Page 110 of Say My Name

“You don’t need to take me shopping,” I say as Devereaux pulls up to a bougie shop downtown.

“You need something to wear for tonight, right?”

I think about my sad wardrobe that mainly consists of sweat pants and police academy sweatshirts. “Yeah, but—”

He places a finger on my lips. “Consider it an employee bonus.”

I kiss his finger. There’s no sense in arguing with him, so I let him lead me inside the swanky boutique. The store’s filled with extravagant gowns and the store owner nearly runs over to us when we walk inside.

She extends her hand for Devereaux to shake. “Welcome to Evelyn’s Elegant Gowns. What can I help you with today?” Her assessing eyes roam over my jeans and sweater, and I can sense the judgment already.

“I need a gown for her to wear tonight,” Devereaux says. “Something with a mask.”

She turns and heads toward a rack in the back. “I have just the dress. Follow me.”

Devereaux pulls out his phone and motions for me to follow the lady. “I’ll be here.” He taps on his phone and I follow Evelyn to the rear of the store.

She rummages through the rack of gowns until she says, “Here it is.” She removes a short white dress with a plunging neckline. Graceful feathers cover the elegant skirt.

“Wow,” I say, taking the dress from her. “This is amazing.”

“Let’s try it on, dear. I think you’ll look fabulous in it.” She places her finger on her chin. “I know I have a mask to match around here somewhere.” She sets me up in a dressing room and takes off to find the mask.

I slip on the dress and preen in front of the mirror. I’ve never worn material so soft. It hugs my curves, and I’m in love with it, but then I look at the exorbitant amount on the price tag. Ouch.

Evelyn knocks on my door. “Let’s see what it looks like,” she calls out.

I step out of the dressing room, mentally calculating how I can reimburse Devereaux for this dress. I’ll just pick a cheaper one.

Devereaux wanders back to this part of the store, still tapping at his phone, but he glances up and stops. “Damn,” he whispers. “Evelyn, we’ll take that dress.” He’s already pulling out his wallet before I can say I don’t expect him to pay for it.

“Here’s the mask,” she says, snagging Devereaux’s credit card from his hand. “Isn’t it exquisite?” She offers me a white and gold lace mask with feathers.

I hold it up to my face in the mirror and it matches the dress perfectly. “I love it,” I tell her as Devereaux steps closer.

“It’s perfect,” he says. “You’ll bemyswan tonight.”

His.

My heart hurts at the realization that this can’t be my forever life. I’m having real feelings for Devereaux, but I’m not here to fall in love. I’m here to catch a killer.

After purchasing the dress and mask, we walk out of the store and Devereaux grabs my hand.

“Are you hungry? There’s a little cafe around the corner.”

I peer up at him. “Yes, it sounds great.”

Two steps down the sidewalk, Ashley and my mother come around the corner.

Mom spots me right away, and I drop Devereaux’s hand.

Fuck.

I give my mother a look of don’t talk to me, but it’s too late.

“Chloe, what are you doing here?” my mother asks, bringing me in for a hug.

Ashley’s eyes flash with unease when she sees I’m with Devereaux. “Mom, let’s get going. I have to be back at the office by three.”

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