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“Just an image. This screams power, sex, control, dominance, and allure. Mischief. Zara, you have such an impact on females, and you truly have no idea.” She tuts and huffs.
“Maybe.” I blush. Being told these things makes me feel such a fake. Worthless. They see what they want, not who I am, and it’s so difficult to keep the façade up when I just want to tear Zara Reid from my life and be someone else. The real me. If only I knew who that was. I laugh inwardly.
“A hundred percent, even this suit will sell out.” She knocks the pages, bringing my mind back from running free from this life.
Instead, I aim my focus on hers.
“So, how is Phil?” I ask breezily,flicking the pages, waiting for her response. She has been on/off dating Philip Vanderson, a film executive, for almost a year. One week they are loved up,and then the next, not so much. I always dread hearing how awful things are, but I really don't want to talk about myself any longer.
“I’ve been busy with the renovation,” she mutters on a frown, and by her muted tone, I can sense things aren’t going so great. I honestly don't understand why she sticks with him. He is good looking in a typically Hollywood type of way. He is beyond successful and rich, but the man is a bit of an ass.
“I bet. At least once it’s completed, you can spend some time together. Have you booked a holiday?” Last year they went to Bali, and from Miranda’s account, it didn’t go so well.
“No, not yet, not after last year’s holiday hell. I think Philip and I will probably look to go somewhere in the med.”
“Well, if Greece is any good, I will let you know,” I offer. She nods and gives me a quick hug before I head out and home for the day.
Being home with the added concern that at any moment, Callan could just walk in whenever he pleases has me leaning over the sofa for my phone. With a quick google search, I’m pulling it to my ear, and after a few rings, the call connects. “Hello, Lock and Key. Michael speaking, how can I help?”
“Oh hi, I wondered if you could give me a quote for a full lock change plus window fixings?”
“Can do. How many windows, love?” I pull back, smothering a smile at his tone.
I do a quick mental count and let him know.
“I’ve had several break-ins,” I add. “I really need to make sure whatever I upgrade to, it’s going to be top range.”
“I mean, how top range because it will cost you?” he says, tapping away, no doubt adding up the costs of my quote.
“That's fine. My safety is more important.”
“That it is,” he replies. “I can give a basic quote now, but it would be better to view the property.”
“Of course, the sooner, the better.”
“Well, I have a few guys out and about. What area are you in? Maybe they can swing by?” That sounds perfect. I experience a wave of relief, knowing soon I will be Callan-free. He will be locked out, and I will have won. Now to put the arrogant prick in his place.
Chapter Ten
“So, where are you taking me?” Oscar asks over-excitedly, adjusting his sleeve. The motion sends a waft of aftershave over me. He smells good and looks good. I know he met Chloe this week for dinner, and it seemed to go well. He was prattling on about her as we got ready at mine.
“A club,” I say dismissively. If Oscar picks up any clue just what I have planned, he will hit the roof. I suppress a cheeky smile and check my reflection as our Uber moves through the thick of London.
“I know that, but which club?” He steals my compact, checking his hair before giving it back.
“If you knew that, then it wouldn't be a surprise,” I say, clicking my compact shut, giving him a wink. Oh, he is going to explode. I know we aren’t far from Hex now, and as soon as we pull up, Oscar will be ready to drag me back home.
“Arsehole,” he mutters. Oh, he has no idea. Ten minutes later, we pull up outside a glittering club. The outside isn’t much different to Skyn. The big white building has columns lit up by faint purple tones, twisted bushes are potted out along the front, and the letters HEX are brandished in a matte black over the wide entryway.
“No, absolutely not!” Oscar snaps as we come to a stop. I’m already pushing at the door, and he grabs my wrist to halt me. “Zara, no,” he says forcefully, his excited face now replaced by a deep frown and flat mouth. He is super grumpy at me.
“I’m going in with or without you.” I step out, turning to face the queue outside, which drags back for what seems like forever. I don't have a membership, so I step up onto the pavement when Oscar hooks his arms through mine, and a myriad of flashes happen.
“I am so pissed off at you!” he growls, leaning in, his curly hair tickling my cheek.
“You’ll forgive me.” I grin. I move to the queue, but Oscar pulls me back towards the door and shakes his head, suppressing a curse.
“Hey, Vance,” he says roughly to the doorman, who looks ready to snap Oscar’s neck. Obviously, news of his rule-breaking has spread through Callan’s clubs. Shit, maybe this wasn't a good idea. Vance touches his ear, and I notice his earpiece. Is he asking for authorisation to allow us in? Ishehere? With a nod over his shoulder, he allows us in. I sag a little and move ahead, bypassing the queue with Oscar at my side.
