Page 51 of Ruthless Desires: Vol. Two

Wren takes my hand. “What are we gonna do?”

“You don’t have to do a thing,” I say before whispering in her ear, “except maybe try to keep Aubrey calm.”

Not letting go of my hand, Wren turns in her seat to look at Aubrey. “Hey. You okay?”

“I’m too close,” Aubrey mumbles. “It can’t end here.”

“What? Nothing is ending here. The guys will keep us safe.”

As we drive, Wren does her best to reassure Aubrey. By the time we’re pulling into the parking lot of another strip mall, she seems less worried.

“The plan is to act like nothing is wrong,” I say. “We’re gonna go inside, you two are gonna keep shopping, and we’ll let you know what to do from there. The only thing you have to do is stay away from the windows at the front of the store.”

Aubrey gulps. “Got it.”

We pay the fare and then head inside. The man following us stayed a few cars behind us the whole time, but it was still obvious he was tailing us. Honestly, I’m a little disappointed he’s making this so easy. The challenging ones are always more fun.

In the shop—another boutique about the same size as the first—Aubrey and Wren avoid the very front of the store. The man makes no move to get out of his vehicle, instead taking a parking spot that gives him a view of the front door.

Aubrey and Wren pick out a few articles each. Thankfully we’re the only people in the store, which makes things less dangerous for anyone else around.

I meander toward the back of the boutique, smiling at the woman who’s meticulously folding a box of shirts at the counter. There’s a cute little spot with twodressing rooms, and then—bingo—another door. Quietly, I open it and step into the back storage room.

It’s small and cramped in here, so I find the exit easily. That door leads to behind the buildings. The perfect place for delivery trucks, employee parking, or a getaway car.

Back inside, I give Elliot a nod before texting him and Rhett one last time. The next part of our plan is sure to unnerve the girls, but it’s the safest option for them.

“Why don’t you guys put these in the dressing rooms?” I nod in that direction. “Then it’s time to get you two away from that guy.”

As Wren hangs her stuff in the first dressing room, I notice one of the pieces she picked out is a deep, dark green. No doubt, she did thatveryintentionally.

“Okay,” Elliot says, brushing his fingers down Wren’s arms comfortingly. “Most likely, that man is going to come inside once I leave.”

“You’re leaving?” Her voice sounds so small, so scared, and her brows are knit together.

“I’m only going far enough that the guy outside feels comfortable coming in. Once he moves, I’m coming right back. Just do what Oliver and Rhett tell you, and everything will be fine.”

“Rhett? But Rhett’s not here, I don’t under-”

“I’ll explain in a minute, princess.” I pull Elliot away and ask quietly, “This isn’t real, right?”

“I don’t think so,” he says in a hushed tone. “But we need to treat it that way regardless. And keep your eyes peeled for an actual threat.”

“Got it.”

He kisses me lightly before heading for the front of the store.

Grabbing Wren and Aubrey, I pull them into the storage room. “Rhett is waiting outside to get you two out of here. Then Elliot and I will deal with the guy out front.”

Wren tries to protest, or ask questions, but we don’t have time. I shove the back door open. Rhett is already waiting with the car running. He opens the door to the backseat silently.

“In you go,” I say, ushering Aubrey into the car. “I’ll see you guys later.”

“Oliver.” Wren pauses even though Aubrey tries to pull her into the car.

“I’ll be okay.” Gently, I kiss her, and then Rhett pushes her into the backseat and slams the door.

“If I don’t hear from you in five minutes, I’m coming back,” he says as he rounds the car. “Be careful.”