Off the Hook (Never Harbor #1)

by Julie Olivia

the hole in my chest widening as she fades like a bird shot from the sky,

“You know

I’d be lost without you.”

I don’t like him 😑

I’m of the firm belief that collecting books and reading books are separate hobbies anyway.

“Man, they really shook you tonight, huh?” “Who?” “Grumpy brother one and cocky brother two.” “I’m not grumpy,” Peter counters. “Never said you were the grumpy one,”

Thank you Wendy: Wow. So formal. Jasper: It’s a job offer Wendy: Sure it’s not a ransom note?

Wendy: Yes. I’m actually free as a bird. What time should I be there? Sundown? In the cellar?

So, if I’m hearing correctly, I agreed to nanny for a man who texts like Hannibal Lecter in a place where nobody can hear me scream.

Except Jasper looks more likely to kill me than kiss me.

“Avast ye, Jill!” he bellows, and that’s when I finally turn the corner. As if my body subconsciously wants to join in on the fun. She screams. Sam screams. Roger rises from his sprawled position on the grass and runs forward. There’s even a hint of a growl until he realizes it’s me.

A pocket-sized pixie with an attitude.

He’s the king, and he knows it.

And suddenly, I feel very alone.

bedroom. So, I bent to be whatever he needed me to be. I tend to always fall into that role. It’s easier that way.

I creak open the door, and staring back at me is less like Sam and instead a wild boy. Crazed. Wide eyes. Feet tapping the floor. And the worst part? Covered in chocolate pudding. “Oh my God, Sam, where did you get those?” I breathe, blinking at not one, but two pudding cups on the ground. Not a trace of chocolate in them. Licked completely clean. Sam zooms past me, crawling like some possessed spider along the hardwood and laughing the whole way. Oh my God. This is a horror movie. Jasper Davies is going to murder me.

But sometimes, adults can play pretend too. And I pretend that smile is just for me.

“They tried,” I answer. “But it demands to be wrong.”

Sam picks up the pickle spear from his plate and drops it onto mine. “Oh, thanks, bud.” Sam then reaches across the blanket to snatch Jasper’s, who quickly lets out a scoffing laugh, covering his plate with his palm. “And what do you think you’re doing?” “Give her your pickle,” Sam demands. Jasper’s eyes widen right as I sputter out part of my water, droplets spewing onto the blanket. “Pardon?” Jasper asks in his low tone. Sam giggles. “Please give her your pickle.” “And why should I?” “They’re her favorite.” Jasper looks to me, then his plate, and without additional hesitation, he picks up his pickle spear. “Oh, no, you don’t have—” I start, but it’s swiftly placed next to Sam’s offering on my plate.

“You said you liked them,” I answer. “I do.” “Then, why wouldn’t I do something simple if you like it?”

It felt so domestic. So real.

“God, you’re like my star

in the sky, Wendy.” “Your star?” “My North Star. Always showing me the direction I should travel. I’ve never met someone like you before.”

The sick, twisted part of me likes Jasper’s possession.

“I’d let you break me, Wendy Bird,” Jasper whispers gruffly. “And I’d thank God every single day for the guilt that followed if it meant I could keep you for myself.”

“You want me? Then, come and get me, Captain.” With those final words, I leap off Deadman’s Drop. And the last thing I see before plunging into the deep is Jasper diving after me.

“Psht. You act like you’ll read it.” I lift an eyebrow. “I would like to read your story.” Her once-teasing expression falls. “Really?” “Of course. How can I tell everyone to read it if I haven’t read it myself?”

“Oh, please,” she says, pushing my arm playfully. “My future favorite author just touched me.” “Jas.” “Best day ever.” “Stop,” she says, rolling her eyes, but I love the little smile still plastered on her lips.

of magic and tried to integrate myself within. But if I’ve learned anything about fairy tales, it’s that, once the pixie dust settles, it’s just another world with problems you can’t control. Only lessons to be learned.

His jaw clenches, and maybe, for once, a different reality than his own is cracking through his beautiful facade of a world he’s made for himself. He doesn’t respond.

“Don’t apologize for my shortcomings, Wendy. It’s time for me to grow up.”

Jasper clears his throat. “I came here to give Wendy …” His words fade. “A thimble.” “A thimble?” Bonnie asks, her nose scrunching up. “A thimble?” Milo adds. “A thimble,” I breathe.

Mags: And Pete and Cass advised that simply “dropping by” isn’t a good idea, so I’d prefer not to if I don’t have to.

HA

Whisking out a hand, he gestures me forward anyway. “Away we go.”