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"Regardless of where it came from, that ood stewards hat you’ve been given For starters, I reco a fireproof safe You’ll find a new cell phone in the side pouch It’s got uarantee I’ll answer, but if I don’t, and it’s an eency’ Don’t leave a voice ed his solid body, resting my cheek on the soft leather of his jacket He ran his hand down ht before

"When will I see you again?" I asked

"I don’t know I’ll be on the go Do me another favor?"

I pulled away and looked up at hi," he said

I dug my hand into the s black key chain with buttons for locking and unlocking doors My head jerked up to see his serious expression Patti covered heryou on trips, you hear?" His voice was gravelly "You can take your own self fro you andthis whole situation even more complicated Promise me you’ll stay away from that son of Pharzuph"

I opened my mouth but the words stuck in my dry throat Hot sweat beaded up on my forehead

"I tried that once, John," Patti warned him "It didn’t work out so well for me"

"Have you seen the way he looks at her?" He focused on Patti, but pointed at me

"Yes, and I’ve seen the way she looks at him Truthfully, I think they need each other"

"Those two need each other like a bullet needs a target Trustin love and letting it get in the way of their work"

"Well, you don’t have to worry, because we’re not in love," I chimed in "He doesn’t like me like that"

Dad puffed out a breath of air "Well, he , ’cause he sure doesn’t want that other kid near you"

"Is there someone else you’re interested in?" Patti asked

I rolled my colors back up, tucked them inside, and yanked the barrier back into place Then I entertained the ie of Kopano’s sweet di it away

"I’m not ready to think about that," I answered

My father tilted his head up to the ceiling and pressed his giant hands to his face,his speech "I’m way too old for this"

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

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