Page 29 of Emerald

“Maybe he signed something saying no fraternizing?” I add.

“You think? Or he’s not into me.”

“That kiss said otherwise.”

“It was a good kiss. Underneath all the nerd is a man who knows what he’s doing.” She sighs.

“Then why have you not done anything more?” I ask her.

“I’m respecting his boundaries, and I feel rejected. I’m going to die alone.” She fake sobs.

I shake my head at her dramatics. “Why don’t you ask Tomas or Mateo to take you into town to go clubbing?”

“They aren’t going to leave Zoe while she’s pregnant.” She moans.

“I’d say ask Sophie and Brooks, but they are away.”

“I’m stuck here on top of a mountain and the only single male isn’t interested.”

“Why don’t you get off the island and head to Barcelona while everyone is away.”

“Oh my god, you’re brilliant,” she squeals.

“Go get laid either by Damon or someone else. Because we are going to need you when I bring Pearl back,” I tell her.

“You be careful.”

“Kenzie, you know who I am.”

“I know you’re a badass and could probably take down the entire world with your pinky finger. But you’re my sister and I care about you. It’s the same thing I said to Sophie when she left, and I’m saying it to you. Stay Safe. And I am here for you,” she tells me seriously.

Aw. I’ve never had anyone look out for me because they cared not because they needed something from me.

“I promise you. I will be careful and won’t do anything stupid,” I say, reassuring her.

“Good. Now go take the day to relax before you start being a badass. You can have one day to decompress,” she says before saying goodbye.

Maybe she’s right. An hour in the pool getting my head on straight isn’t going to affect the mission.

I need a game plan.

10

NASH

“Who the hell have you sent to me?” I hiss down the phone when Brooks answers it.

Brooks chuckles deeply at me. “Ellie Clark, Sophie’s sister,” he says.

“Put her on,” I command.

“Hey, Nash,” Sophie says cheerily.

“Who is Ellie Clark?” I ask her point blankly.

“She’s a journalist.”

“Not your sister?” I ask her.

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