Page 66 of Seduce

Sierra laughed. “Did I forget to tell you? Max has money.”

“Jordan owns the law firm, and Sierra and I contribute to all the household stuff, even if they don’t want us to,” Crystal commented.

Tessa looked at Damon. “Don’t fret, Tessa. I’m fine.” How would she feel when she found out he had money? He’d find out soon enough, once he talked to the real estate agent, and later Zeke. Already in his head, Damon could see the wall between the two shops demolished and the business expanding into the next building.

He was already deciding to make the next building more of a bookshop. A place where they could hold the book club meetings and sell all sorts of books. He was limited on how many books he could carry in his current store, but with more space, there were possibilities, especially since they were talking about more education for members of the club.

“Since we’re all in agreement, I’ll have Zeke get a contract drawn up.” Max held up his hand. “I’ll let you read it, Jordan. All three of us will have to sign it anyway.”

Jordan laughed. “Right.”

“So what do we have here?” A female voice intruded as a flash went off.

Jordan rose to his feet, and Crystal groaned. “You’re disturbing us. Please go away.”

Max put his arm around Sierra’s shoulders, and Damon leaned closer to Tessa.

“Now, Mr. Frost. What are you hiding?”

Max narrowed his eyes. “Just friends having coffee. Nothing to hide here.” Max’s voice was ice cold.

“Friends who have coffee after being at a book club meeting at an adult store. My readers will find that very interesting, especially since I’ve done some research.” The woman turned to Max. “I understand you own a business called Wicked Sanctuary.”

Sierra sat up, and Tessa stiffened next to Damon. Damon rose to his feet next to Jordan. “Miss…”

“Collins. Shantell Collins.” Her voice went all breathy and soft.

Damon had dealt with this type of woman before. Thought they could distract a man with their looks. In addition, he’d heard her name before. She was the reporter who’d made Jordan and Crystal’s life difficult during Sage’s court case.

“Ms. Collins,” Damon started. “Why don’t we take a walk outside.” He took her by the arm and began leading her away from his friends. Once outside, he kept his smile. “Why are you bothering us?” His tone was cold and hard.

“I am a reporter.”

“I don’t care. We’re private citizens, living our lives.” He wasn’t going to give this woman anything about them.

“Really? Mr. Frost and Ms. Hayden recently defended a woman accused of abuse.”

“The case was dismissed. I’m sure lawyers defend abuse cases every day.” Damon kept a straight face, never raising his voice.

“This is different.” She slid closer to Damon, and it took everything he had not to take a step back from her cloying perfume. “I understand the couple he was defending are into some freaky stuff.”

Damon swore silently. They were all aware that a lot of information was publicly accessible. The last thing they needed was some nosy reporter in their lives. “That case is over and has nothing to do with us.” He stepped to the side. “I would appreciate you leaving us alone.”

“And if I don’t?”

“Then expect a restraining order from my lawyer.” Damon went back inside the coffee shop.

Jordan was talking softly to Crystal, as was Tessa. Max and Sierra were in a quiet conversation.

“I hate that woman,” Crystal said.

“She was fishing,” Damon said, and all eyes turned to him.

“What did she say?” Max asked.

“Nothing much. Mentioned Sage and Brady’s case, but that was it.” He went over to Tessa and pulled her to his side. Her lips were pressed tightly together. Was she upset because the reporter got a picture? He tucked her tighter to his side. “She’s nothing.”

“But she can cause trouble.” Sierra looked up at Max. “She knows the name of the club.”

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