29. Evie
29
EVIE
“Play it again,” I tell Rose, holding my phone with shaking hands. The gallery’s empty except for Chase setting up his station, but I still duck into the supply closet for privacy.
“Evie…” Rose’s voice holds barely controlled panic. “Playing it again won’t change anything. The snake tattoo is clearly visible when you walk past.”
I replay Skylar’s video anyway. There—at 2:47, I cross behind her while she discusses Chase’s color work. My sleeve rides up for barely three seconds. But it’s enough. The distinctive snake design curling up my forearm is unmistakable.
I hadn’t taken this much notice before, brushing off Rose’s warnings, hoping that those fancy cars with the Sacramento plates were here for someone else. How did I get so relaxed? How did I forget so soon what I was running from?
“Eight million views,” I whisper. “He’s seen it. Hasn’t he?”
“My contact in Sacramento confirmed it.” Rose’s professional mask slips slightly. “They’re analyzing the footage, trying to verify it’s really you. They’re also in town to see if it’s really you in person. Hence, the black sedan we’ve been seeing all over town.”
Morning sickness rises, but this time it’s pure fear. “The girls?—”
“They’re safe. I’ve had eyes on the school since that influencer came into town. But Evie…” She pauses. “You need to tell them. The brothers deserve to know what’s coming.”
“I can’t.” My free hand drifts to my slightly rounded stomach. “Not yet. Not with everything else…”
“Everything else is exactly why you need to tell them.” Her voice softens. “They can protect you better once they know what they’re up against.”
The supply closet suddenly feels too small. Through the door, I hear Chase’s machine start up—he’s practicing color combinations for Skylar’s next session.
“I need to go.” I straighten my clothes, forcing composure. “I need to handle something.”
“Evie—”
“I know what I’m doing.” The lie tastes bitter. “Just…keep watching the girls.”
Chase looks up when I emerge. His smile fades slightly at whatever he sees in my expression.
“You okay? You look stressed out.”
“I’m fine. I just didn’t get any sleep last night. Rick came over. You know he can be intense sometimes.” I manage a wink that makes him shake his head with a smile. Actually…” I move toward his station with forced casualness. “I was thinking about removal sessions.”
His eyebrows rise. “For what piece?”
I roll up my sleeve, exposing the snake. The tattoo that’s haunted me for six years. Luca’s mark of ownership.
“This one. It’s time.”
“The snake?” He sets down his machine. “But you always said it was special.”
“I changed my mind.” I aim for lightness but miss. “Unless you don’t want to?—”
“Of course I’ll do it. But why now? This piece is actually decent work.”
Because Luca’s men have seen it. Because this mark led him straight to my daughters.
“Just…ready for change.” The excuse sounds weak even to me.
Chase’s expression says he doesn’t buy it, but he doesn’t push. Just starts gathering removal supplies.
“You want to do it now?” I ask, trying to hide my desperation.
“Yes, babe. Looks like you need it gone as soon as possible. Plus, I have time before my first client.” He pats the chair.
The machine’s buzz fills the silence as he preps my arm. When the needle hits the skin, I welcome the pain. Physical discomfort is easier than fear.
“Tell me if you need a break,” he says softly.
I won’t. I need this mark gone before?—
The gallery’s door chimes. Rick walks in, followed by Zane. Both freeze at the sight of me in Chase’s chair.
“Removal session?” Rick moves closer, frowning. “For what?”
“The snake,” Chase answers when I don’t. “Apparently, it’s time for changes.”
Something passes between the brothers—one of their silent conversations. I force myself to breathe normally.
“Interesting timing,” Zane says carefully. “With everything else going on.”
“Almost done,” Chase murmurs, working faster than usual. Like he senses my urgency.
The door chimes again. It’s Skylar this time with her camera crew in place. I tense, but Chase shifts to block their view.
“No filming,” he says firmly. “Private session.”
Thank God for small mercies.
“Of course.” Skylar’s gaze catches on my arm, professional interest lighting up. “Though that’s gorgeous work. Shame to remove it.”
If she only knew.
Chase finishes quickly, wrapping my arm with care. “We’ll need multiple sessions,” he warns. “Snake designs are tricky to remove completely. Or I can sketch out some ideas for a cover-up once it’s faded.”
“Whatever it takes.” I stand too fast, making the room spin slightly.
Rick steadies me with a hand on my lower back. “You sure you’re okay?”
No. Nothing’s okay. My daughters are in danger because I was careless enough to be caught on camera.
“Fine.” I manage a smile. “Just a little lightheaded.”
“Maybe you should—” Zane starts, but my phone buzzes. Rose’s text makes my blood freeze.
“Black sedan outside school. Girls are safe. Clay handled it.”
“I need to…” The words stick in my throat. “The girls?—”
“Already taken care of.” Rick’s voice stays calm, but his eyes sharpen. “Clay called. Said something about extra security being necessary.”
Of course he did. Nothing happens in Wolf Pike without the brothers knowing.
“Thank you.” The words come out steadier than I feel. “For everything.”
Chase finishes bandaging my arm, his touch lingering. “Whatever you need. You know that.”
But they don’t know what I really need. Don’t know about the baby growing inside me, about Luca’s reach, about the danger I’ve brought to their door.
“I should get back to work.” I gesture vaguely at my desk. “Reports to file.”
They let me go, but I feel their concerned looks following me. Through the window, I glimpse that black sedan cruising past.
My fingers find the bandage covering Luca’s mark. Chase’s removal work is excellent, but it won’t be enough. Nothing will be enough if Luca finds us.
Finds me.
My phone buzzes again. It’s Rose.
“Tell them. Before it’s too late.”
But how do you tell three men you love that you’ve endangered everything? That the baby you’re carrying might be any of theirs? That your past is about to destroy their future?
You don’t.
You just pray the removal sessions work faster than Luca’s men.
And hope your daughters stay safe while you figure out your next move.