Page 95 of Run From Me

“My apologies. I mistook you for someone else. So many masked events in this city, it’s hard to not be curious of those we meet.”

As the Tweedle spoke to the brazen man, something dawned on me.

Masked events. I knew where I’d seen the mask.

While the Tweedle was busy, I snuck away, ducking past every guard by using the darker corners. It would be a matter of seconds I was certain before someone noticed, but I needed to see if I was right. I needed to get to the morgue now. This would eat away at me if I had to wait. But something told me maybe I could be useful to the guys. And choosing to be useful was something I’d never had before.

I pulled my phone from the tiny purse that I had a mace in as well as lipstick. Xander insisted we have something on us at all times, and I was shit with a knife.

I had to download the ridesharing app on the new phone since I wasn’t getting my old one back apparently. Seconds ticked by as I figured out how to log in and get a car ordered. I looked around the corner, and sure enough, the poor Spector tasked with me was looking around. The way Xander hated me doing anything, there was no way he would let me go do what I needed to. He would make me wait and I couldn't. The police picked up evidence regularly, and I prayed this particular bag was still there.

The app showed the car a minute away. Okay, time to go for it.

I ducked out of the corner and headed for the front door. Did Xander give everyone a photo of me in a mask? We were about to find out.

I got past one guard who was turned away, but the next stopped me.

“Miss, the bidding hasn’t begun. We would appreciate you going back into the event.”

The pearls hanging down my chin obscured the demure look I was trying for. Pointless really.

“I’m sorry, I’m not feeling well. I just need some air.”

The guard looked at his counterpart, and right as he was about to open the door, I heard the guy behind say, “Boss’s girl is missing. Pearl and silver mask. Silver dress.”

The guy next to me looked down at me and back at the guy.

“Miss, you need to go back. It’s not safe out there.”

I rolled my eyes.

“Look, do you think X would be happy to know I passed out here because I couldn’t get fresh air? My guard dog is coming anyway. Just let me go. It’s not like I’m going to run away from the man I love.”

There were some exchanged looks but the door opened and I stepped out just as I noticed the car drive up.

I took all of one second to think, and then hightailed my little heels to the car.

“You want a massive tip?” I asked as I slammed the door. “Just drive.”

He looked at the guys charging the car and drove away, but I doubted it had anything to do with a tip. The gun I could see glistening in the dark light as I looked back? Yeah, probably that.

“Fuck lady. What the hell was that?”

I took a deep breath.

“Tight security. Just take me to the morgue please, and I’ll pay you extra if you wait out front for me.”

TWENTY-NINE

xander

“I love you, Sparky. Stay put,”I said as I walked away from her. It was hard to turn away, but I followed Zeid knowing this place should be secure enough to leave Cali alone. Not to mention, no one truly knew who we were.

She’d changed her hair too. I missed the fucking rainbow, but I’d be hard pressed to deny the more subtle raven-blue color helped her hide a bit more.

“I never go far, my liege.”

I smirked to myself as I walked away. I doubt she meant for me to hear that, but I’d punish her later.

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