Page 234 of Enthrall Shadows
We patiently waited for the dress to be wrapped and boxed as we sat in the store foyer, sipping the complimentary bubbly. Considering the amount I was spending on that dress, I deserved a bloody winery.
A young woman in ripped jeans strolled by the changing rooms. She seemed a little uncomfortable.
Scarlet noticed her as well. She reached over and grabbed my hand as though sensing danger.
The woman turned to face us. “Having fun?”
“Yes, thank you,” I said.
She smirked. “I’m from the National Inquirer. We’re running a story tomorrow. We need a quote from you.”
I swapped a terrified glance with Scarlet.
“You’ve got me confused with someone else,” I said, heart racing.
“Charlotte Chamberlain?”
Oh, God.She must have followed me from my house. She probably stalked us around the Grove.
I felt violated.
What if she’d taken photos of me shoveling salad in my mouth? Or shot other unflattering photos?
“Go away,” I said.
She didn’t budge. “I’m a photojournalist, just doing my job.”
I squeezed my mouth shut, refusing to talk.
“I have what I need.” She threw a wave at the shop girl.
She faced us again. “We like to provide a balanced view. Now’s the time to have your say.”
“What’s the article about?” asked Scarlet.
“Henry Cole is dating a dominatrix.” She stared at me. “That you?”
I sucked in my breath, panic tightening my throat.
Henry’s worst fear was coming true.
“Fuck off,” said Scarlet. “Before we call the police and accuse you of harassing us.”
Numb from fear, I watched the smug journalist walk out.
“I have to warn him.” My hands were shaking as I rummaged around in my handbag and brought out my phone.
“You’ve done nothing wrong,” said Scarlet.
“How did they find out?” I hit his number.
The call went to voicemail.
I was nervous about what to say, how he’d react.Thiswould be the end of us.
Henry hadn’t answered the call, but those three dots were him texting back.
Henry: PR issue. Don’t speak to the press.
