Page 74 of Lethal Legacy

When my heart has stilled and the perspiration dried on my forehead, I walk through the crowd to the counter.

Abs looks up and grins. “Luce! Where you been,loca?”

I roll my eyes, feigning normal despite my still-rapid pulse. “You really need to get over yourTwilightaddiction, Abs.”

“Never.” She sighs dramatically. “Team Edward forever, baby. I’m even thinking of getting a TITSOAK tattoo.”

“Awhat?”

“TITSOAK. It’s an acronym. As in, ‘this is the skin of a killer, Bella.’”

“Oh, dear lord.” But I’m laughing, which is a hell of a lot better than a moment ago. “That’s the saddest thing I’ve ever heard. You’re thelocaaround here.” I glance over my shoulder and lower my voice. “But you should know—I think that journalist you told me about is outside. Is he a tall dude with blond hair? He just kind of accosted me in the street.”

Abby’s smile fades, her eyes scanning the street. “You mean he’s here now?”

“He was.” I glance over my shoulder again, but I can’t see him. “It looks like he’s gone.”

Her face tightens. I frown. “Are you okay, Abs? Has this guy been harassing you?”

“Y-yes,” Abby says uncertainly. “A bit. But you should stay away from him, Luce. Actually, it’s probably better if you don’t come in here again. He’s been hanging around a lot lately.”

Despite the fact that the café is still bustling, Abby takes her apron off.

“I’ve covered for the new girl every day so far, and trust me, she’s no picnic. She owes me one. I’m taking you for a drink, no arguments.” She nods toward the kitchen. “Let’s go out the back door, in case that douche is still hanging around.”

I’m still uneasy as we walk out of the restaurant, but there’s no sign of Lance Ryder.

“So tell me.” Abby links her arm through mine and steers me toward our favorite haunt, a little tapas place tucked away in a side alley off the beach. “How’s it going with CEO Man?” She gives me a lewd wink.

Despite my best intentions, I blush. Badly.

She pulls back and stares at me. “Well, well.” Her face stretches into an evil grin. “If my little Luce hasn’t gone and done the horizontal tango with the devil himself.”

“Abby!”I look around, horrified, but nobody’s watching us.

“Don’t youAbbyme. I want every. Single. Filthy. Detail.” She steers me into the bar, and we get a table at the back, well away from the window and any prying eyes.

Or camera lenses.

I shudder, scanning every face in the room while Abby gives her order, until I’m certain we’re safe.

“Leave the bottle,” she tells the waiter when he pours her a glass.

I cover mine. “I can’t. On child duty.”

“Suit yourself.” Abby winks at the waiter. “Leave the bottle anyway. So.” She gulps a mouthful, her eyes gleaming. “How’d it happen? Dinner? Drinks? Legs up in the back of the limo?”

“Oh my goodness.” I bury my flaming face in my hands. “Abby, you can’t tell anyone about this. I mean it.” I look at her between my fingers. “Seriously. It’s not just secret. It’s like... CIA-level classified.”

“Okay, okay.” She puts her hands up in mock surrender. “I’ve got it. Don’t mention the fuckpad.”

“Thefuckpad?” I shake my head, but I’m laughing. “You’re the worst.”

“I’m the best, and you know it.” Abby covers my hand with hers. “Now spill.”

“I don’t even know where to start.” I sit back, taking a deep breath. I really don’t know where to start. I can’t tell her about the contract. I can’t, really, tell her about much at all. And right now the need for secrecy has never bothered me more.

“I guess I knew what I was getting into,” I say slowly. “I mean, he isn’t a commitment kind of guy, you know? He’s made that clear enough from the start.”

---