Page 97 of Seduce

“Welcome to our world,” Jordan said.

“What do I do now?”

“I’d say go after her,” Max started. “But in this case, give her a little more time. Based on what you’ve told us, and what I pried out of Sierra, Tessa’s family is the issue. Not you.”

“She thinks she’s protecting me and the club.”

“Of course, she does,” Jordan said. “Crystal thought the same way.”

“But you didn’t let her,” Damon said.

“No, but our situation was different,” Jordan reminded him.

Jordan was right. His and Crystal’s situation was more around the lawsuit and threats than press and political pressure. Not that Tessa bent to pressure. He’d seen on the news how the press stayed outside her apartment until her brother emerged explaining that he was giving his sister some space and privacy. Yeah, that was a joke.

“I’ll give her until the end of this weekend, then it’s gloves off.”

* * * *

“Son of a bitch.” The words slipped out of Damon’s mouth when he opened Sunday’s paper to the local scene page. That damn gossip reporter was at it again, but this time, she actually put it together.

Damon Kline is the mystery man in Tessa Ruthledge’s life. As you know, Ms. Ruthledge is the daughter of prominent congressman, Rep. Russell Chesterton, I-MD2. This reporter smelled a story when she took a picture of the couple with their friends a few weeks ago. Now that I’ve been able to do some digging, Mr. Kline owns Klineman’s, a local adult store. Although this reporter will tell you that it’s a very tasteful looking store.

Mr. Kline has also purchased the empty store front next to his adult store. Maybe he’s going to expand. A little further digging and I found out that Mr. Kline designs and manufactures adult toys. One has to wonder what else Mr. Kline does.

And does Ms. Ruthledge know about his peculiar activities? Keep watch on this column because there will be more to come.

The paper crinkled under Damon’s fingers. Damn nosy reporter. He picked up his cell and called Destiny to warn her. She laughed and asked him if he minded if she had a little fun. Tasteful fun. He told her to go for it.

He knew Destiny wouldn’t do anything to harm him or the business, but maybe it was time to shake things up a little bit more. His next call was to Max and Jordan to warn them. They both laughed and said at least he got better press than Jordan did.

Leave it to his friends to yank him out of his anger. He called Tessa. It went directly to voicemail. “Tessa, sweetheart, I know you don’t read the paper, but you might need to look at today’s local scene page. I don’t want you to worry. Call me.”

The second he hung up, his phone rang. “Hello.”

“Destiny here. You better get to the store.”

“What happened?” Damon was already crossing the room to grab his keys and wallet.

“Reporters everywhere.”

“Keep the store closed.” Thank goodness they had a rear entrance. “I’ll be there in thirty.”

Damon jumped into his car. Destiny wasn’t kidding. He pulled into the parking lot, figuring it would be better if he confronted this head on.

“Mr. Kline,” reporters shouted as he climbed out of his vehicle.

Damon held his hands up, and they quieted. “Listen folks, it’s Sunday morning. You’re trespassing. I’m asking all of you to leave.”

“Freedom of the press,” someone yelled.

“I agree, but only so long as it doesn’t hinder my business.” Damon pushed his way through them to the storefront. Destiny opened the door for him, then shut and locked it.

Damon started laughing when he saw her. She was wearing a corset, black skirt, fishnet stockings, and sneakers.

“Hey, it’s comfortable.”

“Destiny, you need a raise.” He gave her a hug. Flashes went off. Damon groaned, and Destiny stuck her tongue out at the reporters.

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