Tension ripples through our bodies, and then we’re scrambling to get up. By the time we’re both on our feet, Finn is walking into the room. It’s evident by the surprise in his eyes that he got the gist of what was just going on.
“Well, shit,” he mumbles as he tosses his phone and keys onto the kitchen table. “I didn’t expect to walk in on this, like ever.” He glances at me and smiles, but it looks a tad bit forced.
“Don’t,” I warn firmly. The last thing I want is for him to make Maddy more uncomfortable—more than I already made her.
Oh my God, what the hell did I do?
It’s not that I regret it—watching her like that was a fantasy. But that’s the thing. It has to go back to being a fantasy because I don’t live in a fairytale world.
I live in the brutal reality.
CHAPTER 13
MADDISON
I can’t believewhat just went down. Not only did my dumbass make out with River, but I also let him give me an orgasm, and my first one that didn’t involve my own fingers. I want to bitch-smack myself.
I messed up.
And it’s the worst time for me to do that.
On top of that, Finn caught us, and now River seems weirded out.
“Why are you home so late?” River asks Finn, scratching at the back of his neck.
Finn is no longer donning his cloak and is dressed in a long-sleeved green shirt and black pants. If I hadn’t seen him in the field, I’d have guessed he was simply coming back from a dinner date.
“Because I am,” Finn replies while meticulously studying his brother. “You want me to leave so you two can finish up?” He smirks, but it’s cold.
“We already did.” I flash him a mean smile. “But I mean, you can leave if you want and go back to your weird little society ritual in the middle of the track.”
His entire expression crumbles. “What?”
“Yeah, we were out there, and I heard you guys yelling that I was next or whatever.” My smile remains, but it’s hollow and full of anger. “So, what exactly are you going to do to me, Finn?” I fold my arms and stare him down hard.
“Nothing,” River is the one to respond, his gaze fixed firmly on his brother. “I don’t give a shit what this society thinks they’re going to do to Maddy. They won’t get away with it because you’re going to help us, right?”
Finn rolls his tongue in his mouth while thrumming his fingers on top of the table. “I was never planning on letting it happen. I just don’t know what to do yet to stop it.”
I relax a smidgeon. “Why are they even targeting me?”
“Honestly, I’m not sure.” He looks at me then with his brows furrowed. “Eli is the one who threw your name out there, and I tried to stop it from happening, said you weren’t really royal, so what was the point? But I got this feeling he may have an ulterior motive.”
River runs his hand across his face. “Maddy and I got that necklace tonight.”
Finn’s brows marginally raise. “Does that mean she knows everything?”
“She’s right here.” I snap my fingers. “And she can speak for herself.”
Finn presses his lips together as he glues his gaze to me. “So, you know everything?”
“I do,” I replied, tugging at the bottom of my shirt. “And I think this necklace is a fake, but River wants to get it looked at by an appraiser, so …” I shrug.
River and Finn trade a cryptic look that’s mildly annoying.
“Just stop with the looks.” I move past River, drag a chair away from the table, and drop down into it, because my legs are tired. I’m telling myself they are because of the hill climbs, but honestly, the orgasm River gave me still has my muscles feelinglike jelly. “Tell me what you’re thinking.” I glance firmly at both of them.
River’s dark eyes sear into me as he deliberates, finally surrendering. “It’s odd you have a necklace that belongs to an alleged deceased family bloodline, that the society is after you, and on top of that, you can no longer get a hold of your aunt, who gave you the necklace. Plus, how you got into the academy is odd. This anonymous person just shows up and gives you the money to go?”
