Page 6 of Wicked Rush

“I see you were entertaining the guests,” he observed.

“Mr. Elliott. Apparently he’s as fond of wildlife conservation as you are.”

“Did you have much to discuss?” Shane’s baritone voice sent shivers over her arms.

“Apparently, he was the one who rescued me on the beach.”

“You don’t recall what he looked like?” Shane pressed.

“I told you before that I didn’t remember who brought me to the hospital. I, uh, I thought he looked familiar but as you both know, as soon as I regained consciousness, I refused to see anyone. You know as well as I do that I was nothing more than a Jane Doe. If I hadn’t woken up, it’s likely I’d have gone missing forever.” The truth rolled off her tongue easily. She had been unconscious with no belongings; they hadn’t been able to identify her.

“Frankly I’m surprised he didn’t contact you sooner,” her uncle observed.

“I certainly appreciate that he helped me, but Mr. Elliott is a stranger. I’m a private person. Besides, the last thing I needed during my recovery was having to deal with some guy trying to play Florence Nightingale. I’m surprised he stayed.”

“He’s probably some kind of creeper.” Shane scrunched his face in disgust.

“Exactly,” she agreed, cringing at the lie.

“Don’t you think you’re being a bit harsh?” her uncle said, smiling at a passing client.

“Perhaps.” Braelynn took a deep breath of sea air. Relief washed over her, having successfully redirected the conversation. Concealing her feelings and intent was paramount to bolstering the ruse. “I prefer to think of it as realistic. Besides, you told me he’s in bed with our competitors.”

“He probably stalked you down here,” Shane added. “It’s a public function.”

“I think you’re both getting a little paranoid,” her uncle chided. “Mr. Elliott, along with many other industry professionals in the southern California region, is simply attending tonight as a guest. And it’s a delicious coup. All are welcome. Our allies. Our competitors as well. Tonight is about making a presence. Let them take in a taste of my success and where we’re going.”

“You most certainly did. It’s a spectacular event,” Braelynn told him, stroking his ego.

“Top notch.” Shane nodded, the veins in his temple pulsing with tension.

“All right, then. Let’s get on with things. Come join me on stage, Braelynn. I want you by my side,” he declared, offering her his arm.

“Of course.” Giving a brief glance to Shane, she placed her hand on her uncle’s jacket. Sickened by both of them, the best she could do was obey and get through the next two hours. The lethal game she’d agreed to play was very near to its end.