Chapter 106
Elsa
I exhaled slowly as the elevator doors closed behind me, leaving the mall’s chaos and the memory of that knife–wielding man behind. My shoulders relaxed slightly, the tension that had been coiling within
me finally releasing its grip. I ran a trembling hand through my hair, feeling like I’d aged ten fucking years in one afternoon.
The shopping mall stretched before me, bustling with afternoon
shoppers.
“Always the goddamn savior, never the saved,” I muttered under my
breath as I stalked toward the boutiques.
I found a store selling young women’s clothing and selected a tasteful
white dress that seemed to match Susan’s style–elegant but not too
revealing. My own torn skirt was another matter. I ducked into a
restroom, using safety pins from my emergency kit to temporarily fix
the rip. Looking in the mirror, I saw a woman barely holding it
together–dark circles under my eyes, hair slightly disheveled, and a
small bruise forming on my forehead.
“Fucking perfect,” I hissed, pressing the cool metal of the safety pin
against my skin.
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Chapter 106
I contemplated my next move. Drake and Susan were probably back at
the hotel by now, and I imagined they’d want some time alone. The thought made my stomach twist with a bitter emotion I refused to name. My reflection glared back at me, daring me to admit the
jealousy burning in my chest.
Passing a men’s store, I paused. Drake would need fresh clothes too. I
entered and selected a simple white shirt, pants, and–after a
moment’s hesitation–underwear. My face burned as I purchased
black boxer briefs for my boss, ignoring the knowing smile from the
cashier.
“Just fucking kill me now,” I whispered to myself, clutching the bag
like it contained explosives.
My phone rang as I was exiting the store. Drake’s name flashed on the
screen. My stomach dropped like I’d missed a step on the stairs.
“Where are you?” His voice was hard, commanding, sending an
unwelcome shiver down my spine.
“I’m at the mall, sir. Buying clothes as requested.” I kept my voice
even, professional, despite the anger bubbling beneath.
“You’re still doing that? Get back here.” The demand in his tone made
my free hand curl into a fist.
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Chapter 106
I swallowed my irritation, tasting bile. “I’ve just finished. I’ll be there
shortly.”
“Good.” He hung up without another word.
“Asshole,” I muttered, shoving the phone into my purse.
Twenty minutes later, I entered the hotel suite, shopping bags in
hand. My heart hammered against my ribs as if trying to escape.
Drake stood on the balcony, phone pressed to his ear, his back to
me.He turned slightly, golden eyes flicking briefly in my direction
before returning to his call.
The entire room felt charged with his presence, an invisible pressure
that made the air heavy around me, making it hard to breathe. I
moved quietly toward the bedroom where I could hear Susan
humming, like this was some fucking vacation instead of a workplace
emergency.
“I brought you some clothes,” I said, keeping my voice professionally
pleasant as I handed her the bag, though inside I was seething.
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