Page 168 of Hot Tycoons Boxset

To say that I am feeling a little guilty is an understatement. But I can’t abandon my work and career simply because he wants me to be safe.

I am in a public setting.

Unless my stalker intends to blow up this restaurant, I am as safe as I can get.

Seeing my client walk in, I school my features into a professional smile and stand up, ignoring the slight twinge in my leg that I noticed after returning from the hospital this morning.

The meeting is going without a hitch ‘til Michael gets a phone call.

I excuse myself and go to freshen up.

Walking into the bathroom, I text Jenna to reschedule my meeting with George this evening because Ian will be back and I am supposed to be in bed.

I feel her sympathy about my situation through her words and smile. Even while sick, she still insists on working from home.

Taking out my lipstick, I fix it.

I am just about to powder my nose when the lights flicker.

Frowning, I lean forward towards the mirror when the lights go out, plunging the room into pitch black darkness.

“What the hell?” I murmur, straightening.

When the light suddenly flashes on, I am no longer alone in the bathroom.

The figure standing behind me wears a dark hoodie which is pulled over his head, hiding his hair. The familiar clown mask makes my heart nearly stop. He advances on me, and I start spinning to back away, unable to find my voice to scream.

My back hits the wall, and just at the moment, I find some strength in my quivering body. “Stay the fuck away from me.”

He tilts his head, and I see something glint in his hand as he draws something out from his pocket.

I don’t know where I get that bit of courage from, but my hands tighten on my purse, and I swing it at him, survival instincts in full gear.

He ducks and makes a grab at me, ripping my blouse in the process.

Kicking at him with my heel, I push past him and throw open the bathroom door, throwing myself into the hallway. I hear the sound of him shuffling inside, but I don’t wait around for him.

I bump into a surprised server and hear some words come out of his mouth, but my brain isn’t working. I keep moving, and as soon as I reached the dining area, my hands automatically go to my jacket, which I pull together to hide my torn blouse.

My eyes are wild, and I lower my head as I quickly walk past the startled Michael, straight to where Jacob sits.

He must have sensed something is wrong because his eyes narrow and he starts getting up.

“What’s—”

“He’s here!” My words are a frantic whisper, and I try to control my rapidly beating heart.

“Where?” Jacob’s hand immediately goes to his concealed gun.

“Bathroom. I was there and—” My fingers rake through my hair, an agitated gesture, “—lights went off, and then on and there he was. I think he had a knife on him.”

“Stay here,” Jacob forces me to sit and goes to investigate.

My knees are shaking and I suddenly really want Ian.

My hand has just gone to my purse which is, miraculously, still clenched tightly in my right hand when I hear Michael’s confused voice. “Agatha. I thought we were… what’s wrong?”

One look at my pale face tells him things aren’t alright. I swallow.

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