Finding Roxanne

Table of Contents

Books by Collette

Title/Copyright

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Coming Soon

About the Author

Books by Collette Scott

Forever Sunshine

Hannah’s Blessing

If We Dare to Dream (The Evans Family, Book One)

Through Winter Skies (The Evans Family, Book Two)

Eyes on Tango (The Evans Family, Book Three)

Kat’s Last Chance (The Evans Family, Book Four)

Terri’s Gift (The Evans Family, Book Five)

Cooper’s Choice (The Evans Family, Book Six)

Sunshine Rising (The Evans Family, Book Seven)

Hope is Calling (The Evans Domination, Book One)

A Blessing in Disguise (The Evans Domination, Book Two)

Deception’s Kiss (The Evans Domination, Book Three)

Finding Roxanne

Finding Roxanne

By

Collette Scott

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Copyright © 2015 by Collette Scott

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Cover image Portrait by Francesca Cappa (http://ow.ly/RvTKa) under CC by 2.0.

For information address Marimay Publishing, P.O. Box 11821, Tempe, AZ 85284

ISBN-13: 978-1517104801

ISBN-10: 1517104807

ISBN – ebook:  9781311325327

Prologue

There she is! Roxanne Lemieux is enjoying a night on the town. Look at that gown she’s wearing to tonight’s benefit. That silver wrap is as stunning as her eyes. She’s been wearing a new designer’s clothes with more frequency lately. Do you think she’s searching for a new unknown?

Roxanne only dons the best, Charlene, the second announcer said with a sarcastic laugh. You should know better.

Well, the first announcer said with a haughty sniff. I’m pretty sure she’s been seen in Loryn’s creations several times now.

Time will tell.

The flashing lights of the photographer’s high-powered cameras was blinding, and Roxanne could feel her frustration growing with frightening intensity. Although deep down she recognized the warning signs, her first thought was to escape the madness around her. Rather than granting everyone her world-famous smile, she turned frantically to the nearest person as the maddening press of bodies grew more stifling. She could hardly breathe, and panic was growing. Escape, escape, escape, began to repeat itself in her head until she wanted to scream.

Grasping a concierge’s arm, she scowled fiercely. Get me out of here.

With a brisk nod, the strong young man pushed back the group surrounding the tall, strikingly beautiful model. The lights continued to flash in her face, blinding her, suffocating her, pressing her into the thick crowd on all sides until she thought her scream would erupt. Over the pleas for autographs and shouts for her attention, the sound of the announcers continued to echo in her ears.

Oh, look at her now. She does not look happy at all.

Does she ever? I can’t help but wonder if they airbrush the smiles on her photos.

More false laughter before another sarcastic comment. That’s been exceptionally true since she and Devlan Doyle split.

The snickers continued, but they were ignored as Roxanne Lemieux was hurried into the waiting limo and the door closed securely behind her, finally escaping the unbearable pressure of the crowd. Even so, the scowl remained on her face. She had heard every word. They continued echoing in her ears, singing Devlan’s name and raising that intense longing that came from the sound of it.

Get me out of here, she snapped.

But ma’am, the driver began. The crowds –

Just drive through them.

Ma’am, there are people –

Who will get out of the way. If they don’t, make them.

Too frightened to refuse her, the driver did as he was bid, waving the peering crowds out of the way before gunning the engine of the heavy limousine into the thick Los Angeles traffic. Two traffic lights later, Roxanne sat back with a sigh, trying unsuccessfully to regain control of her rampaging emotions. Anger. Fear. Elation. And, naturally, jealousy. Though she tried to force Devlan out of her thoughts, she knew it was useless. Those emotions had been growing inside her for months now, culminating into a burning inferno of longing, hatred and frustration.

The frightened driver had managed to turn the corner away from the people lining the street behind the police barriers, but Roxanne’s scowl remained and her ears still hummed with Devlan’s name. The need that always seemed to consume her whenever he was mentioned was growing with terrifying intensity. It was… unnatural.

Her emotions had heightened until she felt like a taut wire ready to snap when her phone rang, and she flinched when she heard the unfamiliar ring. She never carried her cell phone. Never. There were others who handled that for her. However, she remembered George handing it to her when she entered the building, fully expecting to meet up with her inside. Oh, he must be furious with her. She had ditched her bodyguard in her desperation to escape, and he was probably frantic trying to locate her.

Her hand was trembling when she pulled it free from the high-fashion clutch she carried. She knew she was not herself, and that all-too-familiar fear held her in its tight vice. At the same time, she refused to give in. There was a sense of euphoria surrounding her that she had snuck away without anyone hovering over her, and a part of her wanted to throw back her head and laugh out loud. She was free! Free! Free at last.

Still, her more rational side knew she was treading upon dangerous ground. Telling her driver to run people over? Okay, so she was legendary for her spoiled, diva-like behavior, but that was going too far even for her. That strange feeling was back, and she was scared and elated at the same time. However, there was also that intense yearning that came from missing Devlan. For some reason, she could not shake him from her thoughts. It was almost as if he had accompanied her and was sitting beside her. Perhaps he had a change of heart…

And pigs could fly, she chastised herself before grasping the phone with a weary sigh. She was fully expecting to hear George reprimanding her for running off without him, but it was not George. The deep voice was seductive, charming, and everything she had dreamed of.

I’ve been watching you on the tele. You look gorgeous.

Devlan! Roxanne’s heart leapt into her throat, leaving her speechless as he continued crooning.

So lovely that I’m waiting with a bottle of the finest champagne. Come home to me.

Home? Roxanne squeaked in a voice that was completely unlike her. Home in Devlan’s world could mean multiple places, but there was something different in his tone, a huskiness she had never heard before in the smooth timber.

