Page 145 of The Broken Note

Grabbing the opportunity, I slip out of Dutch’s arms while he’s distracted and dance back when he tries to swipe at me.

“I’m going to class.”

Dutch leans back, surveying me like a king on his throne. “I’ll pick you up after.”

“Don’t you dare.”

He quirks an eyebrow as if to sayI dare.

And he does.

Dutch walks me to and from classes, sits with me at lunch and repels every living thing at Redwood Prep just by showing up.

After school, he drives me home and I’m stunned when I see Vi climbing out of an unfamiliar car at the same time.

Panic screams through me. Fingers yanking on the handles, I push the door open and throw it aside. My feet slam on the sidewalk.

I’m running, elbows pumping. Heart screaming. Lungs tightening.

The driver could be Jarod Cross, come to get his revenge after finding Jinx’s device.

It could be the killer.

Or even worse.

It could be a boy who wants to date my sister.

Vi sees me. She smiles brightly, eyes sparkling in the sunlight. Her wave is big and enthusiastic.

She’s okay.

But what if this is a warning? What if she’s only okay this time because the driver wants to intimidate me?

I peer into the car, shocked when I see…

“Martina?”

“Have a good evening, señorita. I’m off to my tango lesson.” Unleashing a broad smile, Dutch’s housekeeper waves and drives off.

I hear heavy footsteps behind me.

Dutch.

I whirl around. “What’s going on?”

He watches me, saying nothing.

“Martina said she’ll pick me up from now on. And look. She brought me this drink calledhorchata. It’s delicious. By the way, did you know Martina speaks the ancient language of the Mayas? Dutch, did you know she was part Mayan? She said she’d teach me traditional Mayan makeup for my channel.”

My jaw drops. “Why is Martina picking up my sister from school?”

Dutch’s eyes meet mine, amber pools surrounded by light. “From now on, I’m driving you and your sister home.”

Overprotective, controlling jerk.

My heart pounds. “Vi, can you give me a minute? I need to speak to Dutch.”

“Okay.” My sister beams. “Later, Dutch.”

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