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

of a full

જેમાં

along the chain. It was coolto

the box then held it out for me. As it dangled, I saw that the moon was something like a

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

phone. I can come

and beautiful gift. “Thank you so much, Julian.

get the message?”

smile wavered. For a half- second, I could have sworn I saw a flash of hurt in his eyes. But between

gone.

didn’t mean

it up so it goes to him too. The more the

saving you.”

was acting strangely

be. Even if Julian worried about me, which he must have to give me such a gift, that did not mean that he wanted me

Yet…

Julian. I mean

and we continued on, both pretending everything was

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

I couldn’t

gown with the high collar. I draped my new

neck. The gold glistened against the

kissed Elva

for your Nanny and Mark,”

she promised,

that she shouldn’t

to

+15 BONUS

anything, Piper,” Mark said.

“Thank you, Mark.”

other candidates. A line of black sedans

was down to the last

stairs, likely to wait for his own car. When he saw me,

his lip curled

He looked angry. Or

Or both.

I could even think to

me closer to the house, away from

you wearing?” he asked, voice low and growly. He dragged his gaze down my front. His

openly at my

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