Page 17 of Spooked

She pulled the door open and strode into the hallway, humming “Baby One More Time” to herself, and even if I’d wanted to run out of there, I couldn’t have. Jayme thought I was a quitter—I’d heard it in her voice—and perhaps she was right. My legs turned into overcooked noodles as the plan I’d made for myself fell apart. I’d assumed Braxton Vale was a secretive—yet respected—businessman, but he hired out women for money. I didn’t want to work in the sex industry. What if somebody found out? What ifmy familyfound out? They’d shame me forever.

“Were you sent here to collect something, or are you lost?” Teresa asked.

I was lost, all right. What was I meant to do? Good-paying jobs were hard to come by in this city, especially when you had to stay under the radar, and if I left, I’d struggle to pay the rent this month, let alone get my car fixed. And despite Mr. Vale’s den of sin, he’d remained fully clothed at all times, which was more than could be said for Lance Clifton.

“He told me to ask you for a dress.”

“Who? Brax?”

I nodded. “And shoes. He hates my shoes, and there’s a benefit I’m meant to attend tonight, although now I’m not even sure whether I should go or not.”

“Only you can make that decision, my dear. A cocktail dress or an evening gown?”

“A cocktail dress.”

I’d seen pictures online from last year’s event, and most of the guests had opted for the shorter length, so I wouldn’t look out of place. One lady had even worn sequined pants.

“And you’re a size six? 34C?” Teresa’s gaze dropped to my feet. “Size eight shoe?”

“How did you know?”

“It’s my job. Do you have a favourite colour?”

“Uh, purple?”

“Let me see what we have.”

Ten minutes later, I had two dress options, one plum and one black, with matching pumps, appropriate underwear, and even a pretty gold necklace. Teresa really was the fairy godmother. Now I just needed the carriage and the horses to get me home later because the last bus came at eleven thirty, and if I missed it, I’d have a long walk.

“You can keep the lingerie. Just return the rest when you’re finished with it.” A pause. “You still haven’t made your mind up about staying?”

“Not yet. The whole basement thing freaks me out.”

And I only had half an hour to decide. Then I’d be expected to climb into a car with a man I knew both nothing and too much about. A man who made me sweat, and not in a good way. An enigma in a designer suit.

“At least you’re honest, dear,” Teresa said.

Oh, if only she knew.

CHAPTER7

BRAX

She knew.

The instant Brax saw Meera walking stiffly toward the limo in the parking garage, he knew that she knew. Had Teresa spilled the beans? Most likely. It wouldn’t be the first time. She didn’t agree with Brax’s “break them in gently” approach.

“You look lovely.”

She didn’t answer, not in words anyway. Her rigid expression said “I don’t want to be here.”

The driver held the door, and Brax motioned her into the car.

“Ladies first.”

Silence.

She climbed in hesitantly and clipped her seat belt into place, staring straight ahead. It could have been worse. Fifty percent of her predecessors had quit at this point. Brax slid in beside her and took in the folded arms, the teeth worrying her bottom lip, and the way her thighs pressed together. He made her uncomfortable. Usually, he saw that as a good thing, but this woman… Despite the fireworks at their initial meeting, she wasn’t the antagonistic type. There was a hint of a spine under that flawless skin, but it only showed when her back was against the wall. Otherwise, she preferred to use those avoidance tactics. And sometimes, like tonight, she simply gave in. She knew how to pick her battles. Yes, Meera Adams was smart.

---