Page 22 of Without Warning
“That wasn’t me.”
“What?If you didn’t buy them—”I know who did.“He said he’d dress me.OMG, it’s Dare.”
She starts laughing.“If he’s willing to spend money on you, let him.”She pauses for a moment.“I told you to leave me alone, Kit.”
“I heard you say security.Are you in trouble?I’ll help you.”I hear that same male voice from earlier.
“Back the fuck off me, Garrett.I’m fine without your help.I’m talking to my sister.”
“Delphi, I told you I needed to explain,” he says.
“Nope, you’re done.Goodbye.”Then her voice is back to me.“Sis, I’ll talk to you later.Maybe you should marry that guy.He sounds perfect for you.You’ve always wanted someone to take control for you.”
“How did you know that?”
“I’m your twin, of course I know.Now go get your hair and makeup done, then send me pictures.”
“Okay.”
I hang up with her and open the door.
Hours later, after lots of pampering, I’m standing in front of the full-length mirror.They put my hair into a messy fishtail braid over one shoulder, leaving my back open to show the strap and my tattoo.My arm tattoos are completely exposed.I feel nearly naked in the style of the dress and the butter-soft fabric.It’s velvet that should feel heavy but doesn’t.
I grab my clutch, ready to head out, when my cell phone rings.
I answer it.
“Hello, Ms.Placer.I’m your driver for the evening.I’m waiting outside for you.”
“I didn’t order a driver.”
“Mr.Boseman did.I’ve been instructed to tell you the Sunshine Coast is beautiful to confirm I’m legit.”
I like that Darrell thought of everything, including that I wouldn’t get into a car with a stranger.
Not many know my Sunshine Coast story, so I know it’s him.
“I’ll be right there.”
I lock up and head down to the waiting limo.The driver is standing at the rear passenger door, and a woman with him is dressed in a tailored black tuxedo.Her dark hair is pulled back into a bun, and she gives me a small chin nod.I smile at her, not sure who she is, but when I slide into the back seat, I expect her to follow.Instead, she gets into the front passenger seat.The driver climbs in, and we take off.
City lights blur past the tinted windows while I try not to worry about the night ahead.
We pull up to the historic Read House, and I see the red carpet leading into the event.I hate that I’m going to have to do this.
“You’ll be okay.I’ll keep an eye on you,” the woman says from the front seat.
“Who are you?”
“I’m Jada.I was hired to protect you.”
“I don’t need protection.”
“I get that.Let’s just be friends, and I’ll hang around.Sound good?”
“Fine.For now.Until I talk to Darrell.”
“Mr.Boseman will be waiting inside for you.”
