Page 153 of Dare To Live

I search his face. Sadness has carved grooves into the lines of his face. “I can’t believe you’ve blamed yourself for what happened to Kellan all this time.”

“If Evan hadn’t taken me, he wouldn’t have ended up at the chapel.”

“Evan would have got him there, no matter what.”

He sighs. “Ivan said that, too.”

I reach for his hand and curl my fingers around it. “It wasn’t your fault.”

“I can’t stop thinking about Evan’s accomplice being with us this week. I was looking at everyone during breakfast, wondering if they were the one.”

“I know exactly what you mean.”

Miles squeezes my hand gently before letting it go. “It has to be hard on Eli.”

I redirect my focus to the dress on the table. “He’s not happy.”

“You’re going to make sure he doesn’t do anything foolish, right, Bella?”

“I’ll be keeping an eye on him.” I run my fingers over the material as my thoughts race.

Is he worried we’re going to flush out Evan Ridley’s accomplice?

I know Ivan and Garrett are against the idea. Haven’t they figured out yet that Eli isn’t going to let it go without a fight?

Miles plucks up a silver spool of thread off the table and rolls it around between his hands. “Distract him with all the sex. If it comes to it, you could tie him up.”

“That’s an idea.”

“I’m sure you’d get a kick out of having him completely at your mercy.”

My thoughts return to what Brad said last night.

“Brad mentioned how Evan used to manipulate them. That he wanted Eli to fall in love with Lacy. Do you think they’re still stuck in a loop of playing his game?”

The spool of thread Miles is playing with stills. “You think they’re in contact with him?”

“Jace said he received a letter from Evan, but he didn’t reply. There’s nothing stopping him from reaching out to the others he has in his circle. Did you get one?”

Miles looks at me like I’m crazy. “Hell no. I would burn it without even reading it if that psycho ever tried to contact me. Besides, you’d be the first person I’d tell if that ever happened.”

A little of the tension I’ve been carrying eases. “I’m going to get working on my dress. You don’t have to hang around with me. I have so much to do.”

“I don’t mind. And I don’t have anything else to do.” The spool of thread starts moving restlessly between his hands again. “So, you’re stuck with me for the day.”

He doesn’t meet my eyes. “What’s really going on?”

“Garrett and I are worried about you.”

“And you’re here to what? Keep me safe?”

His gaze finally raises to mine. “Garrett is keeping an eye on Eli.”

“Miles—”

“Last night left me paranoid, okay?” he snaps. “I don’t think any of us should be left alone right now.”

My irritation fades. “If you’re staying, I’m putting you to work.”

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