Page 133 of Holiday Hire

"He says he has a stomach of steel. Wilder bet him he was wrong," Ace claims.

I burst out, "You did this over a bet?"

Evelyn's voice comes across the line. "Are you coming back soon? The doctor said Wilder should be okay since Ace admitted it was only two drops, but he's been in the bathroom for a while."

I shake my head, mouthing "Sorry" to Phoebe.

She shrugs, smiling.

I tell my sister, "We're on our way." I hang up and say, "I'm sorry."

Phoebe lets out a giggle. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't laugh."

"They're both grounded." I kiss her on the forehead and put out the fire. I meet her near the door.

She opens it.

I slam my hand against it and shut it.

She jumps and spins to face me.

I eliminate the distance between us, fist her hair, and tilt her head.

Her eyes light on fire.

I stare at her lips and warn, "You better always be on the lookout when we're back at the house."

"The lookout?"

I nod, dragging a finger over her jawbone.

She shudders.

I warn, "The moment I find a dark corner, I'm dragging you into it."

22

Phoebe

A Week Later

My phone rings. I glance down at it, and my gut dives.

Lance's name glares at me on the screen. It's the fifth time he's called today. He left me drunk messages last night saying horrible things, then babbled about how much he loves me, before he returned to criticizing me.

I'm over his bad behavior. He's gone too far this time. I don't want to deal with him anymore. So, as far as I'm concerned, we're done.

I decide to send the same message I sent a few days ago.

Me: Stop calling me. We're done.

Lance: Don't be ridiculous.

Me: If you keep contacting me, I'll block you.

Lance: Why are you doing this to me, Phoebe?

Me: I'm not talking about this today. Go sleep your alcohol off. I have to go to work. Don't call me again today, or I'm warning you, I will block you.

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