Page 10 of The Ex-cavenger Hunt

“Personal guide, huh?” She raises an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in her voice. “And what’s the catch? You’re just a Good Samaritan helping a girl out when you hate her soon-to-be brother-in-law?”

I lean back in my chair, a playful smirk tugging at the corners of my mouth. “Something like that,” I reply, my voice teasing. “Consider me invested in your story and the bonus is that it gives me the opportunity to leave the wedding frenzy behind. Also, I could possibly be the patron saint of the Lonely-Hearts Club, if you will.”

Lily studies me for a long moment, her eyes searching mine. I can see the wheels turning in her head, weighing the pros and cons of accepting my offer. Part of me wants to reach out and take her hand, to reassure her that I’m here for her, no matter what. But I hold back, not wanting to overstep. My fingers twitch with the urge to touch her, but I keep them firmly clasped in my lap.

Zoe waves her phone in the air. “I don’t see your names on here,” she says, her voice laced with doubt.

Max shakes his head, his lips pressing together in a thin line. “It’d be like putting targets on our foreheads. If you don’t want our help, that’s okay.” His tone is matter-of-fact, but I can hear the underlying frustration in his words.

Like me, he’s not a fan of Dominique. We tolerate him at best, but if there’s something I’ve learned after all these years it’s that my brother doesn’t matter. I have best friends who are more like my family than my own.

I pull out my wallet and hand Lily my ID, my heart pounding in my chest. “This is me. You won’t find me on social media, but this might help.” I try to keep my voice steady, but I can hear the slight tremor in my words.

Lily takes the ID, her fingers brushing against mine in a fleeting touch that sends a jolt of electricity through my body. She studies the information, her brow furrowed in concentration. “How about a driver’s license?” she asks, her eyes flicking up to meet mine.

Zoe snatches the ID from Lily’s hand, her eyes narrowing as she examines it closely. “What’s your position?” she demands, her voice sharp.

Max clears his throat, his posture straightened. “We own the company—we’re former SEALs. As I said, you’re in safe hands.” His voice is confident, but I can see the tension in his shoulders.

I shoot him a glare, my jaw clenching. “Do you have to disclose that much information?” I growl, my voice low and irritated.

Max meets my gaze, his eyes unwavering. “If we want to make this work, of course I do,” he states, his tone leaving no room for argument.

I sigh, running a hand through my hair in frustration. He’s right, of course. If we want Lily to trust us and let me go with her, we need to be transparent. But the thought of revealing so much about myself makes my stomach churn with unease. I can feel the tension building in my shoulders, the familiar tightness that comes with the prospect of opening up to someone new.

Lily watches the exchange, her eyes flickering between us with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. I can see the indecision in her face, the way she worries her bottom lip between her teeth. “What’s your ulterior motive?” she asks again, her voice tinged with suspicion.

I open my mouth to respond, but she cuts me off with a wave of her hand. “Cut the bullshit,” she interrupts me, her eyes flashing with annoyance. “This, what you’re offering me, is not normal. Why should I go along it?”

Chapter Six

Ethan

“You’re right, it’s not normal but I might be your best chance to succeed in this hunt,” I tell her, hoping that’s enough.

Lily laughs. “You think too highly of yourself. I just don’t buy it.”

Max leans back in his chair, his lips curling into a smirk. “Just tell her,” he says, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “I mean, you know she’s having some kind of mid-life crisis at . . . what are you, honey, twenty-three?”

Lily’s eyes narrow, and she sits up straighter, her shoulders tensing. “I’m not your honey,” she says defensively, her voice sharp. “And why do you care about my age?”

Max holds up his hands in mock surrender, his eyebrows raised. “Touchy,” he mocks her, his voice filled with amusement.

I shoot him a glare, my jaw clenching. “Cut it out, Max,” I warn him, my voice low and serious. “I’m trying to seal this deal.”

Lily crosses her arms, setting them on the table and leaning over, pushing her pretty tits up and distracting the fuck out of me. I try to keep my eyes on her face, but it’s a struggle. “I get to rehash my past and maybe find my soulmate, but what do you get in exchange from this?” she asks, her voice filled with genuine curiosity.

I hesitate, not wanting to reveal too much. But the look on her face tells me that she won’t accept anything less than the truth. “I already told you. I need to avoid my family,” I say, my voice quiet. “My parents will be here soon, and they plan on staying at my place. I can’t stand to be around them for that long.”

The sisters exchange a look, their faces conveying their incredulous thoughts. I can tell that I haven’t done enough, that they need more.

I take a deep breath, steeling myself for what I’m about to say. Not so happy about it, I tell them about my parents. My version, not Dominique’s—not that I know what my brother says about them though. How we don’t see eye to eye and having them so close to me for so long will be unproductive. It’s a vague explanation, but it’s all I can bring myself to share at the moment.

“So you just want to avoid the Mongomery clan,” Lily repeats.

My gaze locks with Lily’s as I nod. “So, can we help each other?” I ask, my voice hopeful.

Lily studies me for a moment, her lips pursed in thought. Finally, she nods, a small smile playing at the corners of her mouth. “Alright, Ethan Montgomery, you’ve got yourself a deal,” she says, extending her hand across the table. “But let’s get one thing straight: this is my mission, and I’m in charge of the playlist.”

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