“Most people say I’m annoying to talk to because I’m such a smartass.” I focus on the conversation in an attempt not to fall asleep.
But sleepiness is whispering to me, begging me to close my eyes and surrender.
“Do you think you can take a shower?” he asks as we exit the foyer and step into the living room.
“I think so,” I answer, even though I can barely keep my legs underneath me.
“Okay, let’s get you into my bedroom, and you can start getting undressed. I’ll wait to make sure you’re good before I take off to get Noah.”
I immediately shake my head. “No, you need to go now.”
Hesitancy is written all over his face as he peers down at me. “I don’t feel comfortable just taking off. Let’s get you to my room, and then I’ll see if I can find Finn and have him come keep an eye on you.”
I smash my lips together, a thought biting in the back of my mind. “You don’t think he had anything to do with what happened to me, do you?” To be honest, I don’t either, but considering how many times I’ve been backstabbed, I have to question it.
River shakes his head with zero hesitation. “He would never do something like that.”
“I believe you.” And I do.
I believe what he says.
Just like I trust him, letting him guide me into his room.
He helps me sit down on his bed then tells me to start getting undressed before exiting the room. The moment I’m sitting in the room alone, tears pool in my eyes.
“Get your shit together, Maddy,” I whisper as I swipe tears from my cheeks.
I notice how dirty my hands are. So are my clothes and shoes. My hair is so caked in mud that flakes fall from the strands as I run my fingers through them. I need to focus on getting in the shower.
I start to reach for the button of my pants when my watch buzzes. A message pops up, reminding me that I no longer have my phone, but apparently, the people who took it left it on.
I tap the screen to open the message, and my heart leaps in my chest.
Aunt Ellie: Maddy, I won’t be able to send you any message after this, and I probably shouldn’t even be sending this one. But I need to warn you that you’re in danger. And I’m not talking about northside danger. You’re being targeted by a group of royals who are more powerful than any other group in the world. They come from one of the oldest bloodlines to ever exist, which means they have a lot of power. You need to be careful. Nothing about your life is what it seems. Do not trust anyone. And do not tell anyone you know me. That is the most important thing, Maddy. I’m not who you think I am. One day, hopefully, I’ll be able to explain, but for now, the less you know, the better. Be strong and protect yourself. I love you, sweetie. And I’m so sorry for all the problems I’ve caused.
If I was in shock before, I’ve reached a whole new level.
What the heck is she talking about? What problems? And why am I being targeted? Is she referring to the society?
It doesn’t seem like it, but what else could she mean?
She also said not to trust anyone, but what about River?
I glance at the closed door then back at the screen. What the hell is going on? And what the hell has my Aunt Ellie gotten herself into? I need answers before something worse happens to me.
CHAPTER 19
RIVER
Anger is burningunderneath my flesh as I dial Finn’s number. But before I can even hitsend, the front door opens to the dorm. I pause, waiting to see who it is, and a second later, Finn walks in. Tension is rippling from his shoulders, and his hair is sticking up all over the place, as if he’s been raking his fingers through the strands.
“Tell me you didn’t know,” I demand as I stride toward him, clutching my phone in my hand.
He jolts, his gaze snapping to mine. He takes one look at my face and swallows hard. “You found out. Look, I was planning on telling you?—”
I grab the front of his shirt and slam him against the wall. “How could you be a part of that disgusting shit? I thought you were better than that? I thought you liked Maddy.”
His wide eyes search mine and, weirdly, he doesn’t fight back. “I do like her. She’s one of the nicest women I’ve ever met. And real.”
