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 full

જેમાં

raced my finger along the chain. It was coolto

over, plucked the necklace out of the box then held it out for me. As it dangled, I saw that the moon was something like a button that could be

are in trouble, all you have to do is press the

location will be pinged to my phone. I can come

a thoughtful and beautiful gift. “Thank you so

get the message?”

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

gone.

didn’t

it goes to him too. The more the

saving you.”

strangely now.

worried about me, which he must have to give me such a gift, that did not

Yet…

you, Julian. I mean

on, both pretending everything was

out my dress. I held up the dress that fit me like a circus tent. This was the

fashion, I

I reached for the modest black gown with the high collar.

The gold glistened against the

I kissed

good for your Nanny and

she promised,

sake that she shouldn’t go anywhere

to guard

+15 BONUS

Piper,” Mark said. “We’ll be

“Thank you, Mark.”

met with the other candidates. A line of black sedans circled

it was down to the last three of us, Nicholas exited the

for his own car. When

curled up into

swallowed hard. He looked angry. Or

Or both.

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

pulled me closer to the house, away from

are you wearing?” he asked, voice low and growly. He dragged his

openly at my

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