The text on my phone burns into my vision.
Be careful who you trust.
My pulse thrums against my skin, my fingers tightening around the phone. The number is unknown; of course, it is. But the message? It feels like a loaded gun pressed against my temple.
Lydia leans in, reading over my shoulder. "What the hell?" Her expression darkens. "Do you know who sent that?"
I shake my head, but my mind is already racing. It could be a warning. A scare tactic. A ploy to make me hesitate.
Or worse.
It could be the truth.
Michael chuckles under his breath, the sound low and amused. "Looks like someone doesn't want you playing in the deep end, sweetheart."
I glare at him. "And you find that funny?"
He shrugs, stepping closer. "I find it predictable." He tilts his head, studying me with that infuriating smirk. "But the real question is… will it work?"
The challenge in his voice snaps something inside me.
No.