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Brynn had just dodged my comment, which made me even more suspicious. I removed my blouse and reached for the tag. “I really like this one. What do you think?”
“Yes, and this one.” She held up a teal top.
“I like them both. Do you think I could pull off a look like what you have on?” I pointed at her jeans, boots, and blouse.
“Yes! Do you have any boots?”
“Nope.”
“Well, we’re shopping for shoes next.” She grinned at me as I slipped my sweatshirt back on. It would be nice to have something else to wear other than Mallory’s clothes.
Brynn and I filed out of the dressing room. “Brynn, do you remember the night we met?”
“Of course I do. Your face was all busted up and you had the cast on your leg.”
I hung the items on the rack that I wasn’t interested in. “You said Holden was the black sheep of the family. What did you mean?”
I watched as she folded the jeans. “It’s only because he’s not warped like his dad.”
“What do you mean? Do you know something about him?”
She gently took my arm and led us back into the store. “There are rumors that he works with some seedy characters,” she said quietly. “Illegal activities.”
“What? What kind of activities?” The mental image of his sneer and palm against my mouth stole my breath, and I stopped mid-step.
“River?” Concern etched into Brynn’s features. “Hey, what’s wrong?”
Chapter Thirty-Three
I gripped my cane, searching for a place to sit down. “I know I handled Tim, but ...” My panic eased as I spotted Vaughn watching us. “I forgot Vaughn was here.” I pressed my palm against my chest.
“River, he’s been here the entire time. He just can’t be in the dressing room with us unless there’s an emergency. Plus, the bodyguards hang back a little bit.” She squeezed my hand. “As long as he’s around, we’re safe.” She brushed a stray hair from my face and gave me a tight, worried smile. “Let’s find a place to grab lunch, then I’ll tell you what I know. You really look pale, so some food might help.”
I nodded and Brynn led us toward Vaughn.
“We’re going to find somewhere to eat. We need a quiet corner,” Brynn said.
“I know the perfect place,” Vaughn replied while his mismatched eyes landed on me. “Everything all right?”
I gave him a weak smile. “Yeah, my leg is hurting.” I hadn’t lied, but I didn’t tell him I’d just had a flashback concerning Tim, which brought up Logan all over again.
He nodded, then we left the store after making our purchases and went straight to the car.
Half an hour later, we arrived at a restaurant with zero curb appeal. From the outside, it looked like a gray, rectangular box.
“It doesn’t look like much, but it’s a safe place to talk and the food is fantastic,” Vaughn said after he opened the door to the restaurant for us. “This way.” Vaughn waved at an older guy who appeared to be in his early fifties. “Ladies.” He opened an additional door for us.
“Oh wow!” The room held only a booth and another table. It was small, but there weren’t any other customers. Two ceiling fans circulated the air while Brynn and I settled into the leather seats. I admired the gold-and-green wallpaper. I loved a good design. It could really add depth to a room. Large ornate black hand fans hung on the walls. “Chinese actually sounds amazing.”
“You won’t regret it,” Vaughn said. “I’ll be right outside the door. No one will come or go unless I allow it. Settle in and enjoy your lunch.”
With that, Vaughn strolled to the door, power rippling off him with every step.
“It should be against the law to be that gorgeous,” Brynn said the second he’d left us alone.
“No shit.” I fanned myself and laughed.
Our waiter entered with a few glasses of water and took our drink order. Since Vaughn was driving, Brynn and I had agreed that we would indulge in some fun day drinking. We ordered a few mimosas, and I hoped they were as yummy as the ones we’d had at the salon. I held my fingers up, appreciating my dark red nails.
