The Luna Choosing Game

During a mental self–defense lesson, Julian tried to instruct me on the best way to evade answering

Terry’s invasive questions.

“He’ll goad you,” Julian said. “You just have to keep your head. If all else fails, just don’t say a word. He

can’t twist your words if you don’t give him any to twist.”

As the lesson went on, I started to notice something was off with Julian. He didn’t smile as much as he

had in the past. A line was often seen splitting his brow.

I stopped him near the end of the lesson. I couldn’t wait any more before asking, “Are you okay?”

He opened his mouth. Closed it. Blinked a few times. “What makes you ask?”

“You seem… different. Like something’s bothering you.”

He laughed a little, but it sounded nervous. “Can’t a guy have some nerves before a big operation? This

event could make our break our entire case against the underground organization.”

I shrugged. “It’s not like you to show your nerves. Usually you play it off.”

“Yeah, well, I guess there’s more to lose this time than usual.”

I tilted my head, confused. “What do you mean?”

He sighed. “Come on, Piper. Is it so hard to believe that I’m actually worried about you and Elva?”

The words startled me. “You… are worried… about me?”

“And Elva,” he said.

It was hard to believe. I never bought into the idea Julian often pushed of himself, that he cared for no one but himself. But to hear him say he was actually worried for Elva and I… And to see it in the lines of his face, and the slight tremble of his voice…

I couldn’t help but be taken aback.

Thave something for you,” he said, and reached into the bag he had at his side. From it, he produced a

all velvet box, He handed it to me. “It might help us both.”

open the box. Inside was a beautiful golden necklace, a pendant on a chain. The pendant was

ce of a full moon

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ok. I raced my finger along the chain. It was coolto the tow

“Beautiful and functional.” Julian leaned over, plucked the necklace out of the box then held it out for me. As it dangled, I saw that the moon was something like a button that could be pushed.

“It’s a GPS and a panic button. If you are in trouble, all you have to do is press the moon, and a message

with your location will be pinged to my phone. I can come rescue you, no matter where you are.”

“That’s wonderful.” Such a thoughtful and beautiful gift. “Thank you so much, Julian. Does Nicholas also

get the message?”

Julian, whose smile has been growing since giving me the gift, hesitated. His smile wavered. For a half- second, I could have sworn I saw a flash of hurt in his eyes. But between one blink and the next, it was

gone.

“Julian, I didn’t mean –”

“It’s fine, Piper. I can set it up so it goes to him too. The more the better, anyway. Increase those odds of

saving you.”

He was acting strangely now. Talking too fast.

He was almost acting… jealous. But that couldn’t be. Even if Julian worried about me, which he must have to give me such a gift, that did not mean that he wanted me romantically.

Yet…

“Thank you, Julian. I mean it.”

He nodded, and we continued on, both pretending everything was fine.

The afternoon of the event, I spent way too long in my closet trying to pick out my dress. I held up the dress that fit me like a circus tent. This was the only one Nicholas approved of. But… it was so bulky and

out of fashion, I couldn’t possibly wear it.

No, instead, I reached for the modest black gown with the high collar. I draped my new necklace around

my neck. The gold glistened against the black.

Dressed, I kissed Elva goodbye.

“Be good for your Nanny and Mark,” I told her.

21 will she promised, sing–song.

We had decided for Elva’s sake that she shouldn’t go anywhere near Terry’s mansion. Mark had agreed

ay behind to guard her

“Don’t worry about anything, Piper,” Mark said. “We’ll be secure here.”

“Thank you, Mark.”

I walked down to the driveway, where I met with the other candidates. A line of black sedans circled down the driveway. Each car stopped and a different candidate would enter. Please check at N/ôvel(D)rama.Org.

When it was down to the last three of us, Nicholas exited the mansion.

He came down the stairs, likely to wait for his own car. When he saw me, he froze. Then, his brow

lowered and his lip curled up into a snarl.

I swallowed hard. He looked angry. Or horny.

Or both.

He stormed over to me before I could even think to move. He grabbed me by the arm, firmly but not

enough to hurt, and pulled me closer to the house, away from the others.

“What are you wearing?” he asked, voice low and growly. He dragged his gaze down my front. His eyes

stopped, staring openly at my breasts.

I remembered now what he had said. That this dress would show off my breasts too much. But surely

no one would notice? No one but him anyway.

I looked down, trying to see what he saw. The dress did hug my curves, but it didn’t show off my breasts

any more than anything else I wore.

1 decided to play coy. “A dress?”

He leaned in close. I could feel his hot breath on my cheek. It sent pleasant tingles up my spine.

Didn’t we agree… that you wouldn’t wear this dress?”

You agreed,” I whispered. “I wasn’t going to wear that circus tent.”

Piper… You like playing with fire?”

Llicked my lips. “I do if that fire is you.”

The other girls entered their cars. When the final one pulled up, the driver exited and waited for me.

have to go, I said to Nicholas.

shook his head. “You aren’t going anywhere in that.”

“Nicholas.” Surely he hadn’t forgotten the purpose of our little venture here. We were headed into the lion’s den with intent. We had to uncover information to take down the underground organization – or at

the very least, Terry and Jane.

He growled a little, and I saw the conflict in his eyes. Oh, he knew our purpose then. But he was still struggling. His desire to keep me safe, as well as his possessive nature, wanted to keep me close and all to himself. But the logical part of his brain knew I had to go.

I’ll drive you there myself,” Nicholas said.

He waved to the driver, and the driver nodded. He entered his car and drove away.

“Come with me,” Nicholas said. He grabbed my hands and led me around the driveway towards the

garage.

“Nick, how will we explain it? When I arrive with you?”

“What’s there to explain? No one will question it.” He was in one of his Alpha moods again. I didn’t know

whether to be nervous or filled with lust.

My body decided that both was the correct answer.

Nicholas tugged me into the garage. Before he even turned on the light, he pulled me into his arms and

kissed me.