Page 27 of Nanny for the SEAL

Ivy’s face falls as she pulls her cell out of her jeans pocket. When she looks down at the screen, her mouth drops open.

She looks…scared.

What is that about? What are you hiding?

She’s never answered me when I’ve asked what’s wrong, always playing it off like it’s nothing. But I know something is there. I’ve studied people, become an expert at reading dangerous situations, and there’s something Ivy isn’t saying.

What is it, Ivy? Who keeps texting you that makes you so upset? Who…are you?

NINE

Ivy

The past few days have gone like clockwork, and Daisy is playing in her room, having her dolls act out being kidnapped by some monster that lives under her bed.

We’ve taken turns being the one to rescue them, and the morning has gone by so quickly that I’m surprised to see it’s almost lunchtime.

“Hey, kiddo, we might want to pause to eat soon.”

Daisy looks up from jamming her Barbie under the bed again, and I giggle at the sight.

“Oh, umm, can I have…” She thinks to herself, looking at her fingers. “This many minutes?”

She holds up her hand with all five fingers out. “Sure, love. In five minutes, we’ll?—”

Ring, ring, ring.

My phone goes off next to me, and I freeze. I really should have changed my number or something, but the idea of having to explain everything to Xaden is too embarrassing to stomach.

When I look down at the thing, I almost consider not answering it. I’m with Daisy, after all, and I don’t want her to see me upset.

Picking up the phone, I’m intent on silencing it when I see the number.

“Oh my…” My words fade away as I swipe to answer, putting the cell to my ear so quickly it actually hurts a little. “Jas! Where have you been?”

Daisy looks up at me, confused, and I put my hand over the phone to whisper to her. “Sorry, honey. It’s my sister. I’ll be right in the hall, okay?”

She nods, happily going back to her dolls and their torture.

“Hey, Ivy. Sorry, I just got settled in the dorm, and I?—”

“Couldn’t be bothered to call me? Jeez, Jasmine. I thought you were in trouble or something.”

Jasmine sighs on the other end, and I can practically see her eye roll. “I’m twenty-one, Ivy. I can take care of myself. And it’s only been a few days.”

Scoffing, I frown even though she can’t see me. “It’s been two weeks, Jas. Christ, I just needed a text to know that you were alright. What was going on?”

“Sorry, sorry.” She sighs again, but this time, I can hear the remorse behind it. “I was getting moved into the new dorm. I’m sharing a suite with Melody, Kaiah, and Bre this year, and it’s been chaos. Plus, I’m rushing Zeta Sigma Delta, and well, yeah…you know how sororities are.”

Rolling my eyes, I start to pace, a habit of mine when I’m on the phone. “Actually, I don’t. I hate that sorority crap, and you know it. Especially since I specifically warned youagainstrushing.”

“And you continue to be no fun, so here we are.”

We’re locked in a standoff, another totally normal thing for us, until my mind inevitably wanders back to who else could have been calling me.

My stomach clenches, and I look back at Daisy as she stuffs the Barbie back under her toddler bed. All I want in the world is to have a normal life and protect that little girl.

So when I consider opening up this bag of worms to Jasmine, nausea immediately surges to the surface.

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