Page 31 of When Fashion Turns Deadly

Chapter 11

Isabelle still couldn’t believe Marithad nearly lost her purse after everything she had already been through over the past two days. Walking ahead of Isabelle, Lars had his arm firmly around Marit’s shoulder, Marit’s free hand clutching her bag tightly to her side.

Isabelle had opted to go without a purse tonight, her wallet, Chap Stick, cell phone, and gun secured in the zipped pocket of her overcoat. Cole also had his hands free, except for the one holding hers.

The walk along the Seine had been so perfect up until the purse snatcher had shown up. They were due for a break.

“What are the chances that Marit would end up with her name on three police reports in two days?” Isabelle asked, her voice low.

“Until I got her call, I would have put the chances at zero for her name being ononepolice report.” Cole squeezed her hand. “I’d feel a lot better if you and Marit would move over into our hotel.”

Isabelle had entertained similar thoughts, enough to call and inquire about booking a room. “Your hotel is sold out until after Fashion Week.”

“You called?”

“Yes, while I was waiting for Marit and Nadia after the second casting call.” Isabelle shrugged. “I needed something to distract me from the thought of going through a third one.”

“I know this isn’t what you had in mind for this trip, but thanks for helping out.”

“Marit’s a good friend,” Isabelle said. “Besides, she would do the same thing for me.”

“That’s true,” Cole said. “Have you talked to your boss about taking some extra time off?”

He was speaking of her boss at the bank, not Jasmine. “I had already warned him that I might take the whole week off, but once Marit and Esmee started taking me on casting calls, I asked to stay here through Fashion Week.”

“He was okay with that?”

“Yes. Even after taking time off during the holidays, I still have a good deal of unused leave on the books.”

“That’s a good thing,” Cole said as they approached Marit and Isabelle’s building. “Do you know if Esmee got the locks changed?”

“No, I don’t, but we’ll find out soon enough.” She wasn’t sure what Cole would do if the locks hadn’t been taken care of. She didn’t particularly want to find out.

Cole stopped at the corner, his grip on her hand encouraging her to do the same. As soon as Isabelle faced him, he said, “I’m going to head over to the embassy and pick up some motion sensors and security cameras. The batteries in mine are all dead after my last mission. I’ll call you as soon as I get back.”

Isabelle glanced at Lars and Marit, who now stood by the entrance. Despite the several meters between them, she lowered her voice. “No need. I brought some with me.”

Cole lifted his eyebrows. “You brought some with you?” he asked.

“I didn’t know what I’d find here, and I thought it best to be prepared.”

Cole gave a slight nod. “How many cameras did you bring?”

“Four. I’ll set them up in the hall and in the living room to cover the door and the balcony.”

Admiration and a look of approval flashed on his face. “Send me the access code, and Lars and I can take turns watching the feed.”

“That would be helpful.” Isabelle sighed. “I’m exhausted.”

“I bet.” Cole glanced over her shoulder before he lowered his head and kissed her.

The moment his lips met hers, her insides melted, and she leaned into him. Cole lifted his hands to frame her face. Her arms encircled him, her fingers brushing against the edge of the holster at his waist.

Despite the reminder that neither of them was exactly what they appeared to be to the world around them, she couldn’t help losing herself in the moment. They were in Paris together, the Eiffel Tower glowing in the distance. The love she felt for him swelled within her.

A tingle rippled along her skin, goose bumps forming. When he finally pulled back, he lowered his forehead until it pressed gently against hers. “I’m glad you’re here.”

“Me too.”

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