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Why are all the men in my life so bossy?

“I will,” I say patiently. “But that is the only copy of the list I have and if someone manages to get through my encryption and delete it, it’ll disappear forever. I need you to download a copy and keep it somewhere safe. It’s important, Jonas.”

“Don’t worry about that, I’ve got it. Now go find Dan and tell him what’s going on.”

“I am. Thank you for doing this.”

“Any time. Good luck—and let me know when you’re with Dan so I know you’re safe.”

“I will. Thanks again.” I disconnect and pull in a shaky breath.

Jesus fucking Christ.

Garth is not only on the fucking Assault Academy client list, he was one of the ringleaders. When he said someone ruined his online business, he was talking about me exposing the Assault Academy.

And he knows who I am.

There’s no doubt in my mind.

But why this game of cat and mouse? I don’t understand that part. If he wanted me dead, why not just kill me? Did he find me through Rage or was that connection sheer coincidence?

I have so many questions and now I’m fired up, feeling a strange combination of vindicated—because I am not just hormonal—and terrified.

Garth wouldn’t try anything here, in the middle of the fight, but what if he tries to hurt Elliott? That scares me even more, and I hurry toward the nearest entrance to the auditorium.

“Luna! There you are!” To my surprise, Neil is coming toward me.

“Hey, Neil. I’m kind of in a hurry.”

“I know but some guy named Metal’s looking for you.”

I frown. “Why?”

“I dunno.” He shrugs. “But I can take you to him real quick so you can get back to watch the fight.”

I hesitate but Neil has nothing to do with any of this. And if Metal is looking for me, I probably need to see what’s up. It’s not like Garth has any way of knowing I’m on to him. Not yet anyway.

“Okay, thanks.” I follow him through the busy hallway and into a doorway that requires key card access. I have no idea where this leads and I feel a moment of discomfiture.

“Right in here,” he says, opening another door.

I hesitate a second before stepping inside. “Metal, what’s—” The words freeze on my lips.

Metal isn’t here.

But Candy is.

Before I can ask what’s going on, I feel a pinch in my neck. “What did you—” I whirl, but I’m already dizzy.

Oh no.

Stupid.

So fucking stupid.

My knees start to buckle, and the last thing I see before the room goes dark is my phone slipping from my hand and shattering on the floor.

Chapter Thirty-Eight