it grew on Jackie, too.

I let it happen and wait for the punch line.

“How have you been?” she asks.

I haven’t talked to her since… well, last year. Before the funeral party, I’d guess. She was never warm and fuzzy toward me, and it made sense to me to avoid her.

And here she is… actively seeking me out.

A knot forms in my stomach.

“I’ve been fine,” I say. What else can I say? She’s not looking for the truth about my brother, or the happiness I’ve finally found with Eli.

Or Margo and Caleb’s nightmare with their mysterious Unknown, all their secrets, and how it’s been slipping between mine and Eli’s relationship like black oil. It’s affecting us even if we can’t admit it.