Page 6 of Fate's Unseen Shadow

“Slater,” Damon warned.

But Ella’s lips twitched like it amused her. “No. I didn’t.”

“That’s Ryker,” Slater said. “Our resident computer nerd.”

“Hi,” Ryker said, holding up a hand.

Damon motioned to a chair at the kitchen table. “Take a seat, Ella.”

She sat down in the chair, perched on the edge, ready to run. “Do you normally hang out in random apartments?”

“No. But we normally don’t meet with people like this. You’re the exception.” Damon pulled up the video again, pointing at the brunette on the screen. “It’s hard to believe that’s you.”

Now with chin-length blond hair, Ella nodded. “That’s me. I saw that report earlier. Don’t worry, I’m not armed.”

“But you’re dangerous?”

Her eyes and jawline matched those of the woman on the screen. She’d been pretty before, but the change in hair gave her a completely different look—something edgy and sexy—from the demure millionaire in the picture.

“Only in business.”

He smiled. “I bet.” No way she’d grow such a profitable company by not being a bit of a predator when making deals.

“What exactly is your idea, Damon?” Slater asked. “Finding the runaway or turning her in for the reward?”

Ella stood abruptly, her face turning white. “Don’t turn me in.”

“Sit down,” Damon demanded of her in the softest voice he could muster since he wanted to slam Slater’s head into the damn table for saying that. “And you can listen to what she has to say before I do this myself.”

“So, you already decided?” Slater lifted his eyebrows in a silent dare.

Damon rose to match Slater’s height. “Yes.” He hadn’t until he’d seen her again. Turning her away a third time wouldn’t happen. He glimpsed over his shoulder at Ella. “Please, Ella. Sit down. No one is turning you in. Slater’s issue is with me.” He’d failed to research who Elizabeth Cassin was when she first contacted him, and his decision to help her now had nothing to do with her wealth.

It had to do with the frightened, exhausted, hungry woman who’d soughthimfor help.

Ella sat down, staring hard at Damon, probably keeping herself from bolting out the door.

“I promise you’re safe,” he repeated.

She nodded, seeming to accept his statement.

“Ah. I see. So, it’s not just Xavier who’s susceptible to pretty women.” Slater let his comment hang and walked back to the kitchen wall, leaning against it. “Before I put my reputation on the line, let’s have it, babe. I want the truth.”

Contempt replaced fear as she swung her gaze to Slater. “I didn’t ask for your help. Don’t call me babe.”

Amused at the attitude, Damon waited till she turned back from shooting daggers with her eyes at Slater. “Ella, you need all of us to do this.” He relaxed back in his chair when Slater didn’t reply. But Slater was right. They needed more information. “Why are you named a suspect in your stepbrother’s murder?”

Ella crossed her arms. “It doesn’t make much sense to me other than I was the lucky person to discover Teddy first.” She sucked in a breath. “I called the police. They arrived. Searched me and?—”

“Searched you?” Slater repeated. “That’s strange. Any idea why?”

“No.” She picked at her jeans. “I wore these and a sweater set.” When Slater didn’t follow up with another question, she continued, “They kept asking me questions, and I kept trying to get them to listen about the stalker. Then, their questions changed. They started asking about my alibi. My motivation. Whether or not I owned a gun. Started dusting for fingerprints, asking if I thought they would find mine. Wanted to know when I was last in his apartment.” Her face paled as she closed her eyes.

Slater took a step but stopped, his expression drawn in concern.

Damon squatted in front of her, both hands on her knees. “Breathe before you pass out. Deep breaths.”

She did as he instructed. Finally, she reopened them, blues bright and entirely focused on him.

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