⸻ ❛𝐖𝐑𝐀𝐏 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐀𝐑𝐌𝐒 𝐀𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐃 𝐌𝐄 𝐖𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐄 𝐈 𝐃𝐑𝐎𝐖𝐍 𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐎 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐎𝐒!❜
Rory Hargrove is obsessed to uncover the truth behind Barbara Holland's disappearance, while facing her brother's enemy and buried secrets from...
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BEFORE SHE COULD START HER LUNCH, Rory was interrupted by a quick and excited phone call from her boyfriend, who eagerly told her that Dustin — just back from summer camp — had intercepted a secret Russian communication and had a mission for his brilliant girlfriend.
With her curiosity piqued, Aurora quickly navigated the long, crowded aisles of the Starcourt Mall, weaving through the bustling crowd until she spotted the Scoops Ahoy sign.
Steve was already waiting anxiously, scanning the sea of people until he found her. His eyes swept over her, from her loose, sun-kissed hair down to her white t-shirt and floral skirt that revealed her long, slender legs.
"Ahoy, gentlemen!" she greeted from afar, flashing a warm, bright smile.
"Ahoy, my lady!" Harrington called back, leaving the counter and reaching out to her. He pulled her into a hug, planted a quick kiss on her forehead, and inhaled the intense scent of chamomile from her hair.
As soon as she pulled away from the embrace, she turned to the blonde girl who was leaning lazily against the counter, watching them with an amused grin.
"So, Buckley, how did it go with Steve?" Rory asked playfully.
Steve rolled his eyes.
"Same old nightmare," Robin sighed dramatically, though a teasing grin remained on her lips.
"Ugh, poor you." Rory joked, giving Steve's co-worker a light pat on the shoulder.
From the moment Rory and Robin had met a few weeks ago, they had clicked instantly. Their shared sarcasm and casual approach to life had only strengthened their bond. From the first glance, Rory had seen the adventurous and carefree spirit in Robin's eyes — something she immediately admired.
Then, as she pushed open the back door, she was greeted by the teenager she had come to think of as her little brother.
"Dusty!" Rory exclaimed happily, seeing the curly-haired boy who seemed to have grown another inch since last month. "How was summer camp?"
"It was great. So great, in fact, that he even has a girlfriend now," Steve answered, hands on his hips and a proud, playful grin on his face.
Rory's eyes widened, and a bright, toothy grin spread across her face, reflecting both surprise, "That was fast!"—and genuine joy—"See? Sooner or later, girls mature and start noticing your obvious qualities." She winked at him playfully. "Congrats."
"Thanks, Rory. You never gave up on me," he said, winking back at her — Steve frowned.
But before he could say anything, Dustin, fueled by excitement, quickly shifted back to the reason he had called her there in the first place.
