Page 130 of The Chase
I remained frozen before the open doors. That dreadful metal gape a cruel tease.
Now that happiness had found me this monster was going to end me.
I couldn’t...not again.
I’d already braved this too many times this weekend.
“Zara.” He held his hand out to me. “Overcome fear and you’ll find freedom waiting for you on the other side.”
I held my breath and stepped in and fell into his embrace, crashing against his firm chest.
“I’m here.” He tipped my chin up as the doors closed shut behind me. “I’ve got you.”
Staring into his eyes, I focused on him and his gorgeous face. If this was my last day on earth I’d be holding this beautiful image during these final seconds.
He grinned. “See, easy.”
“For you.” I shuddered as that first shake proved we were descending.
“Almost there.”
“I want to know all about you,” I stuttered out. “I want to know where you were born. If you have any siblings. Where did you go to school? What’s your favorite food? Color?”
“Zara.”
“Yes?”
“First floor.”
Blinking at him, I pulled back a little to better read his face. That veil of mystery fell over him once more.
He grabbed my hand and interlocked his fingers with mine as he pulled me out. We hurried onward, bathed in the golden glow of the foyer, pure white marble beneath our feet, and above us swirls of light reflecting off the fine gold trimmings of a lavish decor.
The doorman pulled back on the handle and let us out with a respectful nod. We were met by the unique scent of freshly fallen rain, the weather holding off for a while to offer us a reprieve from the downpour, and the crispness of an autumn evening.
That familiar black Bentley waiting with Cooper loyally poised to open the passenger door.
A bright flash went off. “Get in,” said Tobias.
Half-distracted by the photographer, I dipped my head and climbed into the back of the car.
Cooper waited by the driver’s door and watched Tobias walk over to the photographer.
He started up a conversation with the man and I held my breath to see what he was going to do.
He gave his arm a friendly pat.
Tobias rejoined me in the Bentley, and Cooper climbed into the driver’s seat.
“Who was that?” I asked.
“A photographer forTheLondon Times.” Tobias held Cooper’s gaze in the rearview. “Usual protocol, please.”
“Yes, sir.” Cooper steered the Bentley away from the curb.
“What’s the usual protocol?” I said.
“We prevent their publication. Either online or in print.”
