Page 22 of 12 Days

“Excuse me?” I respond. I’m sounding defensive, because I’m having this sinking feeling that my blinds are wide open, and it must have been a show for the neighborhood, if not just them. I really need to be more aware of my surroundings…

“Relax, I’m kidding. What you do on your time is none of my business. Listen, the guys and I wanted to get you a bit more familiar with us on a personal level. We think it’ll help you understand us better from a business perspective. We’ve actually got a surprise for you if you’ll join us tonight.”

“Oh, I don’t know. I’ve really got a lot to do,” I say, reluctantly.

“Alyssa, relax. It’s just one night. It’s on business. You’ll be fine, I promise,” Theo reassures me, charmingly. That damn smile of his is going to get me in trouble one day.

I take a deep breath and sigh heavily.

“Okay. But nothing crazy,” I joke.

Theo places his hand on the back of my shoulder and leads me into the limo. I scoot to the side and he follows in next to me and shuts the door.

“All set, driver,” he says, and he taps the roof of the vehicle.

We start moving. I look around the limo to see the other eleven members of the True Love executive team, and I tense up. I’m suddenly so nervous that I don’t know what to do. I can’t help but wonder if Ty, Theo, and Owen have shared their...experience with me with the rest of the team.

I don’t like being uncertian of anything, and I’ve got nothing but my own assumptions to go off right now. Judging by the way they’re all looking at me, they’re aware of my time in the lab. My face turns beet red.

“So, Alyssa, how do you feel about our perfumes?” asks Tristan. “If I’m not mistaken, you toured our lab yesterday? Any scent you like more than others?”

I smile as I lie to them.

“I think my favorite was Soleil so far. I might even purchase a bottle at the conclusion of our time together.”

“Beautiful!” Tristan says. “Well, we’re glad to have you with us. I’m excited for you to see what’s in store for you tonight.”

Before I know it, the limo is stopping and we’ve reached our destination. As I step out of the car, I see a big neon sign, and two particular words make me incredibly nervous.

Strip club.

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