Page 132 of Fake Game

“I need you to keep acting normal. The closer I get to the head of the snake, the more likely it is to retreat. We don’t want to tip them off.”

“You want us to do nothing? Fuck that,” I bite out.

She must be joking. Does she expect me to sit here and listen to how the Deer Hunters are a much larger threat than I ever imagined and then just go about my daily life? As if my girl’s life isn’t in danger?

Yeah, right.

“I contemplated not even telling you.” Phoebe’s eyes cool as they slide back to me.

“Her life is in danger, Phoebe,” I growl.

“And this apartment complex is well fortified; my little brother made it so. Plus, we’re adding extra security personnel downstairs.”

“You want to keep her trapped in the building until this is dealt with? She’s not fucking Rapunzel.”

“I mean, she’s the stubborn one who is determined to keep her identity a secret.”

“Don’t put this back on her.”

The corner of her mouth kicks up in a smile. “You really like her, don’t you?”

“Of course, I do.”

She nods her head, that smile widening. “Cute.”

“God, you Covingtons are all the same.”

Phoebe moves forward and perches on the edge of the coffee table, crossing her legs at her ankles and leveling with us. “Look.This is messy as fuck, and I have other things my time would be better spent on. But I’m doing you a favor because that little knobhead over there is one of two people in this world I can’t say no to.”

Parker blows her a kiss.

“I’m handling it, and I’ll work with Sydney to make sure things stay clean, but I came here to warn you to be extra vigilant. I know you can’t keep her locked in this building—although I wouldn’t be surprised if she did that willingly, looking at her track record—so just stick with her and help her through it.”

“You don’t have to tell me twice.”

“Good.” She stands up and makes her way to the bar cart opposite the kitchen and pulls out a bottle of whiskey, pouring herself a good three fingers.

“Hey,” Aleks shoots up. “That’s my good stuff.”

“That’s why I’m drinking it.” She takes a sip. “Ah, that hits the spot.”

My phone buzzes.

DEER:I’ve thought it over

DEER:i wouldn’t mind some room service brownies

DEER:preferably chocolate-raspberry flavored

DEER:<3 <3 <3

I’ll protect this woman at any cost.

THIRTY-SIX

DEER

Ipass by an open door and peer in.

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