Page 21

It was a nondescript, blocky building in an industrial side of town. In fact, going down the street toward it, the limo’s driver had to stop twice to allow forklifts the right of way as they crossed.

A black iron gate surrounded the place, and they halted at a security checkpoint manned by two uniformed security officers in a small guard shack.

“Good afternoon. If I can just see one valid ID of an approved member, please.”

Damon smiled as he fished his driver’s license out and passed it up to the driver, who in turn handed it to the guard.

“Ah. Nice to see you again, Mr. Drake,” the guard said loud enough to ensure his voice traveled to the back of the car.

“Good seeing you too, Pete.”

Once the ID was handed back, the gate began to slowly retract, allowing the limo through. The guards waved as the car rolled by.

Damon waved back, even though he knew they couldn’t see him through the windows’ heavy tint.

“This place is something,” he told Tessa.

“It looks like an old warehouse,” she countered.

He chuckled. “Just wait until you see inside.”

Once the long car was parked and they were out of it, he stepped close to Tessa and said, “Okay. They might already be here. Or they might be here later, in which case we’d just have to kill time. There is a play area around back and I’m sure lots of other Littles are here. Would you be fine hanging out if we have to?”

“Sure,” she said with a nod.

He felt bad potentially taking up hours of her day, but this was the mission. It might take a lot of work to make this little “accidental bumping into Lissa” look, well… accidental.

“I’m fine with whatever,” she assured him. “This has to look realistic.”

“Exactly!”

“Where did you get your intel?”

“A mutual friend of ours. Lissa said she was going to be spoiled on a shopping spree today. I know this is her favorite store. So, they’ll be here.”

Tessa looked back at the gate and guard shack behind them. “Lots of security.”

“Yeah,” Damon agreed. “Anyone is allowed here if they have a membership. But you have to sign NDAs and all that. Privacy is very important. Not just for the celebrities who frequent here, but for everybody.” With that same grin he used on camera so often, he said, “Shall we?”

They started walking while the limo’s driver stayed behind in the car.

Damon felt Tessa tense a bit when he took hold of her hand.

“I’m sorry,” he said, pulling away. “I just… figured it should look realistic.”

She squeezed his hand, keeping it locked with hers. “Don’t be. Just surprised me. But you’re right. We need this to look real.”

They approached the door in silence. Damon tried to ignore the fireworks erupting inside his core.

It felt so… natural to be with Tessa this way. Her hand seemed to be contoured perfectly to fit his own.

You’re just missing Lissa. Don’t make Tessa your rebound. It wouldn’t be fair to do that to her. Sure, she’s beautiful. And sweet. She’s also a Little. But you want Lissa. Don’t lead this girl on.

Arriving at the doors, Damon reached into his wallet, pulled out a small badge, and held it to the card reader attached to the wall.

The door clicked and he held it open for Tessa.

“After you.”