Page 112 of Heart of Frost and Scars

Unknown Number: Who am I? I think you know. We share the same heart of frost and scars.

Panic surges. My mind races. Who the fuck could it be? An ex-boyfriend? Monty? Doyle? Sirena? One of Rurik’s enemies? Someone who knew Denver?

Every creak and rustle amplify around me. Shadows twist and loom, transforming familiar corners of the yacht into menacing hiding spots.

An intruder couldn’t be on the boat. Not without the guards knowing. But dozens of other ships bob around me. Boats with darkened windows and shaded alcoves. Perfect for concealment.

Across the dock, buildings border the shoreline, the sunlight reflecting off their glass panes, making it impossible to see inside. But with a pair of binoculars, someone could see me.

If it’s Monty, he doesn’t need to see. He already knows what I’m doing and who I’m with.

My chest gives a sharp pang.

“You’re freaking out,” Rhett says.

“Nope. I just need to deal with this text. Keep talking. I can listen while typing.”

He continues the graphic recount of his surgery while I quickly send a text to Leo and Kody.

Me: Is Monty on his phone?

Leo: Yes. Why? What’s wrong?

My pulse pounds in my ears as I bite down on my tongue, trying to think of a plausible response without alarming him.

Me: I don’t want him ignoring you.

Leo: We don’t need a babysitter, love. You sure you’re okay?

Me: All good. Just be careful, okay?

Leo: Always

Ice shivers down my spine, raising the hairs on my nape. Did Leo check the yacht for cameras this morning? Is Monty watching me on his phone? Or could someone else have planted cameras here?

A quick scan of the area tells me nothing.

Denver hid cameras in my house, and I never noticed them.

“I had to carefully clamp the aorta and make a precise incision to remove the damaged section.” Rhett drops his head back, exhaling. “Talk about stressful.”

“How did you stay calm through it?” My hands shake, slick with sweat, as I reply to the unknown number.

Me: Tell me who this is.

“It’s all about focus,” he says. “You tune out everything else. The room, the noise, even your own heartbeat. It’s just you and the task at hand.”

I hit send and receive an instant response.

Message Not Delivered. The phone number you are trying to reach has been disconnected or is no longer in service.

It takes me a second to process.

They cut communication. There’s no way to contact them. Probably an untraceable number.

Would Leo have noticed Monty using a different phone?

Is someone still watching?

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