Page 23 of Nanny for the SEAL

Ring, ring, ring.

I nearly jump out of my skin as my phone starts up on the nightstand. Worried it might be Xaden in need of my help, I quickly yank it from the charger and check the screen.

It’s not him.

It’s that unknown number again.

Tossing it to the side, I don’t answer. But even after the call goes to voice mail, it rings again and then again for a third time.

After another moment, it buzzes.

I must have forgotten to put “do not disturb” on, and my guts churn with unease. I don’t know why, but I pick up my cell, looking down at the unread text icon.

Why are you doing this?

But it buzzes two more times in my grip as more messages flood in. I can’t take it, the morbid curiosity getting the better of me, and I swipe the screen open.

“You’re a goddamn cat for how well this is going to serve you.”

And there they are—the two messages I shouldn’t read.

What, you’re too good to talk to your old man now?

After everything you’ve done?

Come on, Vivi.

My cell shakes in my grip as I watch the dots at the bottom of the screen turn into another message.

Remember who you are, honey pot.

Remember where you come from.

I throw my phone down on the bed, sprinting to the bathroom as my stomach heaves up its minimal contents.

That was not the wake-up call I would have liked.

I also have like…I look at the alarm clock perched on my nightstand that I never bother to set.Twenty minutes. Great.

If I don’t get a move on, I’ll be late for Xaden’s typical work start. I can’t do that to him. He’s counting on me to be there for Daisy, and I adore that kid anyway.

Slinging on some clothes and a quick coat of makeup like I’m going for some kind of record, I get ready and rush out the door, trying my best to leave the messages behind me.

As I reach Xaden’s,hurrying up the steps to get inside, I notice a tall woman heading up the stairs of his porch. She’s well-dressed, and her light hair reflects the autumn sunlight bathing Xaden’s house.

I’m not about to stop, fearing being late more than having to speak to some solicitor, so I jog up behind her.

“Could you hold the door?”

When I call out, the woman turns on her expensive heel. I’m not met with the typical polite smile or simple nod, however.

No, this woman immediately glares at me as I come up to stand beside her.

“And you are?” She asks, her voice doing nothing to hide her obvious annoyance.

“Oh, I’m Ivy. Xaden’s nanny.”

She looks me up and down, her head bobbing in a nod as she chews on her tongue. “So, you’re the new girl. Hmm.”

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