Page 67 of The Contract

After leaving another voicemail, I give Eve a ring.

“Hey, girl. How’s the contract going?” she answers quickly. The thumping bass of music in the background tells me she’s working out—something we do together often when we’re both around.

“It’s a shitshow.”

“No! What’s going on?”

The music turns down, and I imagine her sitting down, her brow creased in concern.

Eve is a fellow Ledger Companion. We started on the same day, both a little terrified, and were best friends in an instant.

“Adrian fucking Kingston is what’s going on.”

Her gasp is expected. Eve is the only person who knows everything about me—even what happened between Adrian and me.

“What did Lucian say?”

“To hold tight. Now he’s ghosting me.” I tip my head back, closing my eyes, and release a strained breath.

“No, things are blowing up at The Ledger.” Her tone turns dark. “Someone hurt one of the girls.”

Blood drains from my face, and I sit on the edge of my bed.

We all know the risks of a job like this. But Lucian goes to great lengths to protect his employees.

One of his girls being harmed by a client means retribution.

And Lucian will handle it personally.

That means I’m on my own with Adrian.

My problem is a big deal, but harm coming to a Ledger Companion is bigger.

So, I’ll have to figure this out by myself.

Eve must sense my frustration because her voice softens. “Hey, Lucian will handle it. You know he will.”

“I know,” I sigh. “But this weekend just got a whole lot more complicated.”

“Because of Adrian?”

“Yes, but…” I hesitate, and she picks up on it immediately.

There’s a beat of silence before she hums, teasing but perceptive. “Or is it because of Damien Wolfe?”

I roll my eyes, but my heart betrays me with a little stutter.

“It’s a high-stakes contract, Eve. That’s all.”

“Uh-huh.” There’s amusement in her voice. “It’s Damien Wolfe, Elena.TheDamien Wolfe.”

I rub my temple. “I’m aware.”

“And?”

“And nothing.”

Eve makes an exaggerated scoffing sound. “You’re lying to me. I know that tone.”

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