Page 34 of Invisible Scars
“Power in numbers.” I smile, hoping to reassure her that I want her onboard. As much as I fight Jonah on this matter, I know I’m little more than a desk mouse, and Sienna isn’t far behind. Having a trained detective in on our plans is a relief. “Would you train with me?”
Milly raises an eyebrow. “Doesn’t Joe do that?”
“I feel like I’d get more out of training with a woman,” I answer, avoiding Milly’s questioning yet amused gaze. It isn’t a lie. If anything, I would focus more on perfecting my fighting skills rather than on Jonah pinning me to the floor.
Milly chuckles. “Alright, I’ll train with you, as long as it’s okay with Jonah.”
“Why do we need his approval?” I ask, throwing my hands up in the air. “He’ll never say yes, the insufferable brat.”
“What is up with you two?” Milly asks through her laughter.
I shrug. “Something about us doesn’t mesh well.”
“I beg the differ.” Milly smirks while wiping the corner of her eye. “But what do I know? I’ve only been around a few months.”
Ignoring Milly, I shut my laptop and start collecting my paperwork. “I need to get going to my meeting.”
“Need a ride?” Milly asks.
“I’d love a ride.” I finish packing up. “Especially after Maddie’s cryptically ominous letter.”
“That woman has a knack for being dramatic,” Milly says with an exasperated sigh.
“You have no idea.” I hold the door open and follow Milly out, checking to make sure it’s locked. “Let’s hope that, in this case, she’s beingoverdramatic.”
* * *
JONAH
My jaw ticks in tandem with the second hand of the clock hanging over the door to the gym, and I can’t decide if I should be worried or pissed off. The worst part is the pestering thought that Effie is avoiding me because of everything that’s happened between us in the past week.
Another minute goes by, and I decide I’m done waiting. With a determined limp, I march toward Effie’s office, only to bump into her rushing toward the exit.
Effie lets out a little shriek as she stumbles two steps back. I catch her elbow and steady her on her feet.
“What gives, Doll? I’ve been waiting for you for over fifteen minutes.”
“Oh, dammit, I forgot,” she huffs in frustration. I open my mouth to tell her,again, how vital her training is, but then she looks up at me, and I’m captivated by her sapphire eyes, exposed to the world and full of vulnerability. Then I notice the flowery pink dress.
“You look weird,” I say with a frown. “Where are your glasses?”
She holds up a hard glasses case. “I’m going to lunch with my mother. She hates them.” Effie’s nose crumples as she moves her cellphone around in her purse. “She thinks my insistence on wearing them is why I can’t find a suitable husband.”
“Never took you for a pushover.”
“I haven’t talked to her since I left New York. I just want this over with as soon as possible.” Effie grinds out in frustration and slings the tiny bag onto her shoulder, glasses case still in her hand. “It’s easier to slap in a pair of contacts and save myself thirty to sixty minutes of a lecture.”
“Ah, so, a strategic decision.” I lean close, plucking the case out of her hand before saying close to her ear, “Not a fan of the look, but your brain turns me on like crazy.”
“Jonah Peak!” Effie jams a finger into my chest. “Now isnotthe time, and I amnotthe person.”
It takes everything in me to resist the adorable agitation. I want to pin her up against a car and reach under that girly skirt, feel how wet she is, how ready she is to come for me.
“What does your mother want, anyway?” I ask and immediately know the answer. It’s like ice water being dunked over my head. “Is she here to convince you to help Abe?”
“She claims not.” Effie shrugs, sounding about as convinced as I am. Then, in a quieter voice, “I hope not.”
I catch her hand and pull her close. “I’m coming with you.”
