Page 113 of Heart of Frost and Scars

I feel eyes on me, making my skin crawl. My shoulders inch up around my ears, my mind in a state of hyperfocus. Glancing around as discreetly as possible, I try to spot anything or anyone unusual, but I see nothing.

Horror grips tighter, constricting my chest. I’m afraid to say anything to Rhett, terrified of what might happen to him. I can’t risk his life.

Drawing a quiet gulp of air into my lungs, I force myself to stay calm and put my phone away. “Did everything go smoothly?”

“Yep. Everyone knew exactly what to do. It’s moments like those when you really appreciate having such a skilled team around you.”

Leo and Kody are my team, and I need them. But I won’t call them back here and put them in the cross-hairs of this…this…I know exactly what it is.

Not all wounds bleed. Not all scars show. Some live beneath bones, cold and alone. In the chambers of frost, pain is my art.

Denver’s riddle isn’t an empty threat.

“Assembling the right people is one of your strengths.” I force a smile onto my face. “Tell me more about this new cardiac program you’re implementing.”

“It’s incredible.” His eyes light up. “We have some of the best minds working on it. The goal is to reduce recovery times and improve overall patient outcomes. It’s going to revolutionize how we handle cardiac care.”

As he talks, I nod and maintain my smile, but my mind is elsewhere. Every fiber of my being crawls with dread, every shadow and sound taking on a sinister edge.

I keep glancing around, looking for any sign of the person who sent those texts. The security guards stand closer now, their eyes scanning the area.

Rhett doesn’t notice my distraction, too caught up in his passionate explanation. I’m grateful for that. The last thing I want is to put him in danger.

I listen to his words, but they barely register. My thoughts race, trying to figure out who could be behind this.

“Frankie, are you sure you’re okay?” He breaks through my spiraling thoughts.

“Yeah.” I blink, realizing I’ve been staring blankly at him. “Yep. Sorry. Just a little tired.” I hope my smile looks convincing.

“It’s okay. I understand.” He reaches over and gives my hand a reassuring squeeze. “You’ve been through so much.”

He has no idea.

His touch is comforting, though. Different from Doyle’s. I don’t know why. Maybe because I’ve known Rhett longer.

Or maybe because I know he would put the moves on Monty before he would ever cross the line with me.

I squeeze his hand back, grateful he’s here, but I know I have to be careful.

We continue talking, or rather, he continues talking while I do my best to stay engaged.

My phone remains silent, but the threat remains.

I’m being watched.

Someone is out there, waiting for me to make a mistake.

“I should get going.” Rhett checks his watch and sighs. “Duty calls.”

Going? And leave me here alone with two guards I don’t know?

I can’t bear it.

“Don’t go yet.” I lurch forward, clutching my throat, barely stopping a cry from shrieking free. “I mean…if you can stay, please stay.”

24

Kodiak

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