Chapter 2

Nate and Ryan exchanged a look. Both clenched their jaws, picked up the tweezers, and pulled their hairs.

Ethan turned and walked toward the door. At the threshold he stopped and looked back at me.

"You've got more nerve than Jinx."

He gave a cold smile. "Three days. Let's see who's still standing."

The next morning, the rumble of three cargo trucks shook the whole alley.

Case after case of imported formula. Two solid wood cribs. Diapers from three different brands, none of them the same.

My four-hundred-square-foot dump was packed so full there was nowhere to step.

Steve and my stepmother showed up first thing.

My stepmother ran her hands over one of the cribs, practically drooling.

"Oh my God, this wood alone has to be worth tens of thousands."

Steve didn't say a word. He picked up two cases of formula and headed for the door.

"Olivia. Take the rest of these down to the corner store."

He didn't look back. "Old Larry will take them at half price. Good cash."

I stepped in front of the door.

"Put it down."

Steve glared at me, spittle flying.

"I'm your father! What's wrong with taking a little food?"

My stepmother had gone quiet. She was already sidling up to the crib, eyes darting around.

"Steve. These two little ones are a gold mine."

"Take them straight to the Holts. Ask for a few million up front."

Steve dropped the formula and lunged for the crib.

I stepped back, pulled out the black communication device Ethan had left behind last night, and pressed the red button.

"Holt family assets under threat. Second floor, 4 South Alley, Village District."

Steve threw his head back and laughed.

"You think a broken walkie-talkie is going to scare anybody?"

Two minutes later, the security bars on the window exploded inward with a crash.

Glass shattered. Three bodyguards in black broke through the window.

Steve's laughter died in his throat as the lead bodyguard's fist connected with his face.

Two bloody teeth flew out and hit the wall.

My stepmother spun to run. She got a kick to the lower back and went sprawling face-first into the floor.

The head bodyguard turned to me and lowered his head.

"Miss Olivia. Your orders?"

I pointed at the open front door.

"Throw them out with the trash."

"Don't let them dirty the babies' space."

The bodyguards grabbed both of them by the collar and dragged them out.

Steve clutched his busted mouth and slurred curses through the gaps.

"Olivia, you little bitch! I'm calling the cops on you!"

I walked over and looked down at him.

"Go ahead."

"Tell them you tried to steal food out of Ethan Holt's son's mouth. See if anyone dares to touch me."

Steve started shaking all over. He couldn't manage a single word. He scrambled up, grabbed my stepmother, and fled.

The head bodyguard held out a set of keys and a key card.

"Mr. Holt's instructions. This place isn't fit to live in."

"A secured riverside apartment has been prepared for you. Please move in immediately."

I took the keys and surveyed the room full of supplies.

"Let's move."

That night, I moved into the riverside apartment with the babies.

Once I had the twins settled, I started sorting through the pile of junk luggage Jinx had shipped back earlier.

When I got to a cardboard box stuffed with old diapers, my fingers hit something solid in the lining.

I tore the cardboard open. Inside was an old phone with a cracked screen.

I charged it, typed in Jinx's birthday, and unlocked it.

A document in the notes app popped open. The title read: Man Management Schedule.

I tapped it. The screen filled with a dense, color-coded calendar. My finger stopped on the screen and didn't move.

The phone lit up with a new message.

From Jinx.

Be a good girl and take my place. Don't ruin my fun in Vancouver.