Page 131 of Vicious Desire (Fallen Royals 4)

He can do it, a voice in the back of my head whispers.

If anyone can, it’s Eli.

We arrive at Meadowview and head inside. The place is open and bright, pretty much unchanged from the last time we were there. They have a lot of cushioned chairs scattered around, and everything is covered in floral print.

The receptionist stands and greets us. She offers a seat, but Eli and I shake our heads. I’m too nervous to see her, I couldn’t bear to sit still. We’re only there a few minutes when an ambulance pulls up front.

The EMTs hop out and open the back door, helping Mom step down onto the pavement. Dad climbs down right after her.

Dad wraps his arm around Mom’s shoulders, guiding her inside. “Here’s Riley,” he says. His voice is forcefully cheery.

I try not to grimace.

Mom turns toward me and frowns. “Riley.”

“Hi, Mom.”

Tears fill her eyes. “You shouldn’t be here.” She twists around and stares at Dad. “Why did you let her come, Charles?”

“She wanted to see you off,” he says gently. “You’re not going to see us for a while.”

She’s openly crying now.

“Mom.” I reach out.

Fuck my anger. It takes a backseat to this wild, desperate feeling that careens through me. It’s like my life is slipping away, and I can’t hold on.

She takes my hand. “Be brave, honey.”

And then she drops it. She steps away from Dad and drifts toward the nurse waiting for her by a set of double doors.

They close behind her.

Gone.

I frantically wipe my tears away.

“You’ll see her soon,” Dad says. “Please don’t cry.”

He pulls me into a hug, and I sag on his chest.

After a moment, I straighten and point at Eli. “You can’t hit him. I’m still pissed you lost control like that, because I love him. Got it?”

Dad blinks, then laughs. He releases me and extends his hand to Eli. “I’m sorry. I let my emotions get the best of me.”

Eli shakes his hand. There’s still a bruise on his face, but guys tend to move past that stuff quicker. If it was me, I’d still be holding a grudge.

Part of me still is.

But now, as Eli tucks me under his arm, I wonder if all of this was necessary.

A series of moments to lead us to something better.

34

Riley

Two Weeks Later