The woman reached across Harmony for a paper towel.“Did he show up in your life all of a sudden?You’ve never seen him before, but then he’s there.You keep running into each other.Maybe he flirts a little, makes you feel special.He asked you out, told you he wanted to get to know you better, and asked questions about your past.He’s trying to find your weaknesses.People he can use against you.”
“He wouldn’t…”
The woman snickered.“He would.And he has.I’d watch your back, Harmony.”She threw away her paper towel and walked out of the bathroom.
Leaving Harmony to stare after her and wonder what the hell she’d gotten herself into.
Six
Damien sippedhis water and smiled at the empty seat next to him.He was enjoying himself.Not that he expected otherwise, but every moment with Harmony was a surprise.She made him want to see more and more of her.
Movement next to the table brought his attention to the woman on his mind.Her eyes were narrowed, her face pinched into a look of… Was that fear?
“Are you okay?”
“Um, no.I need to go.Right now.”
“What happened?Is something going on?”
“No.I just need to go.”
“What’s—”
“Goodbye, Damien.”She snatched her handbag from the seat and rushed to the door, glancing behind her as she went.
What the hell just happened?
“I guess she’s not up for dessert.How about you?”the server asked, catching Harmony’s retreat.
Damien shook his head.“No.Thanks.Just the check.”
“You got it.”
Damien handed over his credit card and replayed the time before Harmony went to the bathroom.They were enjoying the night, and each other.He was flirting, but so was she.He didn’t think he crossed any lines with her, but he certainly didn’t hold back that he was interested in her.
She was fine before she went to the bathroom.Something must have happened in there.Something that sent her running.
Damien wasn’t facing the bathrooms, so he didn’t know if someone walked in before or after Harmony.But someone had to.Someone who wanted her away from him.
He signed the receipt for the server, then asked if he could speak to a manager, assuring the server he was excellent and it had nothing to do with him.
The manager was a petite woman with a kind smile and a steadily scanning gaze.“I understand you wanted to speak to me.”
“I believe the woman I was with had a confrontation in the restroom with someone.I was wondering if you could give me access to your security cameras to identify who.”
The manager blanched.“I apologize your date didn’t end the way you’d hoped, sir, but that’s not why we have security cameras.”
Damien expected the answer and was ready with his identification and credentials.“I understand, and this has nothing to do with my date and everything to do with her safety.I work for Rose Protection Agency, and she was recently on the news and given a sizable reward.She’s been followed and doxed and could be in danger.I only want to see if someone went in after her.You could watch the video and call Captain Marcus Patrick with the information if you find something.”
“The police captain?”
“He’s a friend of hers.And mine.”
The manager looked suspicious but took Marcus’s business card and asked Damien to wait at the table.
Damien finished his water and wondered if Harmony was okay.Maybe the manager was right and she decided to get the hell away from him.Or maybe his gut was right and something happened in the bathroom.
Damien looked up when the manager hurried across the room toward him.He sat up in his seat, his body coiled tight with anxiety.Something was wrong.
