Page 65 of Hide and Keep

In an instant, the motorcycle mogul’s spine becomes ramrod straight. “I’d sew your lips together if I thought it’d keep you from being so vulgar.”

Ireallydislike when he talks to her like this. It doesn’t sound like a real threat, yet it doesn’t exactly feel empty either.

“And kill me before the gala?” Ever beams like the prospect excites her.

Dying. Dying excites her. She’s basically a peppy Wednesday Addams.

“Don’t be dense, Never. A feeding tube could easily fit under a dress.”

“So could a man’s head.”

“Not while your executive protection agent’s around.” He gives me a stern look that I dip my head at.

I’d like to see a motherfucker try.

“He can’t be around all the time.”

“Given the new sleeping arrangements, he most certainly can.”

Ever takes an audible inhale, but exhales silently.

“You two will have to have dinner without me tonight. I have business,” he says, completely moved on from the insane amount of money Ever blew in a matter of hours.

“I’m tired. I’ll just eat in my room.”

As she attempts to pass him, Arthur does something that halts her in her tracks. Grabs her wrist maybe.

“Chef Koch is a world-renowned chef, not a fast-food fry cook. You will eat where he can see you enjoying his cuisine.”

“He cuts up fruits and vegetables for me. It’s really not that serious.”

“I don’t care if he serves you a single speck of salt, you will sit at the dining room table and eat it with a grateful smile on your face.”

With that, he storms out of the foyer.

Ever’s wincing when I step forward but is quick to school her features.

“Are you okay? Did he…” It didn’t look like he hurt her but…her body was blocking my view. Any man that can threaten his daughter with a chastity belt and a feeding tube, I wouldn’t put it past him to grip her too hard—accidental or not.

“It’s my shoes. They’re killing me.”

“Here. Take them off.” I hold my arm out for her to grab on to.

She bypasses me and my arm. “Not until I get to my room.”

“Why not right now if they’re hurting you so bad?”

“Haven’t you been paying attention?” She spins and walks backward with her arms out wide. “It’s all about presentation!”

The last word echoes off the walls and high ceiling, closing in around me like a boa constricting the life out of me.

Turning around, she mutters, “See you at dinner,” then glides up the stairs.

I wait until she’s gone from sight to go back outside and unload the bags, making sure to check each one. None of them contain a dress.

I’m the only one in the formal dining room when Ever enters. Edwin seated me with an explanation of how Chef Koch operates, then disappeared. Whether he’s lingering nearby or if he went somewhere else entirely, all I know is I’ve been alone ever since. There’s music floating through speakers set in the ceiling, so at least it hasn’t been silent.

Smiling tightly, Ever takes the seat across from me, her eyes stuck on the table between us.

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