Page 11 of Hide and Keep

“So, you’ve done your homework then.”

I bob my head slowly.

Ever Munreaux, star student at the most prestigious college in this country and social media influencer for some kind of dance team bullshit. At least that’s what it showed on the only social media account I was able to find for her. She could have another private one.

“Look. I’ll cut to the chase. I need someone to start right away. Today. Now. And because it does require a bit of…let’s say…hazard pay, how about I tack on an additional five-thousand-dollar sign-on bonus if you make it past your first day?”

IfI make it past the firstday? How much danger is she in?

“What exactly does your daughter need protecting from?”

Without blinking, he says, “Herself.”

I have no idea how to take that. Is she suicidal?

“She—”

The door behind me bursts open, causing Arthur’s posture to stiffen.

“Father,” I hear behind me but don’t take my eyes off Arthur just yet. Most people become more relaxed, happier, lovingwhen they encounter their offspring. Arthur looks like he’s none of those things.

“Speak of the devil,” Arthur drawls.

The steps behind me falter for a moment before resuming. A body to my right breezes by, a faint current of honey and sunshine floating past.

“We got first place. As expected,” Ever tells her dad.

There’s a long stretch of silence, then Arthur says, “You look pleased with yourself.”

“I am—”

“Imagine how it’d feel to get first in a real sport.”

I let my gaze drift over to the back in front of me. Ever’s spine straightens, making the muscles in her back flex, her dimples of Venus visible thanks to her crop top and skintight booty shorts.

It’s a hell of a body to guard, I will say that.

“Cheerleading is a sport,” she argues.

That’s what her feed must’ve been full of—cheerleading…which is absolutely not a sport.

“Is that the uniform you competed in?”

Confused, I drag my eyes back to Arthur. His are locked on his daughter’s, the disapproval palpable.

Ever puffs out a laugh. “No, I got this after. It’s a joke.”

The tense stare-off between the two continues until Ever shakes her head and spins to leave. Spotting me, she freezes.

And unfortunately, so do I.

While her shoulder-length hair is black, her eyes are far, far from it. They’re azure.

I have dark hair and light eyes, too, but the contrast between hers is much more significant. Seeing it in photos online is striking. Seeing it in person is…different. Very, very different.

I could tell from her pictures she was pretty, but face to face, she’s absolutely fucking gorgeous. She’s also really short. Short enough to be my butterfly.

Beneath furrowed brows, that blue gaze touches every inch of my face, lingering on my—

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