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“Weird how things change. Just a couple weeks ago, you were begging to get out of here. What’s keeping you?”
I roll my eyes at Jagger’s words because I know what he’s insinuating—that Neo is the one keeping me here. As in, our nonexistent relationship.
“Scarlett! Thank God! Are you okay?”
“I’m fine, Mom. There’s no need to come here.”
My gaze dances between Crew and Jagger, and when I notice Crew trying to get a peek at the V-neck of my robe, I hold the phone between my cheek and shoulder and tighten the tie.
“Since when does she wear pink?” Crew asks Jagger, not taking his eyes off me.
Trying to ignore them, I listen to my mom ramble on about Maddie being kidnapped, which I’m well aware of.
“I heard, Mom. And I also know Mr. Saint is doing everything he can to get her back.”
“Leave it to that son of a bitch and the poor girl will never be found. That’s why your father and I, along with the Vance and Cole families, are organizing a search party.”
“You can’t do that,” I spit out, wishing I’d thought before I spoke. “I mean, let Sebastian handle it. It’s his daughter.”
“Do you know where Sebastian Saint is right now, Scarlett? He’s at the state capitol for his campaign. The elections are next week. There’s no way in hell he’s doing anything to help his daughter.”
I hear the words and I know she’s absolutely right. Had I not known Maddie was safe, I’d encourage the search. But she is safe, and until we finish what we started, we can’t let them find her.
“Okay. Then let me help.” I look at Crew and Jagger. “There is no need for you all to come here. Let us search this area and you all focus on the surrounding areas back home. We have The Guardian…”
My words trail off when I realize what I just said. I mentioned The Guardian—Riley. Who I’m not supposed to know about. Crew and Jagger both shake their heads in annoyance.
“End the call,” Crew grits out.
“What did you just say?” Mom asks, seriousness in her tone.
“I…um…I meant to say we haveGuardians of the Galaxyplaying at the community center right now, so I have to go before I miss the ending.”
“What have those Lawless boys been telling you, Scarlett?”
I hate it when she says my name like that. Like I’m a child.
“Nothing, Mom. They’re just my friends now.” I change the subject quickly, so she doesn’t press me any further on my mishap. “Let me and my friends coordinate a search here, okay? There’s no need to worry. Maddie will be found.”
“That she will. Once the local newspaper catches wind, and it’s gone public, she will be found.”
“But that won’t happen, right? The Blue Bloods will handle this?”
“Not if I can help it.”
My heart drops down to my stomach. “Okay. I’ve gotta go, Mom. I’ll call you if we find anything, and you do the same.”
I end the call before she can say anything else. As of right now, it doesn’t sound like we’re in jeopardy of our parents showing up here.
When I hand the phone back to Jagger, he squeezes my hand back, the phone pressed between both our palms. “Why don’t you want anyone searching for Maddie here? She’s your best friend. Don’t you want her found?”
“Of course, I do,” I snort. “But she’s not here. And if they come to The Academy, we risk them finding Jude.”
Crew steps up to me, hands stuffed in his jean pockets. “What are you hiding, Scar?” He pulls one hand out of his pocket and reaches out, untying my robe. “And what the hell are you wearing?”
In short, jerky movements, I tie the robe back up.I’m going to seduce your best friend into his bed, then cuff him to it and find out what he knows that could destroy my family.Once again, I can’t say that, so I go with, “None of your business.”
Jagger looks at me with disgust, his lip curled. “Who the hell are you?”
