Page 88 of Enthrall Climax

Helete wasn’t put off by his gruff attitude. “Let me in then.”

I breathed a sigh of relief when Helete shoved open the door and stepped inside.

She threw Barret a wary look and then smiled my way. “Mia, how are you?”

I tried to ignore the threat of that man behind her. “Fine.”

She surveyed the room. “Is Cameron here?”

I wanted to ask if she’d called him, but the way Barret was looming, I refused to put her in danger.

“Aren’t you going to offer me a drink?” She smirked.

“Of course.” I reached for the bottle in the cooler.

“I’m sorry,” said Barret. “We’re on our way out. Mia will call you later, okay?”

Helete studied him and then turned back to face me as though summing us both up. The tension crackled and I tried to force a smile to protect her from Barret. With my wide-eyed stare, I did my best to convey he was dangerous without compromising her.

“Later will be fine.” Helete reached into her handbag. “I totally understand. Let me give you my new number.”

“Thank you.” I went with her decision.

Helete’s gaze held mine and she offered a knowing smile. “We’ll do lunch.”

“I’d like that, Mrs. Merrill.”

Helete spun around and pressed a black device against Barret’s arm. He froze and then began shaking and wailing as he slumped to his knees. When he fell forward with his face crushed against the carpet, I gawked in horror at the unconscious man.

She slipped the taser back into her Louis Vuitton. “Come on.” Helete grabbed my wrist and pulled me toward the door and we stepped over Barret as we hurried out.

The door slammed behind us.

We navigated a maze of hallways until we found the elevator. Both of us glancing back to see if Barret had awoken and was following us.

When we made it to the foyer, I almost cried with relief.

Helete guided me toward a long black limousine and we leaped into the back. She slammed the door behind us and I collapsed on the seat. The scent of expensive leather and rich perfume drenched the air. If I ever smelled this combination again I’d slip into a panic. It was absorbed into my consciousness.

That was going down as one of the scariest things I’d ever experienced.

“Thank you, Helete.” I squeezed back tears.

We’d joined another woman in the back, her striking high cheekbones and bobbed haircut reminiscent of an Eastern European style; she looked chic and sophisticated.

I glanced over at Helete waiting for her to introduce us.

“I tasered the bastard,” she told her friend. “Well, that was a bit of excitement, wasn’t it?” Helete pulled on her seatbelt and twisted to address her chauffeur. “Our next destination. Quick as you can.”

I turned around in my seat toward him. “Can you drop me off at Cole Tower, please?”

Helete unscrewed the cap to a bottle of water. “Here you go.” She handed it to me.

“Thank you.” I quenched my thirst. “Do you think he’s okay?”

Helete shrugged. “What was all that about, Mia? He looked dangerous.”

“It’s a huge misunderstanding.” I wiped a trickle of water from my mouth. “I’m so relieved to be out of there.”