Page 130 of Vicious Deception

I don’t know if I’ll ever fully get over my fear of water. At this point, it’s more of a simmering anxiety instead of the full-blown panic it was a month or two ago. Standing right next to the fountain, I’m more conscious of my balance, and my mind desperately wants to put more space between the water and me. But I don’tneedto.

I’m okay,I realize with a smile.

Maria nudges me, leaning in to whisper, “Elliot is staring at you.”

Looking up, I meet his gaze. Even at this distance, I can see the slightest hint of concern on Elliot’s face as he takes a slow sip of his drink. His eyes never leave me, but he doesn’t come closer.

Always watching.

The guys know my strength, and while their first instinct is to shield me from anything that might hurt me, they’ve come to respect it. But that doesn’t mean they won’t always be there to catch me if I fall.

“He does that sometimes,” I say softly.

“I think it’s sweet. I remember being a kid and noticing when he’d just randomly watch Ollie or Rhett. Oh, who am I kidding? They all did it to each other.” She rolls her eyes. “Although back then, they were all lovesick for each other and just wouldn’t admit to it. Bunch of idiots if you ask me.”

At that, I laugh. I remember Elliot telling me that they didn’t start dating until senior year of high school, but hearing Maria’s perspective ismuchmore entertaining.

Maria smiles as we both watch Oliver slip his arms around Elliot from behind. He’s grinning, and based on the way he’s leaning into Elliot just a little too much, I’d say he’s well past tipsy.

“You girls all right?” Meredith asks, and I realize she managed to sneak up behind us.

“Yeah,” Maria replies, “we just wanted to check out the garden. You ready to head home?”

“Only if you are.” Meredith smiles. “I’m too old for late nights.”

“Ugh, Mom, you’re not even that old.” Maria shoves her in the shoulder lightly. “But yeah, we can go. I have to get a good night’s sleep so I can drag Wren around all day tomorrow.”

They both say their goodbyes. Once they’re gone, Oliver sweeps me into his arms, almost causing us to tumble to the floor.

Rhett grabs us both before we lose our balance, and he frowns at Oliver. “After this, I’m cutting you off.”

“I’d like to see you try,” Oliver taunts playfully.

His eyes darkening, Rhett wraps an arm around Oliver’s torso and yanks him closer. I don’t hear whatever Rhett murmurs into Oliver’s ear, but I think I get the idea.

Oliver’s eyes are sparkling as he pulls away. “I dare you to do it right here.”

“O,” Rhett says, his voice low and threatening.

“Do it, you won’t.”

Finn shakes his head. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I’ve missed your stupid antics, Oliver.”

“Don’t worry,” he says with a grin. “I’m not going anywhere. I’ve had enough kidnapping to last a lifetime, thank you very much.”

“If Finn has to help bail you out for athirdtime, you all owe him a vacation,” Sparrow says. “Alongvacation.”

“I feel like we might already,” Elliot says on a chuckle. “Thank you both for all your help in taking down Ludo. If there’s any way we can repay you, just let us know.”

“Oh, don’t worry,” Sparrow says with a smile, her eyes sparkling. “The future holdsplentyof possibilities. I’ll be cashing in a favor when the time is right.”

“To the future,” Oliver cheers, his voice a little louder than it needs to be. He raises his drink, and we all do the same.

“To the future,” Sparrow says, clinking her glass with Finn’s. “It’ll be much more peaceful and prosperous than the past.”

“Why are you being so goddamn cryptic?” Finn narrows his eyes at her. “You’ve got something planned, don’t you?”

She takes a sip of her drink to hide her smirk, not bothering to respond.

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