Page 33 of Scorned Queen

The kind Adam can’t save us from.

Chapter twenty-eight

Weexitthebuildingto a chilly afternoon that contrasts the heated frenzy of the press, way beyond anything I’ve ever experienced.Once Damion, Adam, and I have escaped the craziness and are safely tucked inside the vehicle, with Adam in a seat facing us, I pant out a breath.“What is happening?”I say, exasperated by just how deep the reporters had stood.“I’ve never had this kind of press.Ever.”I twist around to face Damion.“It’s because we were caught on camera last night, isn’t it?”

“I’m fairly certain that’s accurate,” he says tightly.“It’ll wear off after a bit.”

“You see what I mean?Our relationship is going to haunt you, Damion.”

Shadows dance across his features, and he reaches up and strokes my cheek.“You’ve been haunting me my whole life, and I like it.”

“Damion,” I breathe out, overwhelmed with emotion at his response and awkward at Adam’s presence.It’s weird being watched and having someone in our intimate space.

“Baby, I promise you I’m up for this, if you’re up for the ride I’m about to take you on, too.”

I forget Adam and slide my hand into his.“I am, and I wish you knew that.”

“You’ll show me.We got this.I promise.”

I swallow the new wave of emotion he’s stirred.Wegot this.I hope so, is all I can think.I really, really hope so.Those words, and this man, slide inside me, settle deep in my soul, and fill me up where I have been empty and alone for a very long time.All my life, I’ve been battling an uphill battle and doing it alone.But I’m not alone anymore.And maybe I never was.He was out of sight, but never out of mind or reach.

“We do,” I promise, and already the vehicle is approaching the studio.

Adam turns to the driver, saying something to him before he addresses me.“We’re going to get out at a coffee shop down the road.I know the owners.We’ll slip out the back door before they know we’re gone.You’ll need to leave us there, Damion.”

“I’d rather drop her at the door,” Damion argues.

“I know,” he says, “but this is the best way to throw them off your trail for the rest of the day.”

I squeeze Damion’s hand.“I’m fine.I have Adam to keep me safe, because you made sure I have Adam.”

The SUV halts in front of the coffee shop.I lean over and press what is meant to be a quick kiss on Damion’s mouth.He catches the back of my head and licks into my mouth, a short, drugging kiss before he says, “Text me when you’re in the building.”

“I will,” I promise.

“I’ll pick you up, and we’ll go get your things on the way home.”

“Yes,” I whisper, and rotate away from him, facing Adam.“I’m ready.”

He nods and opens the door, exiting before me and then waving for me to join him.Once we’re on the sidewalk, he shuts Damion inside the vehicle, and he guides me forward and into the coffee shop.It’s a dauntingly short jaunt, and for the first time in my life, I’m nervous out in public, like I should be expecting bullets to fly.The press doesn’t bother me; that man working for Damion’s father does.

I need Adam close because of him.

I need Adam, because I’m in real danger.

The doors of the coffee shop close behind us, and the scent of coffee beans and cinnamon tease my nostrils.Glancing about, I find a cozy, welcoming little joint with shelves filled with adorable mugs and trinkets, and relief washes over me.We’re sheltered now.We’re fine.

Adam waves at a gorgeous brunette behind the counter and points at the door.“Cover us,” he calls out.

“Anything for you, blue eyes,” the woman replies, rounding the counter and heading for the door.

Adam motions me forward.“Keep moving.”

So much for sheltered.

In a blink, we’re outside again, walking down an alleyway I didn’t know existed, but it somehow feels safer than the main street.I glance around, looking for a threat.

“We’re fine,” Adam promises.

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