Page 2 of True Hearts

“Nothing. Really, pay no attention to me. I’ve lost my mind since my board assigned me a protection detail. It’s fuck- screwing with my head.” I shrink down. “Since I’m never seen with a woman other than my sister, you’re the perfect cover. Can you get me to the other door?” I point to the exit opposite of us. “If you do, I’ll be in your debt forever.”

She looks over my shoulder to where I left the guard. “Only if you tell me about my ring.”

“Done.”

She hands me her scarf. “Put this over your head.”

I do as I’m told, crouching low so as to avoid being an easy target for the guards. We make our way to the exit and then pop out, turning down the side street. I pick up the pace with Luna nearly jogging in her spindly heels. Deciding she might break her ankle, I pick her up in my arms and start running even faster. We probably look ridiculous, me wearing her silk scarf and my navy wool suit, her clutching my neck, but fuck if I haven’t felt this free in forever.

ChapterTwo

LUNA

What the hell am I doing? When Graham almost runs into someone on a bike, I let out a scream and bury my face in his neck.

“Do you have any idea where you’re going?” I ask when I feel him start moving even quicker. I should probably tell him to put me down, but it’s the most excitement I’ve felt in a long time, so I keep my mouth shut.

“Hasn’t come to me yet.” His hold on me tightens. I keep my arms laced around his neck, and this time he’s sidestepping a person walking three dogs, almost getting caught up on one of the leashes but manages to get by.

“A left on 22nd,” I tell him. “My building is the first on the right.” Graham follows my direction. When we draw close enough to my building so the doorman can see my face, I say, “Open, Henry.”

His eyes widen for a moment, but he quickly opens the door for us. Graham hurries inside and toward the elevator. I hit the button, and it thankfully slides open.

Quickly I push the button to my floor. As the door slides closed, I see the men dressed all in black go running by.

“Tell me that wasn’t the FBI.” They appeared very professional.

“They might be retired FBI.”

“Right.” I bark a laugh but press my lips together knowing it’s not the sweet laugh a lady should have. Graham smiles down at me. How is he not out of breath? “I think I can walk from here.”

“But we’ve already come this far. Besides, those heels look painful.” I wiggle my toes inside of them. He’s not wrong. The door slides open.

“Third door on the left.” Graham steps off, carrying me to my door. I wiggle, and he finally sets me down on my feet so I can dig my key out. “My place is tiny, so—” I shrug, giving him fair warning. Michael hates it. He won’t even pick me up himself. He doesn’t want to be seen coming and going from here, so he sends a car instead.

“It's quaint,” Graham says, following me right in. I slip my heels off.

“You don’t have to lie.” I know the place isn’t great, but it’s mine. It's the first place I've ever called my own. I don’t have to share a bedroom, and it’s in a safe neighborhood with a doorman. One I adore and who always has the best gossip. I’m safe here.

“It is charming.” Graham walks over to the long dresser below my television, picking up one of the many picture frames I have displayed. They’re all of Frankie, Nat, and me. They have been my best friends since college.

“I mean, I’m sure you find it strange. My bedroom is in the living room, and the one bedroom I have I use as my closet.”

“It’s smart.” I know he’s only trying to be kind. I just saved him from ex-FBI agents, so he’s just returning the favor.

“So the men are following you?”

“Bodyguards.”

“Four?” I ask, surprised that he needs such high-level protection. Who exactly is this stranger that I helped escape?

“Believe me, I know it looks ridiculous. I’ve gotten some hate lately.” He turns the picture around to show me. “That’s Frankie?”

“Yeah.” How does he know that? I was surprised he knew who I was. He said he saw me at the Orchard Charity Gala. I don’t recall seeing him. I would have remembered. He is far too handsome to forget. Then again, when I’m at those events, I have to be on with full smiles, and they tend to blend together. “What did you say your last name was again?”

"Dassault." Suddenly, it dawns on me that he's the man who gifted his one-year-old nephew a sports car. "I'm also good friends with Dylan Wolfson."

“Oh my God.” How did I not put that together?

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