Juliet stopped in her tracks. Her jaw slowly dropped as the reality of the situation finally sank in.
Beside her, Amara stared at the guard holding the phone, disbelief written all over her face.
"They're actually doing it," she whispered.
Juliet looked seconds away from fainting.
"Oh my God."
The color drained from her face so quickly that even the security guards seemed mildly concerned.
Amara immediately grabbed her arm.
"What do we do?"
"I don't know!"
Juliet whispered back frantically.
"My future children can't have a mother with a criminal record."
Amara turned to stare at her. For a moment, she was too stunned to speak.
"Your biggest concern right now is your future children?"
Juliet looked horrified.
"What else am I supposed to worry about?"
"We're about to get arrested!"
"Exactly! What if this ends up on a background check someday?"
Amara opened her mouth, then closed it again.
There was absolutely no arguing with that logic.
Before she could think of a response, a woman's voice suddenly drifted across the lobby.
"I think that's a little excessive, don't you?"
The voice was warm, amused, and effortlessly confident.
Everyone turned.
A woman with striking red hair was making her way toward them.
The soft glow from the chandeliers reflected against her curls, turning them almost copper beneath the light. She was beautiful in a vibrant, eye-catching way that naturally drew attention. Her little black dress fit perfectly within the luxurious atmosphere of the Blue Orchid Club, and there was something about the way she carried herself that suggested she belonged here.
The click of her heels echoed softly against the marble floor as she approached.
By the time she reached them, a faint smile was playing across her lips.
Her gaze swept over Juliet and Amara before settling on the security guards.
"They're harmless."
Then she looked toward the guard holding the phone.
