I sink to my knees at the curb as his words replay.
It hurts like a knife burrowing into my chest. I can’t stop it. I can’t fight him.
Let’s play a game, he told me. First to give in loses.
I lost, Caleb. My heart folded first. I thought it might be the kiss, but that… that was just the beginning.
I find a text from Claire from the middle of the night.
Claire: Call me.
And when I didn’t respond, she sent another.
Claire: I realized where I recognized Caleb from. He was talking to our foster parents before they got rid of us.
I shudder. The betrayal digs deeper. This isn’t a new thing for Caleb… he’s done this before. He’s unwound my life, piece by piece.
Has Caleb ever let me out of his memory? Or is he responsible for every single transition, every bully, every fucking family that’s passed me along?
His fucked-up games didn’t start when I got back to Emery-Rose.
No, they started the minute I left.
I get a new text—this one from Unknown. I almost drop my phone. Even they couldn’t have predicted Caleb’s tricks. His betrayal. He’s single-handedly ruined the best home I’ve ever known.
Unknown: Run away, little sheep.
Way ahead of you, Unknown.
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THE END… FOR NOW.
The story continues in Wicked Games. Preorder now!
Want to know what Caleb was up to the day of the masquerade ball? Find out in an exclusive bonus scene, which you can download here!
Also by S. Massery
Fallen Royals Series (Dark High School Bully Romance)
Wicked Dreams
Wicked Games
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Broken Mercenaries Series (Romantic Suspense)
Blood Sky
Angel of Death
Morning Star
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Something Special Series (Contemporary Romance)
Something Special
Something Sacred
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For more information, please visit my website,
http://www.smassery.com/books
Acknowledgments
I need to say the BIGGEST thank you to my friend and first reader, Kylie. Girl, I don’t think I would’ve had the courage to write this crazy story if not for you!
Rebecca, thank you for always being willing to try new things—like when I experiment with writing fun new stories like this. Oh, and thanks for not getting mad when I never give you any of the answers to the questions you ask.
Erica, I love our book and music conversations, and I SO appreciate your insight when you drop everything to beta read for me.
To my pen pal, who I’ll keep anonymous (you know who you are). We won’t forget your baby girl.
To the early readers who devoured this story so quickly: thank you for settling my nerves and posting amazing reviews. I love this story, and I’m SO glad that you did, as well. And I’m so sorry about that ending. (Except… not really!) And thank you to you, my dear reader. I appreciate you taking a chance on this story and me. I write to soothe my soul, but I also write for you.
Other lovely people who I would be lost without: Emmy at Studio ENP and Paige Sayer Proofreading for polishing this baby. Elle Thorpe for invaluable advice on all things book related (and some not book related). Tiffany for all of your help preparing for release day and beyond.
And to Alice: you’ve put up with many hours of me ignoring you to write or edit or make graphics. You, my favorite puppy dog, are the real champion.
Xoxo,
Sara
About the Author
S. Massery is a romance author of varying subgenres. She lives in Western Massachusetts with her dog, Alice.
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