Page 177 of Hide and Keep

“I thought this was more appropriate,” Ever says in complete monotone, making me almost snort in agreement. Who the fuck wears red to a funeral?

“The Larsons are already coming up the driveway.”

The Larsons? We’re going to a funeral with them?

I can’t be in the same vehicle with Mallory, especially not with Ever.

“Edwin, can you have someone bring Miss Munreaux’s car around?” I ask the valet, only getting silence in return as he continues waiting patiently by the front door.

All right…

I look to Ever for some help since she has more pull around here than I do, but the floor seems to be much more interesting to her right now. Arthur’s the only one who acknowledges the fact that I even spoke and it’s to screw up his face.

Fuck it. I’ll go get the Sapphire myself. Anything not to be cooped up with Mallory and Ever.And Arthur.I don’t know Penn but it’s safe to assume I probably wouldn’t like him either.

“I’ll be right back,” I murmur to Ever.

Arthur steps in front of me, waggling a finger. “It’s too late for you to leave now. You’ll just have to stay in your room for the night.” That finger points, and I look from it to the stairs, then back.

What?

“I’ll have Edwin bring you up a plate later. You need to disappear before our dinner guests arrive.”

Dinner guests? Ever said…

I glance at Ever, who’s quietly studying me and Arthur now. So it was a setup?

“But Miss Munreaux wanted—”

Arthur chuffs out a laugh. “That’s irrelevant.”

How does he know? I didn’t even finish what I was gonna say.

“Up you go. Out of sight until tomorrow.”

Is this actually happening? I’m being dismissed for thenight? The motherfucking night? While Mallory Larson is here? For fucking dinner? With Ever?

Obviously, Ever knew about this. She’s dressed for it for fuck’s sake. But why the fuck didn’t I? I’m her personal protection agent. I’m supposed to doeverythingwith her.

Why does it have to be for the whole night? Why can’t I just eat somewhere else while these rich fucks rub elbows over their saffron-sprinkled, chili-oil-drizzled cuisine, then get back to my job once they’re finished?

It is just dinner…right?

My boss turns away from me, heading for the door but not before he grabs hold of Ever’s elbow to drag her along.

She’s being taken away from me.

My hand aches with the urge to reach for Ever’s.

Why is she being taken away from me?

Instead, I quickly pass the bracelet off to her behind Arthur’s back.

She takes it, then singsongs, “Enjoy your alone time, Mr. Brantley,” showing the first bit of animation in days. Of course it’s at my expense. She’s probably been counting down to this very moment.

This is why I can never put any sort of trust in her. She will always only care about herself.

Face hardened to granite, I force myself up the stairs. Once I reach the top, I can’t help sending one last withering glare back.

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