Chapter 299: Circle of Secrets

Holly’s POV

“I’m listening,” I said anxiously, eager to hear him open up.

His words came out rough, like they’d been stuck in his throat for hours.

“I’m sorry, Holly. For everything today. The way I acted, the things Justin said…it was all bullshit. You’re not like those girls from my past. You’re not someone I mess around with and forget. I care about you, deeply. More than I’ve cared about anyone in a long time. Justin was just being an asshole, trying to get under my skin.”

Asshole?

My brain screamed so loud I almost flinched. Asshole? You’re calling a cold-blooded murderer an asshole? He’s not just being a jerk, David…he might be a killer! He could have ended me on that “shortcut” earlier!

But I didn’t blurt all these out to him. Instead, I kept my face neutral, soft, and listening. Nodding like this was just another apology in a long line of them tonight.

He kept going, voice low. “And Rachel… She's nobody. Someone from way back. Old baggage. I’ll handle it. You don’t need to worry.”

I exhaled, slow and shaky, trying to keep the storm inside from showing. “Why do you have to handle everything alone?” I asked softly. “You don’t have to carry it all. Let me help. Give me some of the weight, David.”

He looked at me then…really looked…and his whole expression softened, eyes tired and raw. “I appreciate that. More than you know. But this… it’s mine to bear. You have no idea how crazy it’s been.”

I reached for his hand, ready to drop some big speech about how we’re in this together, how I’m not going anywhere…but the second my fingers touched his skin, I froze.

He was burning up.

I pressed my palm to his forehead, then his cheek. “Oh my God, David. You’re on fire.”

He tried to wave it off, pulling back a little. “I’m always on fire, Holly,” he replied playfully.

“No. Like you’re burning up!” I insisted.

He smiled softly, although it didn’t reach his eyes. “I’m fine. Just—”

“You’re not fine.” I was already in doctor mode, heart racing for a whole new reason. Fever this high after the stress, the drinking, the adrenaline crash…it could lead to something worse if not treated. “Bed. Now.”

He resisted, of course. “Holly, come on. I don’t need—”

“Let me do my job,” I said firmly, standing and tugging him up. “Literally.”

He smiled…weak, but real. “You haven’t even gotten your certificate yet.”

“Almost,” I shot back, guiding him toward the bedroom. “Close enough. Strip to your boxers and lie down.”

He raised an eyebrow but did it, too exhausted to fight much. I grabbed a bowl of cool water, a clean cloth, and some painkillers from my bag…thank God I always carry the basics. Tepid sponge bath…forehead, neck, chest, arms. Slow, methodical circles to bring the fever down. He grumbled at first, but eventually relaxed, eyes fluttering closed.

“Feels good,” he mumbled.

I kept at it all night…checking his temp every hour, forcing water and meds, wiping him down when the heat spiked again.

At some point he drifted off, head heavy in my lap as I sat against the headboard, stroking his hair softly. His breathing evened out, face peaceful for the first time since this whole chaos started.

I must’ve fallen asleep like that, because the next thing I knew, I jolted awake in the bed…tucked under the covers, alone. The sun was always up. God knows how long I was asleep for, and left my patient alone.

So much for nursing him.

I swung my legs over the side, heart still fuzzy with worry, and padded out. “David?”

No answer.

The kitchen counter caught my eye immediately…a note propped against a plate.

‘I had to run out for something important. Made breakfast…pancakes, bacon, fresh fruit. Help yourself. Don’t bother trying to leave. I locked the door from the outside. I’ve got the only key. I’ll be back soon.’

I scoffed at first…locked in? Seriously?

Then… heat rushed through me. Possessive. Controlling. Exactly how I secretly liked it. Damn it, David. You know how to fire me up.

But reality crashed back fast. Justin and the murders.

Yes. Ava. I need to talk to Ava.

I dug through my bag, found my phone. Screen lit up with missed calls… Tyler, Kayla, and Justin.

Justin.

In the past, I would have been excited that he called. But after last night, seeing his name appear on my screen only filled me with dread.

My stomach twisted. Why call me? To lure me out? Finish what he started?

I ignored them all and dialed Ava.

It rang twice. “Holly?”

The sound of her voice hit me like a wave, and I almost broke. Tears stung instantly.

“Hey,” I managed, voice wobbly.

“Baby? Are you okay? You haven’t called in forever…I was starting to think you’d replaced me with a whole new family out there.”

I giggled through the lump in my throat. “Never. You’re my only family.”

“Good. Your break’s not over yet? It’s been almost two months. When are you coming home?”

I opened my mouth to answer, but she kept going. “Actually, it’s good you’re not here right now. I had to send Liam to Uncle Theo’s for a while. It’s chaotic in LA. The Millers Group…we’ve been getting threats. Nonstop. And a few days ago… Orion was shot.”

“Oh my God.” My hand flew to my mouth. “Is he okay?”

“Yeah. Bullet just grazed his arm. He’s recovering. Stubborn as ever.”

“What’s going on? Who’s doing this?”

Ava exhaled hard. “The Jamesons.”

I froze. “Didn’t they… weren’t they locked up?”

“I thought so too.” Her voice turned sharp. “Hold on a sec.” Muffled background noise…she was giving someone instructions, firm and in charge.

Then she was back on the call with me. “Apparently their daughter, Rachel, is back. She’s so vicious. Claims I robbed her family, but they’re the ones who sent Mason Brown to spy and destroy us from the inside.”

Rachel.

David’s Rachel? The one I saw yesterday? He mentioned that she was “someone from the past.” Someone he worked for in LA.

Could it be?

No. I was overthinking. Had to be.

Ava’s voice cut through. “Baby? Is everything alright?”

“Yes… actually, no.” My voice cracked. “Can I see a picture of this Rachel? Just to know what she looks like. In case.”

She went dead silent. Then… “Do you know her? Has she approached you? Holly, if she—”

“No! No, I just… want to be careful.”

“Okay. Hold on.” Typing sounds. “Sent.”

My phone buzzed. I opened the message and clicked the image.

And everything stopped.

Same Rachel. Sharp eyes, dark hair, that smug smile from when she was at the office yesterday.

This wasn’t a coincidence.

Ava kept talking. “We’re handling it legally…court, reports…but she’s slippery. No direct evidence to link her to the incidents, even with Orion’s shooting. They can’t arrest her.”

Keys rustled at the front door just then.

Someone was coming in.

The keys kept rattling…urgent, impatient…like whoever was on the other side was fighting the lock because they needed to pee or something.

I still couldn’t move. The photo of Rachel stared back at me from the screen, her face sharp and unmistakable.

What is going on? Is he back to working for them?

My stomach lurched so hard I nearly dropped the phone.

Ava was still talking, voice rising with every word. “Holly? Holly, talk to me. Why did you want her picture? Has she contacted you? Have you seen her?”

“I—” My throat closed. The rattling stopped and a soft click echoed. The door was opening.

“I have to go,” I whispered.

“Holly—”

“I’ll call you back. I promise.” I hung up before she could argue, shoved the phone under a couch cushion like a guilty teenager, and spun toward the entrance.

David stepped inside, shoulders filling the doorway, carrying two paper bags that smelled like fresh coffee and pastries. He looked better…color back in his face, hair still a little messy from sleep, eyes softer than they’d been in hours. He kicked the door shut behind him and turned the deadbolt.

“Hey,” he said, voice low and careful, like he was approaching a spooked animal. “Have you eaten yet?”

I couldn’t answer. My pulse was hammering so loud I barely heard him.

He set the bags on the counter, eyes narrowing as he studied me. “Holly? What’s wrong?”

Everything.