Page 80 of Lethal Danger

But after that moment, Hawthorne had cleared all trace of grimness from his face. He’d soon returned to his normal self, even cracking jokes under his breath to Jazz whenever the Best Life tour guide praised any aspect of the cult or commune.

They slowed as they came to a large window cut into the wall.

“If you’ll all stop here, I’d like to show you an important part of our history.” Lavinia held up a hand to signal they should halt.

The group formed a loose half-circle around the window as they peered in.

Equipment stood in a room on the other side of the glass. Looked like factory style conveyor belts, as well as microscopes and vials on tables. Did a scientist work there?

“This very laboratory is where our founder, Desmond Patch, created the first product that made our community sustainable and has brought radical change to many lives.”

“Radical is right.” Hawthorne leaned close to murmur the words in Jazz’s ear.

She pressed her fingers to her mouth to squelch the chuckle that wanted to escape.

“You may know of our line of Best Life supplements and life-enhancing products.” Lavinia scanned her audience with a smile.

“Because life is worthless without enhancements.” He put his hand lightly on Jazz’s back this time as he whispered.

She choked back a laugh, even as a marvelous shiver curled up her spine at his touch.

“Well, the first of those bestselling products, the Best Life Booster—a supplement that has revolutionized many lives—was created right here. We keep this room as it was then to remind us of our history and of why we’re able to live the fullest, best lives we have now. Because of the success of these products, which have helped change the world, we in the Best Life community no longer worry about worldly concerns like providing for our families. We are fully supported by the meaningful Best Life products so that we are able to focus solely on bettering ourselves and pursuing spiritual peace with the universe.”

“I’m sure the universe is thrilled about that.” Hawthorne’s breath tickled Jazz’s ear, and a giggle escaped before she could stop it.

Lavinia and a few other people glanced her way, but they smiled. Knowing smiles that seemed to suggest they thought she and Hawthorne were deeply in love and having a romantic moment.

Perfect. Jazz slid her hand down Hawthorne’s arm and found his hand. She entwined her fingers with his as some people asked questions.

Did he stiffen?

She glanced up at him.

If he had been looking at her, he wasn’t now. But some people were watching them. Which might be why he put on a smile that appeared a little forced.

Maybe she shouldn’t have taken his hand. Everyone was watching. Seemed like a good idea to sell their cover, especially after her giggle.

He didn’t pull his hand away as they started forward, and his fingers relaxed, fitted perfectly between hers. His grip was strong, gentle, and warm. She could get used to it way too easily. Get used to being his girl for real. To being a couple.

“And here is where you’ll find the heart of our community.” Lavinia led them through glass doors into the outdoor portion they’d seen on the map, surrounded on four sides by the massive Best Life building.

Though this section of the commune had looked like a small square on the map, it was huge. A paved path curved through beautifully landscaped grounds and gardens that provided the foreground for many houses.

At least they looked like houses, but Lavinia explained they were multiple dwellings, divided into comfortable condos for families and apartments for single community members.

Despite being nestled in the attractive landscaping, the houses looked so identical and plain that they reminded her of rabbit hutches. Jazz leaned closer to whisper her thoughts to Hawthorne, but he slipped his hand away.

She glanced at his face, trying to squelch the sting of the connection ending. Good grief. He wasn’t her boyfriend. They were only playacting.

But he wasn’t looking at her at all. His gaze appeared to lock on one of the gray houses they were passing, set back from the main path.

He leaned closer to Jazz, his fingers lightly brushing her lower back and sending a jolt of electricity down to her toes. “This is her.”

Her? Oh. Sam’s mother. The reason Hawthorne is here, dummy.

She gave him a nod, trying to pretend like the simple closeness and touch from this man hadn’t made her lose basic brain function.

“Cover for me?” His teal eyes found hers for a second.

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