Page 94 of Kept

Maverick places my plate down in front of me as I frown. They’ve been tracking Ethan’s car, but he hasn’t used it for days. My chest tightens at the thought that something bad may have happened to him. “Do you think he’s okay?”

Maverick settles in next to me. “I’m sure he’s fine, Zella. But until we know exactly where he is, I think I’d feel more comfortable with you staying here.”

My nod feels heavy, but Ryder interjects before I can respond.

“Hold on a second, Mav. She didn’t leave that place only to become a prisoner somewhere else.”

Maverick narrows his eyes. “I’m trying to protect her.”

“But so was Ethan,” I whisper. Maverick pales, and I instantly feel a stab of guilt. “Zella… this isn’t the same.”

“No,” Ryder says softly. His eyes are on Maverick. “Because you’re not a prisoner here, Zella. So what doyouwant to do?”

I look between Maverick and Ryder. Both of them are staring at each other, and Maverick’s jaw is clenched. Eventually, he nods.

“Ryder is right,” he acknowledges, looking down at me with an apology in his eyes. “I don’t want to trap you here, Zella. If you want to go, we’ll make it work.”

“I… I’d like to go.” I avoid his eyes. “But what’s… Victrola?”

Ryder’s eyes gleam when he leans forward. “It’s a place where you can wear your gold sequins, princess.”

Oooh.

***

I’m drying my last section of hair when the bedroom door knocks. After dinner, we all split up to get ready for tonight.

At an actual club. Withdancing.

I’m trying to keep my excitement under wraps, but the nerves flip flopping in my stomach are doing the job for me.

What if I embarrass them?

I can’t dance. I’ve never danced in my life.

I’m on the verge of passing out when I rip the door open and my eyes widen.

Ryder lounges against my door frame, and if I thought he was handsome before, it’s nothing compared to how he looks right now. A silky dark green shirt hugs his chest, tucked into smart trousers with black shoes. His hair is slicked back, and the slow smile on his face tapers off when he gets a good look at my face.

“Hey, now,” he chides, stepping into my room. “What’s the matter, princess?”

Huffing, I pick my hairbrush back up. “It’s nothing. I’m looking forward to it.”

His hand closes over mine, gently wrestling the brush from me as he turns me around by my shoulders. “Then why do you look like someone died?”

I turn to glare at him, but he taps the back of my head with the brush and begins pulling my hair through it with long, firm strokes. “It’s not that. I am looking forward to it. It’s just… I’m a little nervous, that’s all.”

“Makes sense,” he murmurs. “It’s a whole new experience for you. Lots of people, and lots of noise. But we’ve got our own private area, so you can get used to it slowly. And if you don’t like it, we can leave.”

“I don’t want to ruin everyone’s night.” I chew on my lip, and Ryder laughs.

“I think Daddy Mav would be delighted. He’s more nervous than you are.”

My lips twist up. “Daddy Mav?”

Ryder smirks. “Because he fusses over us like a dad.”

I have the feeling Maverick would hate that nickname, but it does make me laugh. Ryder starts playing with my hair. “I’ll braid this for you, keep it off the ground.”

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