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‘Hey!’ He halts my hand in its destructive tactics and holds it steady before prying the brush froers ‘You know I have an appreciation for s behindant theyme around ‘This is part of my possession Don’t abuse it’ The soft bristles of the brush h to the ends of my tresses as we’re joined by the Beach Boys’ "God Only Knows"

Miller’s temper refuses to make an appearance, his introduction of such a ruru to spike a bit of that te up on Williayou over the edge’ There’s despair in his tone Guilt Reluctantly, I nod, silently accepting that he’s right It did get out of hand And he really is sending e ‘You mentioned Charlie Who is he?’

He takes a deep breath before he begins I hold mine

‘An immoral bastard’

That’s it That’s all he says, andthe answer, tumbles past my lips as the stored air releases ‘You’re answerable to him?’

There’s an uncomfortable silence and I brace‘Yes, I a of all of those questions I’ve tossed aside too easily Miller is answerable to a ine what type of character he is if Miller fears him ‘He’ll hurt you?’

‘I make a lot of money for him, Olivia Don’t think I’m afraid of him I’m not’

‘Then why did we run?’

‘Because I need time to breathe – to think about the best way to handle this I told you before, it’s not as easy as just quitting I asked you to trust ured this out’

‘And have you?’

‘Williaht me some time’

‘How?’

‘He told Charlie that he and I had crossed That he was looking for me’