Page 43 of Midnight Revelations

“Next month.”

“Email me a few photos when you get the stones set and I’ll see what I can do,” I replied. Harold helped me when I was in trouble. Ash may have paid him a lot of money, but he could have said no. I believed in good vibes and this would be a debt that I could repay instead of all the ones mounting up that I couldn’t.

“Deal.” Harold grinned up at me. “I appreciate your help.”

I went to the doctor next, leaving Catarina’s shopping list until last. She received packages all the time back home, so I didn’t know how she could need this amount of stuff. We were almost finished when a man walked into my path.

“Sorry, how clumsy of me.” He bent down and picked up the bag that I dropped. “Here.”

“Thanks.” I said, trying to continue on my way.

“Do I know you?” he asked with a smile on his face that would set most pulses racing.

“I don’t think so. Excuse me.” Francis had been in front of me, so I was on my own.

“Of course!” he exclaimed. “You were in those photographs with my brother Ash at the jewellery show. I’m Michael.” He stuck his hand out and I stared at it.

I’d heard all about Michael and none of it was flattering. “I’m very pleased to meet you, Michael. I’m sure we’ll bump into each other again, as Ash is my business partner. Excuse me.”

His hand clamped on my right arm and he lowered his head so that he was closer to my ear. “My brother thinks he’s clever, but I know there is something going on between you two. Ash may be untouchable, but you’re not.”

Michael stood to my left side, chatting to me as if we were friends. I turned to stare at him, and his breath fanned my cheek. “I would advise you to back off,” I said in a cold voice. “My father is Lucas Black and believe me when I tell you that if you come anywhere near me again, I will allow him to visit the wrath of God himself on you.”

He glared down at me, but I refused to back down. I was sick of bullies trying to intimidate me. If Ash taught me one thing, it was to stand tall and look my enemies in the eye, even if I was quaking in my stilettoes.

I looked down at his hand. “And I would thank you to keep your hands to yourself.” I shook him off and strode away without glancing behind me. My stomach was in knots by the time I got outside.

“Did you stop at another counter?” Francis asked, quirking an eyebrow.

I didn’t want to tell him about what had happened since he would have gotten into trouble. “You know me,” I joked. “Can’t resist another eyeliner!” I put my free hand in my pocket so that he wouldn’t see the tremble there.

I really needed Ash right now. My life was falling apart and I didn’t know what was real or pretend anymore.

“Lucas texted me earlier,” Francis said. “He asked me to stop off on the way home and pick up a parcel for him. It’ll just take a second.”

“No worries.” I linked my hand through his arm as we returned to the car.

When Francis had disappeared into the building around half an hour later, I phoned Xavier.

“Hey, cuz, what’s up?” He sounded slightly distracted with voices in the background.

“Not much, we’ve arrived in London and I have the tiara with me.”

“Great! I’m sorting out a family dinner so you can all meet Cas. I’ll send you the details later when I’m not busy.”

I felt like shit ringing him when he was planning a wedding. “Zee? I need your help.”

Suddenly a door slammed and the background noise disappeared. “What happened?”

“Ash’s brother Michael just threatened me in a department store.”

“Where the fuck was Francis?” he demanded.

“A few steps ahead of me when Michael bumped into me. It’s not his fault,” I defended.

“He’s paid a lot of money to make sure you’re safe,” Xavier grated out.

“Please, Francis is family. What am I going to do, Xavier?”

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