Page 72 of Twisted Control

“I’m serious!” I hiss, eyes wide, water still streaming down my face. “I’ll go distract him. You—you have to go out the window.”

Drew pulls back, one eyebrow raised. “You want me to jump two floors? Just admit you want me dead.”

“I don’t want you dead,” I snap. “Just figure it out!”

A slow smile spreads across his face. “You don’t want me dead?” He steps closer, voice dropping. “I think that’s the sweetest thing you’ve ever said to me.”

I roll my eyes, fighting a smile. “Don’t make me push you out the window myself.”

I get dressed and head downstairs with damp hair still dripping down my back. I find Finn in the kitchen, eating one of my organic rice cakes.

“How was the conference?” I ask, aiming for light and breezy.

“Boring as hell,” he replies without looking up.

Through the big windows behind him, I catch sight of Drew crossing the lawn toward the guest house. My stomach flips. Finn notices me staring and starts to turn his head.

I lunge forward and throw my arms around him in the most awkward hug of my life.

“I missed you,” I say brightly, locking him in place until I’m sure Drew has made it back to the guest house.

Finn goes rigid. “You…missed me?”

“It’s been hard while you’ve been gone,” I mumble into his shoulder. “With everything that’s happened.”

He pulls back, eyeing me like I’ve grown a second head. “Yeah. Did you ever stop to think about the rest of us when you had your little meltdown? Some woman cornered me at a bar and said, ‘Wait…you’re that crazy bitch’s brother.’ She looked at me like I’d kicked her dog. Thanks for that, Grace.”

He twists the cap off a bottle of water. “I told you something was going on with Max and Heidi. It was obvious.”

“How was it so obvious?” I ask, hoping he’ll explain how he always figures this stuff out.

Finn gives me his signature ‘you’re slow’ look. “The way he looked at her. A man knows that look. Plus she wouldn’t even glance in his direction, he hated me being near her. But then when I kissed her, he didn’t react at all. I thought I’d read it wrong.” He shrugs. “Turns out I was right. As usual.”

“Brilliant,” I say dryly.

“I am.” His eyes narrow. “Now where’s this bodyguard? I pounded on the guest house door and no one answered.”

“How should I know?” I shrug, trying to sound bored. “He’s probably around somewhere. He’s actually kind of annoying.”

Finn’s already reaching for his phone. “This is unacceptable. He’s supposed to be protecting you and he’s MIA. I’m calling Dad⁠—”

I don’t want Drew getting in trouble.

“I’m sure he just didn’t hear you,” I cut in quickly. “Let’s go check again.”

I follow Finn outside, nerves crackling under my skin. When we reach the guest house, Drew opens the door. His hair is still wet, water droplets sliding down his bare shoulders and chest.

I didn’t think this through. I’m wet too. Maybe Finn will figure⁠—

“I knocked earlier,” Finn says, looking him up and down like he’s sizing up a threat.

Drew’s expression is cold, almost bored. “And who are you?”

Finn’s eyebrows shoot up. “Finn Whitmore. Why the hell didn’t you answer the door?”

“I was in the shower,” Drew replies flatly, voice low and edged with warning. “That a problem?”

The air between them turns thick with tension. Neither man looks away.