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

along the

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

in trouble, all you have to do is

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

wonderful.” Such a thoughtful and beautiful gift. “Thank you so

get the message?”

giving me the gift, hesitated. His smile wavered. For a half- second, I could have sworn I saw a flash of hurt in

gone.

I didn’t mean

can set it up so it goes to him too. The more the better, anyway. Increase those odds

saving you.”

was acting strangely

couldn’t be. Even if Julian worried about me, which he must have to give me

Yet…

you, Julian. I mean

and we continued on, both pretending

I spent way too long in my closet trying to pick out my dress. I held up the dress that fit me like a circus tent. This was the only one Nicholas approved of. But… it was so bulky

of fashion, I couldn’t possibly wear

the modest black gown with the high collar. I draped

neck. The gold glistened against

kissed

good for your Nanny

will she promised,

for Elva’s sake that she shouldn’t go anywhere near Terry’s mansion. Mark had

to

+15 BONUS

anything, Piper,” Mark said.

“Thank you, Mark.”

driveway, where I met with the other candidates. A line of black sedans circled down the driveway. Each car stopped and a different candidate would

last

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

curled up into a

He looked angry. Or

Or both.

to move. He grabbed me

and pulled me closer to the house, away from the

and growly. He dragged his gaze

openly

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