Page 38 of Be Very Quiet

“You are not setting yourself up to lure him out,” Luca growled. “Just forget that right now.”

“We will find him,” Reese stated firmly. “You listen to Luca, Audria, and Christian and do as they say.”

Liliana had been independent for a long time. It was hard to cede control of her life to someone else. She wasn’t stupid or foolish enough to think she could handle Rader herself. Still, it stung that they treated her like her voice didn’t matter.

“The view is amazing,” Audria stated, obviously changing the subject. “What a beautiful place to live.”

Though the setting sun was behind them, it painted the sky in brilliant shades of orange, purple, and red. The waves surged and retreated in a hypnotic rhythm. People were strolling along the shore, some holding hands, others walking dogs. Young kids were splashing in the water while others built sandcastles. A group of teens were huddled in a circle.

Pop, pop, pop.

Before Liliana knew what was happening, she was lying on the palm tree print rug beneath Bertie Wells’s table with Luca on top of her. Christian, Audria, and Reese had all drawn their guns and were crouched down, searching the beach.

“Fireworks,” she gritted out.

Luca lifted some of his bulk off her, and she could breathe again.

“What did you say?”

“Firecrackers. I saw the teens lighting them up.”

“Isn’t that illegal?” Audria posed as Luca helped Liliana to her feet.

“I think so unless it’s the Fourth of July, New Year’s Eve, or New Year’s Day.”

They watched as an adult approached the group of teens. One nudged the other, and they took off running.

“That was my cue,” Reese said. “I need to get these items back to the mobile lab.” He reached into a pocket and handed everyone a card. “If you receive any more packages or if you need anything from me, give me a call. Audria, walk me out.”

He shook hands with everyone and then left with Audria.

“Did I hurt you?”

Liliana turned to see Luca frowning at her. She’d been rubbing her arm without realizing it. “I banged my elbow. No biggie.”

He lifted her arm and inspected the damage. “Damn,” he muttered as his thumb rubbed over the red area. “I’m sorry.”

“It wasn’t your fault. You were busy protecting me.”

“From pyrotechnics.”

She smiled, and he did too. Their eyes caught, held. The moment stretched out until Christian casually cleared his throat. Luca dropped her arm and stepped back.

“Since Rader knows where you live, we will stay in this condo. Christian and Audria will take turns sleeping at your place. Not that he could get to you, but it’s just precautionary.”

Liliana hated to leave her home, but she trusted him. “If you think that’s for the best. What?”

“I didn’t think it would be that easy. I expected you to put up a fight.”

She pursed her lips. “I’m trying to be more accommodating.”

He laughed, and the change in his face mesmerized her. Gone were the serious eyes and frown lines. He looked considerably younger . . . like the man she’d known all those years ago.

“Liliana?”

“Hum?”

“I asked if you wanted to grab a few things.”

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