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She felt in a daze from the fucking.
Romy put her aviators back on and looked over at Emerald as she restarted the engine.
“Where to, Ma’am?”
Her hair was slightly mussed from the sex and her bare skin glowed in the sunlight. Emerald had never felt more attracted to anyone in her whole life.
8
Romy waited until Emerald finished her call. After they stopped briefly to play, Emerald decided to cancel the Malibu home viewing. She stated she was too overwhelmed by the day’s events to focus on real estate.
“Hi Gloria, yes, it’s Emerald Crowle calling. I’m so sorry to do this on such short notice, but could we move the viewing to another day? I’ve had a terrible headache all morning, and I’m afraid I won’t be able to make it.” Romy watched Emerald as she fabricated her excuse. But she couldn’t blame Emerald for lying; she knew how tough living in the public eye must be. If word got out about the attack from Thomas, the paparazzi would never leave her alone.
“Oh, good. Perfect, thank you so much,” Emerald purred, satisfied with the news. “I’ll see you then.” Hanging up, Emerald grinned at Romy. “I can go back next Friday. Now, let’s head to Rodeo; I need some retail therapy to calm my nerves.”
Romy raised her eyebrows, teasing her, “That massive orgasm wasn’t enough to relax you? Shit, maybe I’m losing my touch.” Emerald playfully laughed. “Oh, I can assure you; you have an amazing touch. But I’m a woman with many needs, one of which is a new gown to wear during awards season.”
“Alright, let’s go.” Romy navigated the vehicle back onto the freeway and tried to keep her attention on her driving. But her mind was swirling with a range of emotions, attraction, adrenaline, and confusion. Emerald’s advances were irresistible. Romy found herself caught between wanting to remain aloof and being drawn in by Emerald’s magnetic charm. Romy had never been in a position where she allowed a client’s behavior to affect her focus.
Emerald's bold flirtations, combined with unpredictable and dangerous elements, were causing Romy's stoicism to crumble. And she knew that her entanglement with Emerald would complicate their working relationship. And yet, there was a force drawing Romy deeper into Emerald's life, and she felt like she was sinking into a quicksand of drama and lust.
As she brushed a hand through her hand, she caught a whiff of Emeralds' intoxicating scent on her fingers. Romy bit her lip and inhaled; the earthy fragrance stirred a primal desire within her.
Her mouth watered with an insatiable hunger as Emerald commented, “When we get to Rodeo, I'd like to visit Jessica Lyon’s; it's my favorite dress shop on the strip andveryexclusive. In fact, the owner will ensure my privacy, closing off the entire store for me.”
Emerald looked at Romy as though she expected her to be impressed. Emerald inched her fingers across Romy's thigh, teasing her. “We might even get the whole place to ourselves, including thedressing room.That could be fun, yes?”
“No problem, just give me the directions, and I'll get us there quickly.” Romy wanted to concede to Emerald's suggestive behavior, but between the attempted-carjacking incident and the spontaneous sex in the car, Romy's mind was overstimulated. Most of all, she was concerned for Emerald's safety. Romy thought to herself,It's as if she had forgotten why she hired me in the first place. And she doesn't even seem affected by today's events. Maybe she's just an incredible actress, and I can't tell.
Turning quickly to look at Emerald, Romy stated, “Listen, I've been enjoying these intermittent affairs with you as a part of my job. But I'm worried about Thomas. I'm capable enough to defend you—as well as myself—but, considering that he runs with a violent crew, I can't predict what he is capable of, and I want you to also be on guard.”
Emerald remained silent for a few minutes as the car turned onto Rodeo Drive. Massive palm trees lined the street, which was decorated with high-end, designer stores. Given that Romy had worked with other high-end clients, she was familiar with the area and knew it was far safer for Emerald to be here than somewhere on the open road. Once the vehicle stopped in front of Jessica Lyon’s, Emerald unbuckled her seat belt and looked at Romy.
“I understand what you're saying, and I don't want to make this job harder for you. I've always been independent, and I've refused to live in fear for most of my life.” Romy was surprised by the assertion in Emerald's tone, which had been mostly soft and flirtatious. “This is the first time in 58 years that I feel a sense of danger. But I don't want that to affect how I live my life or my sense of freedom. So I'll follow your advice, Romy. But please don't treat me like a child. Is that clear?”
Romy's heart sank. She didn't mean to insult Emerald, who was also her paying client. Touching her hand, Romy replied, “Yes, it's clear. And I'm sorry if I came off condescending. I know that you are a strong and brave woman. I care about you, and I want to do an effective job. That's all.”
Emerald's expression softened as her mouth curved into a coy smile. “Thanks, Romy. To be honest, I'malsoworried. But right now, I want to try on some dresses and forget about this morning.” She squeezed Romy's hand before both women exited the car, with Emerald leading her into the store.
“Emerald! Oh my goodness, it's beenages!” A mature-looking woman with short, white-blond hair, dressed in a stylish pantsuit, embraced Emerald as she entered the large, airy dress shop.
“Oh, Jessica, I was hoping to see you!” Emerald and the store owner air kissed as Romy hung back. She often felt out of place amidst artificial greetings, and Romy wasn't as gregarious as her client. “I'm looking for a gown for an upcoming awards show. I'm wondering if I could take some time and shop in private?”
Jessica grinned, winking at Emerald. “Anything for you, my dear.” Jessica nodded to the other shop assistant who promptly shut the front door and turned aclosedsign to face the window. “It's lovely to see you. But, please, take all of the time you need.”
“Oh, where are my manners? This is Romy Russell, an associate of mine.” Emerald presented Romy as though she was an accessory, but Romy wasn't offended. It was Emerald's right to keep her personal affairs or hires private, especially for someone of her stature.
“Hello, nice to meet you. Please, have a seat.” Jessica politely offered Romy a velvet-covered bench to sit on while Emerald perused the many racks that held expensive, sparking gowns. Romy took her place and waited patiently while Emerald flitted around like a hummingbird.
After two hours of trying on dresses and conversing with the shop owner, Emerald announced that she was ready to leave. “I'd like to leave the dress here until the adjustments are made. I'll be sending Marilyn to pick it up.” Emerald held a long, white dress that appeared to be covered in Swarovski crystals. Jessica took the dress from Emerald, encasing it in a garment bag.
“Of course, my dear. The dress will be waiting for pickup. Thank you again for coming in.” Jessica and Emerald embraced again before she and Romy left the shop.
“Do you feel better?” Romy asked. “Yes, I love the dress, it is perfect, and I definitely feel better. Thanks for taking me here.” Emerald put an arm around the small of Romy's back. “Now, I'd like to visit Myers Jewelry because I'll need a necklace to go with the dress. It's just a few blocks south.”
Romy nodded. “Sure, but I'd like to stop by the car first. I left my water bottle in the front seat.” Romy and Emerald crossed the street towards Romy's vehicle when suddenly, two men appeared from around the corner. Instantly, Romy recognized them as associates of Thomas Black. When the men saw Romy and Emerald, they drew their guns.
Romy moved quickly to block Emerald, pulling out her pistol.Pop!One of the men shot his gun in the direction of the woman, and Romy yelled, “Get in the car, Emerald! Now, get in!” Emerald screamed and ducked, running to the passenger side. In her panic, her shaky fingers struggled to open the door handle. Romy shouted, trying to keep her eyes on the shooters while watching Emerald race into the car and staying between Emerald and the shooters.
