Chapter 0241

Elva immediately perked upon seeing him. “Jul–an! Teach me the trick again.”

“She’s been practicing,” I said softly to Julian, like a secret.

“Then maybe you should show me.” Julian withdrew a quarter from his pocket and handed it to Elva.

I let go of her hand so she could move, though I placed my hand on the top of her head instead. I wasn’t

going to let Elva out of my sight tonight, or likely any other night. Not until Jane was caught and the

organization brought down.

“Okay. Watch!” Elva held out the coin like Nicholas had taught her. Then with a flick of her wrist, the coin

clattered down onto the floor. “Oh!” Elva bent and picked it up.

“An excellent attempt!” Julian said and clapped. “You’ll be a little thief–ah, that is, a little magician in

now time.”

I scowled at him for the slip of the tongue.

Elva beamed at the praise. She held out the quarter to give back to him.

“You keep it, Elva. Keep practicing, okay?”

did just that, pausing only when I made her

the

at me. “Well. Ready for

I was ready to earn that money for

candidate and benefactor was assigned their own

avoid any overlap. They worked as

each other.

benefactors with an unexpected joke and an easy smile. Elva won the hearts of the rest. She insisted on showing her

limited success, to everyone we

older benefactor to her

ear and whispered, “See,

my eyes, since I was being watched, but it was a near

hour with Julian, I had one confirmed commitment to my

felt like a

I’m afraid this is where we must part.” Julian took my hand, lifted

knuckles.

He had to be teasing. But his lips lingered at my skin for a half–second longer than needed. When he pulled away, he didn’t

patted her lightly on

“Thanks, Jul–an!”

immeasurable for the hour I had him, though I knew eventually I would have to go it alone. I didn’t mind all that much. I was determined to garner as

could.

across the ballroom,

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255