Page 45 of Love so Hot

This better not be some kind of trap, Willow.

It’s not. I need you to trust me on this.

Trust is running thin.

You disappearing like this isn’t like you.

I know.

Just hang in there a bit longer.

The team is getting restless.

They want action.

I understand.

We’ll find a way that doesn’t endanger lives.

Lives? What about the land, Willow?

Both are important.

We can’t sacrifice one for the other.

Alright. I’ll hold off for now.

But this can’t wait forever.

I know. We’ll talk soon, I promise.

You better.

Clock’s ticking.

I will.

Stay safe, River.

You too.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Willow

I swing openmy closet door, ready to pick out the perfect "stick it to the man" outfit for my first official meeting with Larry. But instead of my carefully curated collection of hemp dresses and tie-dye shirts, I'm greeted by... nothing. Nada. Zip. It's emptier than an oil baron's conscience.

Not even the designer wardrobe he must have spent a fortune on is there.

My heart does a little somersault in my chest. Did I sleepwalk and decide to go full minimalist? No, that's ridiculous. I'm an environmental activist, not a Buddhist monk.

I dash downstairs, my bare feet slapping against the unforgiving floor. Just as I reach the bottom step, the front door swings open, and in walks Larry, looking annoyingly put-together in his crisp suit.

"Larry!" I blurt out, probably sounding more panicked than I'd like. "We've been robbed!"

He raises an eyebrow, looking more amused than concerned. "Oh? And what makes you think that, Willow?"

I wave my arms dramatically, nearly smacking a nearby vase. "My clothes! Your clothes! They're all gone! Poof! Vanished into thin air!"

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