Page 80 of Artifice

Who exactly was out there?

CHAPTER 42

Back in her room, Olive’s heart still pounded out of control.

There was so much going on here, and she didn’t like it.

Her mind finally settled on thinking about Jason.

As his image filled her mind, guilt pounded through her.

She wasn’t sure whether or not the guilt was justified. She hadn’t made any promises to Jason. They’d just exchanged one kiss.

But for some, kisses were more like promises.

Though she’d prided herself in getting through most of her adult life without any connections, there were only two people who were exceptions to that rule.

Tevin and Jason. But she still wasn’t sure what to do about Jason. If she truly trusted him.

She wanted to. But more than one thing held her back—including fear.

Everyone she’d ever truly loved was now dead . . . well, everyone other than Jason. But that had been so long ago.

She knew the extreme pain of losing loved ones. Part of her never wanted to put herself through that again.

That was why Olive didn’t let herself get too attached. Quick and easy relationships were ideal.

Then there was Jason . . . who waited in the wings.

She needed to find out more answers before she made any of these decisions.

With those thoughts in mind, she picked up her phone and stared at it a moment.

Then she dialed Jason’s number.

“Hey.” Jason’s deep rumbling voice sounded across the line. It had dropped an octave to the more intimate tone that made Olive’s blood race.

“Am I catching you at a bad time?” She leaned back against the pillows on her bed.

“Never. I’m just settling in to relax for the evening. How are you?”

She wished that she could tell him. But that wouldn’t be prudent right now. “Staying busy with this new assignment.”

“Staying safe?”

She remembered watching Ms. Strickland jump from the cliff. Remembered learning that a crime boss might be involved with what was going on.

Then she said, “Always.”

“I hope that’s the truth.”

She pictured Jason in his living room with his dog beside him.

The image warmed her heart.

What if she just outright asked him about his family’s potential connection with her family’s murder? Why not tell him?

She knew.