Page 134 of Vicious Desire (Fallen Royals 4)
“Nope,” Skylar says. “We avoided Jackie. I think she’s trying to get people to vote for her.”
Parker grimaces. “Vote for what?”
“Masquerade Princess,” Eli says. “Isn’t it fun? I voted for Riley.”
My mouth drops open. “Stop.”
“That’s a good idea.” Parker stands suddenly, the chair screeching. “I’ll be right back.”
I groan. “Please tell me you didn’t.”
It isn’t anything big—there’s a silly tradition of crowning a prince and princess at the formal dances leading up to prom. But as long as I’m nowhere near the ballot for Prom Queen, I’ll be okay.
A scream from across the room catches our attention.
Eli and I both stand abruptly.
Jackie is faced off against a boy with a blood-red mask. Her seafoam-green one is skewed, and her date stands a few feet away.
What in the world?
Skylar scoffs. “I don’t know why she thought she wouldn’t get caught.”
I glance at her. “What?”
“Jackie’s been pulling the wool over Hale’s eyes for months. She’s been hooking up with the Stone Ridge guy in the red mask since February.”
Hale Deveraux—the captain of the football team—has taken his mask off. He could be a model, especially with his moody scowl…
But under it, I think he might be hurt.
Or annoyed.
Jackie waves her hands at the red-masked boy, I think in an effort to get him to leave her alone.
And he just won’t.
Eli exhales. “Wow.”
“Do you think she’ll start screaming?” Skylar asks.
The music blocks out their conversation from this far away, but I can only imagine the sort of insults they’re trading.
Jackie abruptly turns to Hale, reaching for his hand.
I hate the sudden satisfaction that slithers under my skin.
Like I want to cause her pain.
“It’s karma,” Eli says in my ear. “Plain and simple. She’s the cheater.”
I nod once.
Hale storms away, and Jackie yanks her mask off. She quickly swipes below her eyes, then rushes after him. The third boy is left standing in place.
He seems to register that everyone is staring at him, and he lifts his chin.
His expression says, Fuck off.