Page 91 of Guarded from Danger

In a conciliatory tone, I start, “You know, I think we’ve talked about me enough. I really want to hear about you. Ethan. Work. Your classes at the gym.”

“You have it so good, and you don’t even appreciate it.” Scowling now, she glares at me. “Perfect Lucy, who has everything just handed to her.”

“It’s not?—”

“Itis,” she snaps. “No matter what happens, you always come out on top. I mean, look at you. You’re kidnapped and your freaking Army bodyguard comes to rescue you. Falls in love with you. Anyone else would have been stuck there. But not Lucy. Everything always works out for you. And it’snot fair.”

Oh.

It feels like I’ve been kicked in the chest.

Tears press against the backs of my eyes.

How could she say that?

“I’m going to leave.” Swallowing hard, I reach for my purse. “This is obviously a bad time—” I fumble for my phone, about to text Xavier to come pick me up, my eyes downcast so I don’t have to look at her.

So I don’t have to face Kali after what she just said.

“Put your phone on the coffee table. Now.”

“I’m texting Xavier to come pick me up,” I reply. “I’ll wait outside for him.”

“NO.” It’s hard. Rough. Angry. “Put your phone downright fucking now.”

Then.

A click.

All too familiar.

My head jerks up.

And my heart stops.

There’s a gun. Pointed at me.

Behind it, Kali sneers. “Toss your damn phone on the floor. Right now. Or I’ll shoot you.”

How?

Why?

Nothing makes sense.

“NOW! Or I will fucking shoot you.” Her voice rises. “Don’t test me!”

Everything zooms in to her finger on the trigger. Tightening.

With a yelp of fright, I toss the phone on the floor.

My heart slams so hard I’m afraid it might burst. “Why?” I croak out. “I don’t under?—”

“Fucking perfect Lucy,” she snarls, her eyes filled with hate. “I’m so fucking sick of it. Sick of you.”

Oh, God. Has she gone crazy?

“Kali—”

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