Page 94 of Seduce

“So once here, you took your mother’s last name.”

“I did. With her permission, I had a legal name change. Best thing I ever did, but now I think it’s all ruined.”

“Why?”

“That photo of us at the coffee shop and tonight’s photo that my brother set up. It will be front-page news tomorrow, and my anonymity will be gone. I’ll be thrust right back in the spotlight.”

Damon’s anger at Tessa’s brother rose. Allen knew what he was doing. He’d even admitted it. He used Tessa, but also Damon. Damon really didn’t care about himself. He’d run his store long enough and as for his toy making? No one in the lifestyle would care. He was worried about Tessa.

“Is that why you took the day off?”

“Partially. But also because I want to give you some distance.”

“Me?” What was she thinking?

“Damon, I can’t help but think how this could affect you. Not to mention my friends.” She laid her hand over his chest. “You’re getting ready to expand your store, and if someone found out about the club, well, I don’t want anyone hurt because of me or my family.”

She was so selfless. “Sweetheart, I’ll be fine.”

“But what happens if they boycott your store?”

Damon laughed. “Honey, this is Pleasant Valley. Everyone knows about my store, even the town council who approved it. As for the club, the council knows. I’m sure most of the town knows as well.”

“I need to warn everyone.” She sat up. “They deserve the courtesy.” Tessa fished around for her purse and pulled her cell out.

“Do you want me to call Jordan? Crystal is probably with him.”

“No. I should do it.” She dialed. “Hey, Sierra, is Max with you? Good, can you put me on speaker. I’m going to conference Crystal and Jordan in.”

Damon stood up and took her now cold tea into the kitchen while she talked to her friends. He could tell from her end of the conversation that her friends were rallying around her. He knew it would happen. They were a tight knit group.

“Well, that’s done.” She set her phone aside. “I guess I should go home.”

“Stay.” He sat back down. “Give yourself tonight to absorb and plan.” As he finished speaking, her cell rang.

Tessa picked it up and looked at the screen. Damon saw her brother’s name. He took the phone from her. “I’m protecting you.” He flipped theonbutton. “Allen, Tessa is not ready to speak with you.”

“Put my sister on the phone.”

“Not going to happen.”

“At least let me in the apartment.”

Allen’s whiny voice irritated Damon’s nerves. “She’s not there. Go to a hotel for the night.”

“But…”

Damon hung up and turned Tessa’s phone off. He pulled out his phone and sent a quick text to Max and Jordan, letting them know Tessa’s phone was off so her friends wouldn’t worry if they tried to reach her.

“I can’t believe you did that.”

Damon looked at Tessa. She didn’t look upset, and her voice was her normal tone.

“As I said, I’m protecting you, even if it is from your own family.”

She snuggled up to him. “Thank you. You’re right. I need tonight, here, with you.”

“So you have it.” He relaxed back against the sofa with her in his arms. Tomorrow they could sort this all out.

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