Page 85 of Double Bucked

I draw a single fingertip over the tops of the books but come to a stop at a familiar one.

I tilt the spine.

“The Sacred Stallion. Volume one. I used to love these books.”

“Focus, Everett.”

When I pull the book out, my knuckle hits the side of the shelf, and the board shifts. It’s loose. I press the board aside and find a secret compartment inside. There’s a small stash of journals in here. I pull one out and open it. Her diary. All her secret, private thoughts jotted down for my eyes only.

I pocket the book. “I have all I need.”

28

CLAIRE

Now.

The fireplace crackles and pops.

I watch James?—

No.

Everett.

Fuck. My head spins. I have to close my eyes. I take in a breath. Count to three. Exhale.

When I open my eyes again, those blue are watching me.

“I was hired to protect you,” Everett continues. “The men who killed your father tried to kidnap you tonight. And they’ll try again.”

“Why?”

“Your father was in debt to a criminal organization. They call themselves Oculus. Does that mean anything to you?”

I shake my head.

“Well, you mean something to them. They have a bounty out for you. Your father hired me to keep you safe. Now you know as much as I do.”

I’m numb. My entire body is numb.

Everett’s dark eyes rest on mine. “This group is professional and dangerous. They won’t stop until they have you. In Paris, we were safe. I could hide you. But here…they have the upper hand. They know everything about us, and we still know very little about them. They could be anywhere. Anyone.”

I stare out the window. The tall grass ripples like water. Fireflies glow brightly, fade, and then blink awake. Everything outside is dark and silent, and there’s a lovely, peaceful calm to it.

I close my eyes. I take in a breath, inhaling it all.

Daddy, what have you done?

I do the math.

Your fiancé does not love you. He’s a man who was paid to keep you alive.

Your father does not love you. He put you in danger with a criminal organization.

You cannot trust anyone. They’re liars and con artists.

I shake my head. “No.”

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