I felt like I was backed into a corner.

Though Madam remained composed, I knew she was agitated by what had happened. The thick vein in her neck told me everything I needed to know about staying cautious.

With sweat pouring down my back, I didn’t know what to say. All I knew was that I had to be careful with the words I did choose because Madam would never forget them—and would certainly find a way to use them against me.

I looked out the window toward Kelly’s office. The glass door shimmered in the sunshine like a beacon of hope calling me in. If I could get there, I knew I would be safe. Even if Kelly wasn’t inside, Giselle would have the resources to protect me. But I was terrified of turning my back on Madam.

“Go on, baby girl.”

Spinning my head back around, I faced Madam. “Kelly doesn’t know I’m here.”

She nodded her head to the limo’s door handle.

“You told him you would bring me back to his place.”

“This is his place.” Her brows raised.

I frowned as my racing mind worked through the possibilities. I started to doubt everything, and it didn’t take me long to convince myself that once I stepped out of Madam’s limo another challenge would be tossed my way.

“Honey, you don’t need Kelly to protect you.” Madam’s voice floated through the air like a children’s lullaby.

My body went cold as I closed off my ears. I was afraid that Madam had already made the decision to have me killed way before she came to steal me away from Kelly today. Nothing was a surprise to her. She knew all. And with her endless supply of information, she had a constant stream of knowledge coming her way around the clock.

“You’re a big girl.”

I felt hollow. Like everything inside me that made me human was gone and I was left with only a shell. I despised the way she treated me, the way she was talking to me. But, instead of fighting back, I bit my tongue and hoped for the best.

“Besides, he won’t be too far behind, I’m sure.” Madam settled one hand on Jerome’s thigh and Jerome nodded once.

“I can’t.” My voice cracked.

“Get out, Kendra.” Madam raised her voice.

Lifting my head, I pleaded with her. “I’ve already been stalked today and—”

“—You don’t want to end up like Tonya.” Madam cackled. “Please, just stop it with worrying that you’ll end up like her.”

Jerome snickered.

Color drained from my face and I couldn’t take anything she said seriously.

Feeling flustered by this less-than-ideal situation, I began pleading for forgiveness. “I’m sorry for what happened. But everything happened just like you said it would. How was I supposed to know I had the wrong guy at the diner or Sylvia wasn’t who she said she was? I was set up, clearly.”

Madam’s lips flattened as she stared quietly.

Jerome leaned forward and opened the door, motioning for me to get out.

“Will you forgive me?” I cried.

Madam’s tongue slid over her bottom lip. “Once I get back what is mine, then I’ll consider it.”

Suddenly, Jerome clamped his fingers around my arm and pushed me out the door with brute force. I didn’t have time to respond or judge whether Madam was being sincere or not. Because, truth be told, I didn’t believe she would ever forgive me. What I did was unforgivable. Even if it was unintentional. I could see the rage burning between her eye slits, and if I did jeopardize whatever exploration she was alluding to then why wouldn’t she put my head on a block, too.

Checking I had all my belongings with me, I turned back to the limo with my head hanging low.

Jerome pulled the door shut, sending my insides jumping. Then I watched the limo drive away, praying all this would blow over soon.

Spinning on a heel, I rushed up the stairs and hurried for the front entrance, hopeful it would be open and Giselle would be inside.

Feeling the crippling effects of anxiety begin to consume me, I stopped at the top of the steps to glance around. Ever since being chased by the motorcycle, I hadn’t been the same. It all happened so fast. My brief encounter with my uncle was a blur in the craziness this day had become.

Wrapping my fingers around the door handle, I yanked only to be met by my worst fears.

It didn’t budge.

But I pulled harder, hoping it was stuck.

It shook, but again barely moved.

I hated that it was locked and I had nowhere to go.

Feeling vulnerable, I didn’t want to add to my ever-expanding list of worries. But it seemed I had no choice. Madam did this on purpose. Separated me from Kelly and dropped me on the opposite side of town knowing that I would be close to breaking down.

Diving my hand inside my purse, I pulled out my cell and quickly called Kelly.

Turning my back to the building, I kept my eyes scanning the street.

“C’mon …” My toes tapped as I listened to it ring.

When Kelly didn’t answer, my worries only grew more troublesome.

Finally, it clicked over to voicemail and I left him a message. “Kelly, baby. Everything is fine. I’m safe and standing outside your office. Call me. We need to discuss Madam. She’s losing her mind—” I could feel the tears forming behind my eyes as fear stole away my ability to speak. “And I’m afraid she’s going to do something bad. Call me back.”

Shaking, I pulled my phone away from my ear and killed the call. Falling against the door, my shoulders streaked down the glass as I crumbled to the ground. Burying my hands in my face, it didn’t take long for tears to fall.

My life felt like it was falling apart.

I couldn’t trust Madam any more than I could trust Mom.

And with what my uncle had said, I was still in shock. It seemed no matter what I did, I couldn’t win. Everyone was out to get me. And without Kelly, I had no one.

“You’re Kelly’s friend, aren’t you?”

My insides lurched when I heard his deep voice approach. Wiping my cheeks, I blinked my eyes dry and found him walking up the steps with his hands buried in his pockets. He was dressed nicely and had an incredible smile that should have made me more relaxed than I felt. I was sure I had seen him before but couldn’t remember where. But there was still something about him that made me hesitant to speak.

He approached with a friendly smile and pointed to the door. “Closed again?”

I sat there and stared. Slowly, I nodded, unsure what to think of him.

“I don’t know how those two get any work done.” He stood next to me and turned to face the street. “They’re always out of the office it seems.” He laughed.

When I didn’t react, he angled his head down to me.

“Is he the reason you’re crying?”

I shook my head.

“How long have you two been seeing each other?”

“I’m sorry, but who are you?”

“A friend of Giselle’s.” He offered his hand and when I took it, he pulled me to my feet.

But I regretted accepting his hand because as soon as I did, his gaze went to my ears.

Smirking, he said, “He’s got you at the club.”

Brushing his hand away, I crossed my arms over my chest and let my hair fall over my shoulders as I turned my head away.

“I’m sorry, I saw your earrings and just thought …”

“It’s not your fault.” I rolled my eyes over to him. “I’m having a tough day.”

Taking a step back, he held out his hand. “Let’s start again. I’m Drake.” He smiled.

Restoring faith that he was trustworthy, I shook his hand and said, “Kendra. And yes, you’re right. I’m Kelly’s. At least for the time being.”

Glancing at his watch, he said, “Giselle said she’d be here.” He turned to look at me. “Did Kelly tell you the same?”

Before I could answer, Maxwell’s SUV came skidding to a stop in front of us. We both watched Maxwell roll down the passenger window and yell, “Kendra. Oh, thank God you’re here.”

I stepped forward with a furrowed brow, wondering what it could be now.

“C’mon.” He waved me over. “We have to go.”

Jogging down the steps, I called over my shoulder to Drake, “I hope Giselle doesn’t make you wait long.”

“I’ll be fine.” He waved.

Sliding into the passenger seat, Maxwell welcomed me inside by telling me to buckle up. “Kelly had me come for you.”

I flipped my head around with knitted brows. “Is he okay?”

“Yes, yes. He’s fine. But we need to get you somewhere safe until things cool down.”

Turning my gaze out the front windshield, I said, “I think I know just the place.”