My stomach sinks at the sound.
By now, the feeling is familiar.
I already know my mood is about to be ruined before I even pull the phone from my bag.
I think it’s time for a visit. Don’t you? Halloween break is approaching, after all, and you should have some free time.
I swallow as I type the text.
I’ll arrange it.
Because appearances aside, agreeing is my only real option.
My stomach feels heavy as I put the phone away and continue towards class, trying not to think too much about what the message actually implies.
I’m just about to step into the classroom when a hand suddenly closes around my arm.
A gasp catches in my throat.
I spin around instantly, only for my eyes to land on the man standing behind me.
Julian.
Julian Reed.
My father’s right hand man.
Relief and dread crash into me at the exact same time.
“What are you doing here?” I ask quietly, my eyes flicking around the corridor to make sure no one is paying attention to us.
His grip on my arm tightens, and my eyes immediately drop to it.
“What are you doing here?” I ask again.
“You’ve been left unattended for far too long, Piper.” His tone stays calm, but it only makes my stomach twist harder. “You seem to be forgetting what’s at stake.”
My brows pull together, yet my heart immediately starts pounding at the implication.
Does he know about me and Hunter?
No.
That’s impossible.
I try to pull my arm free, but his grip only tightens further.
“Ah—” The sound leaves me before I can stop it. “I’m not… what do you—”
“I’d let go if I were you.”
The voice comes from directly behind Julian.
And then he steps into view.
Hunter.
I swallow hard at the sight of him.
