My Wicked Heart (Wicked Poison 2)

“She’s doing it to give you two a break.” His eyes flick to Beckham, who must have heard because he looks sad for a second before turning back to his game.

“We don’t want her to do that,” I say to him, to which he shrugs before walking over to our father who is trying to make coffee in the kitchen. I move to where Beckham is and sit next to him.

Nudging him with my shoulder, he doesn’t look my way as I say, “Hand me a remote. I’m about to kick your ass.” He does, and we play while they bicker. When our mother declares it’s time to leave, she comes over to me and leans down and kisses my cheek.

“I’d like to see you this coming weekend. All of you, for dinner, please.” I groan, and that makes Beckham smirk as he and our parents make their way out the door.

Looking to Rhianna, who sits happily on Noah’s lap, I tell her, “Don’t do that for us. We’re fine.”

“Hey, it’s a win-win. We get a free wedding, one that she was planning for you—and we both know Mom is great at wedding planning—and it occupies her time so she won’t annoy you and Beckham.”

Noah’s phone rings and we both go silent to let him answer it. When he does, he flicks a quick glance at me.

“Give me a second, girls.” Rhianna gets up, not even caring, but I know, I just know from that look that Noah just gave me, who is on the other end of that call.

“Ry, what’s wrong?”

“It’s August he’s talking to.”

“We don’t know that.”

I turn to face her. “Does he call often?”

“Yes, but…”

“It’s him.” We sit there and wait until Noah comes back. When he does, he asks, “What did I miss?”

“Was that August?”

“Yes,” he answers.

“I need to go to bed.” I turn away but peek back over my shoulder. “Has he mentioned anything about me?”

“No, sorry, Rylee.”

When the days mix together, what is that called? I don’t even know how long it’s been since we lost Paige and August. A month? Maybe two?

I’d say two.

Beckham is back at school and frequently involved in fights, our mother is having a field day planning Rhianna’s wedding, and me, well, I am taking it day by day, it’s all I can do. Nothing exciting happens, just work, home, and then sleep.

Getting into my car, I think of what’s in the middle console. Keys to his house, which I still haven’t been to. I know I should go and get it over with, but I don’t want to. I’m not sure I can do it.

I haven’t called him again.

And I haven’t asked Noah if he hears from him.

I drive to the local food market and get out. This was where I bought August food and he told me to leave him alone. This was where I wanted to follow him home from that day.

Going in, I check my phone for the list Rhianna sent me of items to grab for dinner when a hand touches my shoulder, making me squeal on the spot. When I get myself back under control, I notice a very pregnant girl stands in front of me.

“It’s the right sister today, right? You’re dressed differently,” she says, smiling.

“What do you need?” I ask as her hand falls to her belly.

“I’m not stalking you, just so you know. It seems we shop at the same place. I saw you come in and wanted to say hello. I don’t really know anyone, and no one wants to be friends with the girl who got pregnant by the guy who was engaged to one of the twin princesses,” she says, looking me straight in the eye.

“We weren’t engaged,” I tell her.

“Okay, well, I think his parents want to take the baby from me. But that’s not going to happen.”

“Why are you telling me all this?” I ask her, not wanting to hang around and talk. I want to go home and dream—dream of him.

“Oh, sorry. I…” She looks behind her, and as she does, she pauses, and her gaze falls to the floor, making me feel bad. “Umm, so did you happen to drive here?” She raises her eyes back up to meet mine.

“Ahh, yes?” I say, confused.

“Well, my water just broke, and I was hoping you could take me to the hospital.” She reaches for my arm and grips it tightly. “I have a fear of ambulances,” she says, grinding her teeth.

I don’t know what to say. I mean, should I do that? Then her nails dig into my arm, and I nod, putting my phone into my back pocket.

“Okay, let’s go.”

“Thank you. I’m sorry, this is probably the last thing you want to do. But I watched my mother die in an ambulance, and the last place I want to be is in the back of one of them.” Her hands don’t lose their grip as we start walking to my car. I unlock it, get her inside, and then run around to mine before I start the car and drive.