Chapter 20

Julie laughs, but it’s more nervous than before. “That’s the point, right? I mean, it's supposed to look real.” I watch her carefully. I don’t even know how to answer that without giving myself away. I see something flicker in her eyes—something unsure, maybe even vulnerable. But she brushes it off, returning her focus to the iPad, as if that will shield her from whatever tension is building between us. “Let’s get back to the plan,” she says. And so we dive back into the details, hammering out strategies and scenarios, but all the while, I’m watching her, realizing what I really want. I want Julie. I’m determined to get her. I’m going to play along with her stupid plan—because one way or another, she’s going to end up mine. ~~~ I drop Julie off in front of Paragon Jewels, my eyes following her as she steps out of the car. She adjusts her blouse, throws a glance at the building, then back at me. Her smile makes me wonder if she can read my thoughts. God, I hope not. If she knew the whir