Chapter 4
I watched Shadow leave. Once he was clear of the room, I slumped at my dressing table, hanging my head and closing my eyes. God, I was a jumbled mess.
The two men had contributed to it, for sure. Having more men attempt to jump the stage was frightening and getting old. However, the bigger concern in my book was the fact that Shadow had declined to let someone take his place. And he wanted to tell me something. I dreaded what he’d say.
“Are you okay?” Dusty asked. She placed a hand on my shoulder. I lifted my head and found her giving me a sympathetic smile in the vanity mirror.
“I’ve been better.”
“I don’t know why these things keep happening to you, Elle. It’s out of control. I’ve never seen men act like this. Sure, on a rare occasion, one gets too drunk or something and tries, but it’s infrequent. I want to help. Is there anything I can do?”
I patted her hand resting on my shoulder. “Thank you, but there’s nothing you can do. It’ll settle down,” I told her, not believing my words entirely.
“Well, I’m here if you need me. By the look on Shadow’s face, he’s not going to allow anyone to get away with this crap. You’re lucky you have someone who cares that much about you. You sure kept your relationship with him a secret.”
I thought there might be a hint of hurt in her voice because I hadn’t shared it with her.
“We didn’t want it to affect my work. It’s unusual for a Punisher to date someone who works for one of their businesses. We didn’t want it to cast either of us in a bad light,” I explained, repeating what we’d told those who asked why they hadn’t known. I kept going.
“Dusty, I wanted to tell you. It killed me not to. I’m sorry. Forgive me,” I pleaded.
“Girl, don’t beg. I’m fine, just a little miffed. I still love you. Now, I’m not sure where your man went, but get yourself cleaned up so you can leave when he returns. And those flowers, I suggest they stay here. Shadow wasn’t happy about them. What did the note say?”
“It was some babble about liking me. There was no real name, so we have no clue who sent them. I planned to divide the roses up and put one or two on each girl’s vanity. They’re too gorgeous to throw in the trash,” I explained.
“You’re right. Let me see if I can rustle up some small vases or containers that will hold them. You take the stuff off your face. I know you hate to have it on that thick.”
Dusty patted my shoulder, smiled, then walked off.
Relief hit me. She seemed to be okay. Thank goodness, I’d hate to lose her as a friend over a lie.
Reaching for the makeup wipes I kept in one of the vanity drawers, I got to work removing the war paint, as I called it.
As I did, my mind kept wandering to what Shadow was saying and doing to those two men. I doubted it was pleasant.