Total pages in book: 137
Estimated words: 138169 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 691(@200wpm)___ 553(@250wpm)___ 461(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 138169 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 691(@200wpm)___ 553(@250wpm)___ 461(@300wpm)
“It’s not about Xavier. Not exactly,” Micah says cryptically. He settles down at the raw wood table, lacing his hands together, his posture perfect. “I caught Ephraim Jacobin lurking around outside your shop.”
I blink at him.
His words don’t compute.
“…what?” I feel faint, dropping the kettle and moving to the window, looking out on the street. I tweak the pale-yellow curtains aside, trying not to be obvious.
I immediately bounce back with a strangled sound.
There’s no mistaking that lean scarecrow figure across the street.
Jesus, he’s right there.
Just staring up at the window from under the wide brim of his hat, plain as day.
I don’t think he saw me. I hope not.
But my slamming heart can’t be sure.
“Why?” I whisper. “Why’s he staring at the shop?”
“So you know they’re watching,” Micah says, his voice heavy. “Nothing good ever happens when the Jacobins get interested in a girl involved with the Arrendells. Before Ulysses and Culver were arrested, Ephraim and Culver weren’t shy about stalking Delilah Graves.”
I can feel my chest caving in.
So quick my fingers go numb.
I don’t even think to reach for my inhaler.
All I can do is stare at the closed curtains, feeling doom descending like a cloud.
No matter where I hide, that freaky beanstalk man is looking.
I remember reading the news about what Ulysses and Culver did before they were stopped, when they caught another man who tried to get in the way of their creepy business.
…could that be me?
Gutted like a farm animal?
“Grandpa—” It hits me so hard it almost knocks me over.
No, he can’t go out on errands today. He can’t go where Ephraim Jacobin can find him and hurt him.
“Talia, breathe.” Suddenly, there’s a tall body in my way and strong arms holding me in place. “Your grandfather’s going to be all right. They wouldn’t dare do anything in the middle of town. It’s safer to pretend you don’t notice them. If you or your grandfather start acting suspicious, they might wonder. If you react, they’ll know you know something.”
“But they might—” I fight Micah weakly, but I’m about to hyperventilate. My limbs are noodles, and all I can do is sag against him with a miserable sound that feels like I just had my heart torn out. I drop my head on his shoulder, struggling to breathe. “If they hurt him and it’s my fault…”
“They won’t. I won’t fucking let them.”
I can feel his vow rumbling through me, the closeness of his body making his voice a physical force.
His hand curls against the back of my neck, gently roaming my hair.
His other hand slides down my back, and I tremble.
A nervous rush goes through me—until I realize he’s slipping his fingers into my pocket, delving in so close to my skin to find my inhaler.
A few seconds later, the cap pops off and he’s pressing it between my lips.
There’s something oddly intimate about letting him slide this slick plastic thing into my mouth.
“Breathe,” he growls. “Breathe until you’re okay.”
I’m so not okay.
But for him, I’ll try.
I close my eyes and let the mist open my lungs. I have to remember Micah Ainsley is as good as his word.
He’ll never let anything happen.
With him, I’m truly safe.
And I’ve never felt safer than now, wrapped in his arms.
Slowly, I steady my breaths and the terror in my chest eases.
That’s when I realize he’s holding me so close, resting his chin to the top of my head, fully enveloping me.
I can feel his heartbeat.
His chest under my palms, and a heartbeat so strong it makes me dizzy.
His scent screams cool, raw masculinity, just as sharp as Micah himself.
“Do you need more?” His voice is heavy.
“N-no.” I shake my head, keeping my eyes lowered. I don’t know if I can look up at him when we’re this freaking close. “I’m better. I just… I had a moment. Thanks for helping bring me out of it.”
“Wasn’t my smartest move when I don’t know your dosage, but I’m glad I didn’t guess wrong.” Instead of letting go, his grip tightens, gathering me closer. “Talia, fuck.”
The way he says my name.
My heart races even faster than his.
“Yes?” I curl my fingers against his shirt.
“You don’t have to keep eavesdropping on Xavier. Not for me, not for anyone. If you back out now, they’ll decide you aren’t a threat and they’ll leave you alone. You’re not bound to this shit. Fuck, I can’t stand putting you in danger. Just do your work. Keep as much distance as you can. Take care of your grandfather. That’s all that matters.”
“What?” I blink, pressing my palms to his chest and pushing back to look up at him. “You can’t be serious. What about your brother? What about the drugs, the people they’ve hurt?”
Micah’s eyes are impenetrable grey clouds as he looks down at me with his brows like thunderheads. “I’ll figure out another way that doesn’t involve you.”