Chapter 0262

During a mental self–defense lesson, Julian tried to instruct me on the best way to evade answering

Terry’s invasive questions.

“He’ll goad you,” Julian said. “You just have to keep your head. If all else fails, just don’t say a word. He

can’t twist your words if you don’t give him any to twist.”

As the lesson went on, I started to notice something was off with Julian. He didn’t smile as much as he

had in the past. A line was often seen splitting his brow.

I stopped him near the end of the lesson. I couldn’t wait any more before asking, “Are you okay?”

He opened his mouth. Closed it. Blinked a few times. “What makes you ask?”

“You seem… different. Like something’s bothering you.”

He laughed a little, but it sounded nervous. “Can’t a guy have some nerves before a big operation? This

event could make our break our entire case against the underground organization.”

I shrugged. “It’s not like you to show your nerves. Usually you play it off.”

“Yeah, well, I guess there’s more to lose this time than usual.”

I tilted my head, confused. “What do you mean?”

He sighed. “Come on, Piper. Is it so hard to believe that I’m actually worried about you and Elva?”

The words startled me. “You… are worried… about me?”

“And Elva,” he said.

It was hard to believe. I never bought into the idea Julian often pushed of himself, that he cared for no one but himself. But to hear him say he was actually worried for Elva and I… And to see it in the lines of his face, and the slight tremble of his voice…

I couldn’t help but be taken aback.

Thave something for you,” he said, and reached into the bag he had at his side. From it, he produced a

all velvet box, He handed it to me. “It might help us both.”

open the box. Inside was a beautiful golden necklace, a pendant on a chain. The pendant was

a

જેમાં

my finger along the chain.

then held it out for me. As it dangled,

in trouble, all you have

be pinged to my phone. I can come rescue you, no

gift. “Thank you so much, Julian.

get the message?”

smile wavered. For a half- second, I could have sworn I saw a flash

gone.

I didn’t mean

so it goes to him

saving you.”

strangely now. Talking too

Even if Julian worried about me, which he

Yet…

you, Julian. I mean

nodded, and we continued on, both pretending everything

in my closet trying to pick out my dress. I held up the dress that fit me like

I couldn’t possibly wear

for the modest black gown with the high collar.

gold glistened

I kissed Elva

Nanny and

will she

shouldn’t go anywhere near Terry’s

behind to guard

+15 BONUS

anything, Piper,” Mark

“Thank you, Mark.”

line of black sedans circled down the driveway. Each car stopped and a different candidate would

the last three of

the stairs, likely to wait for his own car. When

curled

swallowed hard. He looked angry. Or

Or both.

me before I could even think to move. He grabbed me by

closer to the house,

he asked, voice low and growly. He dragged his gaze down

openly

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