CLAIRE

NEXT EVENING

I was in the bathroom touching up my makeup when I heard Julian come through the front door. "You're home early," I called out.

"Blake's orders," Julian replied, his voice getting closer.

He appeared in the bathroom doorway, loosening his tie. "Did he tell you where?" I asked, applying mascara carefully.

"He won't tell me," Julian said, sounding both amused and exasperated. "Just said to be ready by seven."

I glanced at the clock, six fifteen. "That gives us forty-five minutes," I observed.

"I'll shower quickly," Julian said, already pulling off his shirt.

While he showered, I went to the closet and debated what to wear. Blake...