Page 9 of In the Shadows

“I’ve been hired for the day to escort you to the meeting place. Please enjoy a glass of wine. We’ll reach your destination in half an hour. Traffic is brutal.”

I could use a stiff drink to knock the edge off, but wine would do. Settling into the seat, I glanced around at the fully stocked bar and the small television mounted in the corner. A chilled bottle and opener were waiting for me on the center console. I removed the cork and filled my glass. I let out a heavy sigh. I didn’t know whether the next half hour would feel like the longest or shortest of my life, but I was about to find out.

Finally, the limo pulled around to the back of a large, red brick building near downtown. Despite the glass of wine, I was wound tight, my nerves standing on end. I’d tried to talk myself into having fun today, but I was walking into unknown territory. What if I never left? I chided myself for allowing my anxiety to dictate my thoughts. Shadow Whisperer had never given me a reason to fear him … until now. I reminded myself that fifty grand would make me feel a hell of a lot better. The only thing that kept me sane and partially settled was the fact that he wouldn’t touch me. He would remain behind the glass, watching.

The back door opened, and the driver extended his hand to me. The afternoon clouds had muted the sun, and I tucked my sunglasses into my handbag. I climbed out of the car, and as my heel touched the pavement, a shock of terror shot through me. I’m actually doing this! Goosebumps pebbled my skin as I stood and straightened my dress, my palms growing clammy with each passing second. I could back out, run, and never talk to Shadow Whisperer again. It was what I should do. It’s what a sane person would do. I swallowed over the lump in my throat, images dancing through my terrified thoughts … remember the why. After I collected my courage, I tipped my chin in the air and squared my shoulders. I had never been a girl to back down from a challenge, and I sure as hell wouldn’t now.

“Follow me.” He strolled toward a back entrance and scanned a key card. The lock clicked, and he pulled on the door handle as his cell rang. He ushered me into the dark hall before he answered.

“Sir?” His jaw tensed. “I understand. I’ll let her know.”

Frowning, I waited for him to end the call.

He replaced his phone inside his jacket pocket and cleared his throat.

“I’m terribly sorry. Your companion for the afternoon has been called away on unexpected business. He said he’ll reach out to reschedule, and he’ll pay you half of the agreed upon amount for your trouble.”

My hand flew to my chest, relief nearly causing my knees to buckle. “That’s too bad. I was looking forward to it.” Liar! You’re scared shitless. As soon as the relief had dissipated, curiosity took its place. Who is the man behind the screen?

“He asked me to accompany you back to the jet and make sure you arrive safely back to Portland.”

“Thank you. It’s a beautiful plane. It beats the hell out of flying commercial.” Shadow Whisperer seemed to at least care about my safety. Maybe he was a good person to have around after all.

“I agree.”

A silly grin eased across my face. “Is it wrong that I’m more excited to fly on his jet again …” I cleared my throat. “Uh, more than meeting Shadow Whisperer at the club?”

His deep chuckle rippled through the air before he extended his hand to me. “Call me Thomas since we might see each other again.”

I stared at him before shaking his hand and searching my brain for a fake name. “Janie, but maybe you already knew my real name.”

“I do now.” His warm smile reached his kind eyes. “Are you ready?”

“Yeah.” He had no idea how eager I was to return home. I doubted whether I would receive payment, but the limo and jet ride had given me a small adventure that invigorated me. For the first time in years, I felt alive. My whole body had been infused with immense fear, but I still went ahead and did it all anyway. It was empowering. That disheartened and weak part of me that let paranoia, suspicion, and panic consume my daily life shattered. And all it had taken was one plane ride. I felt invigorated … Powerful, like I could do anything I put my mind to, as long as I drowned out the little voice in my head, warning me, restraining me. That long dormant part that once took chances and jumped before looking was waking up, and I was going to make sure it didn’t go back to sleep again. It was time to make some changes in my life.

On the way back to the airport, I scrambled for clues about who the man behind the username Shadow Whisperer was. He was wealthy and chose to remain hidden, which made me think he was someone in the public eye who didn’t want his sex life in the spotlight. But who was he, and why had he chosen me from all the other women who worked online?

A muffled ding sounded, and I rifled through my purse and retrieved my phone. I held back my squeal as twenty-five grand hit my Venmo account. A rush of disbelief slammed into my chest as I focused on the zeros.

Holy shit. This guy is for real. My heart soared with gratitude for the much-needed money. It would give me a bit of breathing room until the next round of bills found their way to my mailbox.

Without delay, I transferred it to my checking account. I was afraid if I waited, the payment would disappear.

I settled into the plush seat, smiling to myself. Cami was right. It was time to stop hiding and live my life. Fortunately, I knew precisely the place to do it. I typed out a quick text, and Cami almost immediately confirmed our plans for the evening. Since I would be at my place in a few hours, I would have time to nap before going out for a few drinks later.

After I’d arrived home from the ride on the jet, I’d taken a long shower, unable to stop thinking about Cami’s encouragement to date and have some fun.

At the same time, my mind was preoccupied with Shadow Whisperer and questions about his real identity kept swirling around inside my head. Maybe he was a good guy, just discreet in his sex life. I understood. No one knew about my night job or my fear of being judged. I was pretty sure even Cami would have something to say about it, so it made sense not to put myself in that position unless I had no other choice. Pushing the questions aside, I yawned as I made my way to the bed for some shut-eye.

After a long nap, I dressed in jeans that hugged my ass and paired it with a blue silk blouse. For an added touch, I curled my hair as thoughts of the attractive bartender took up space in my mind. The idea of seeing him again sent my heart racing, mingled with an intense curiosity about who Sebastian really was. Maybe it was time to find out.

“Babe, you look amazing. Stop fussing over your clothes,” Cami scolded me outside the Velvet Vortex entrance. Her long hair flowed past her shoulders with loose curls at the end. Cami always looked picture perfect, even when she had just woken up. She adjusted her orchid top and revealed a little more cleavage before we strolled in.

“I’m trying.” I tugged at my lower lip with my teeth, a bundle of nervous and excitement forming in the pit of my stomach.

What if Sebastian was actually interested instead of the harmless flirting he’d shown me last night? My tummy fluttered with the idea until I reminded myself that I had little time to have fun and unwind. The last year had been stolen with doctor appointments and work. Then I remembered my promise to myself. Things had to change. I needed some balance, or I would lose my mind.

“Can I admit that I’m a bit surprised that you wanted to come back here so soon?”

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