Yes, home. Selena let me in, and I’m waiting.

Waiting?

Now she knew she was acting like a complete fool. She was stuttering, squeaking, and completely losing her famous cool. But this was Devlan. Her dream come true. Their union would make other Hollywood high-powered couples pale in comparison. A wave of euphoria so strong that it brought a sheen of sweat to her skin rushed through her, and it overshadowed Devlan’s strange insistence that they share champagne. He knew she did not drink. That was odd, but she was so ecstatic she did not care.

One drink to celebrate.

With that, he was gone. Roxanne blinked in stunned silence at the phone for several moments before pressing the intercom. Take me home. Now.

But ma’am, what about the others?

Stop questioning me, she shrieked in a voice that cracked in its loudness.

The driver flinched, but his head bobbed in silent acquiescence. Once he did, Roxanne powered down her phone and sat back with a triumphant smile. She was glad Mickey had the night off, for this driver would not dare lecture her or turn her in to her jailer/bodyguard, George. This was one chance she was not going to blow. No matter what it took, she would seal her fate. Tonight, she and Devlan would finally unite.

She sat back and laughed.

****

He was kissing his way back up her body, eliciting little tingles along her nerve endings and creating a pool of desire that continued to build when his mouth finally reached hers. His tongue had done wondrous things to her, waking long-buried desires as well as finding new sensitive spots, and another low moan escaped her lips when he stroked one.

That’s right, he murmured, lifting his head and flashing her a satisfied smile. Purr for me.

With his pupils dilated from desire, his blue eyes appeared black, and his strong jaw was clenched when he finally settled between her legs. Roxanne’s eyes remained open when she and Devlan finally became one. It was what she had been waiting so long for, and she had won the battle for his attention at last. She was elated, and her hands explored his body eagerly, desperate to memorize every line, plane, and crevasse. As she stroked his body, he plundered her mouth ferociously over and over again, and her moans increased as the tension built to an almost unbearable level. This was better than she imagined, so much better. Never in her wildest fantasies had she believed Devlan would be such a fierce lover. He was always so gentle, so respectful. This was a new side of him, almost frightening, but she liked it. It was… exhilarating.

With remarkable restraint, he had toyed with her for over an hour, and her love-starved body was screaming for release in a way she had never felt before. It was primal, an animalistic feeling that shook her to the core. Believing she would go mad, she arched against him desperately and begged. Really begged. She needed freedom. She wanted to reach up and touch the stars over her head. However, he continued torturing her with his hands and his lips, bringing her close enough to heaven to almost reach it then slowing until she was begging. Yes, begging – one thing she never did, never had to do. She was Roxanne Lemieux. One of the most powerful divas in Hollywood.

Finally. Almost certain she would die from the pleasure, Devlan relented. The sound of the television barely masked her frantic pleas, and her hands slipped from his shoulders as their sweat combined to create a slick surface between them. His hips ground against hers, pushing her to the edge until she cried out loud. The stars exploded behind her eyes. Wild tremors wracked her body then a full shudder as wave after wave of intense satisfaction sent her soaring through the clouds and drifting back on a pillow of cool, moist puffs with a relieved moan. His triumphant grunt followed, and then he was arching back, baring his brilliant white teeth in a ferocious snarl of pure masculinity.

Oh, she whispered, watching him through a hazy wave of purples, blues, and reds as her vision struggled to focus. Tiny little aftershocks continued to roll over her as he continued to move, milking every last moment of their explosive lovemaking.

His warm chuckle tickled her ear as Roxanne closed her eyes. She clung to him, arching her back until her throat bared enough to encourage his warm lips to find the long, sleek column.

You’re better than I imagined, he murmured. Her nails dug into his shoulders when he moved sharply once, and she felt his smile against her skin. His hand skimmed her side, reminding her that he had promised an entire night of pleasure, and her suspicions were confirmed when his lips caressed the shell of her ear. We’re not done yet.

Yes, she whispered, but the word was carried away in her throaty moan.

His lips were on hers again, and Roxanne relaxed into his embrace now that the edge was taken off. However, before he drove her to the peak of heaven a second time, the television somehow managed to penetrate her sensual haze. It was the voice of her lover, but something was not right…

Opening her eyes, Roxanne struggled to focus on the row of large-screen televisions surrounding her bed, and what she saw was totally unexpected, so unexpected that she thought she was dreaming. No. That was not right…

Devlan was there, as handsome as ever, but by his side was the petite blonde single mother Roxanne thought was gone forever. Not only that, but their hands were linked as he led her into the waiting Bentley. Roxanne blinked again when she spied Devlan’s bodyguard, Mike, carrying an infant car seat, and the little golden child who had drawn Devlan into Diana’s life, Hannah, cheerfully held Mike’s free hand and smiled at the crowd.

They looked like the royal family returning home from a vacation… Hollywood’s royalty.

Roxanne blinked again, her ardor cooling rapidly as she rose up on her elbows. What’s this?

Raising his head, Devlan gave her a slow smile. Round two.

His deep voice carried promise, but it was no longer the voice she thought it was. Rearing back, Roxanne stared into the blue eyes of the man who had made her scream in passion, noticing immediately that they were not blue. What she thought was the dilation of his pupils was actually brown eyes.

Roxanne began to tremble as the reality hit home. Of course Devlan was not there. He had never made a move on her, and no matter how much time passed, he never would. Devlan viewed her as a convenience, a one-time friend until she had ruined everything by becoming possessive and chasing off the woman he adored. Although she never admitted her part in Diana’s disappearance, Devlan was smart. He sensed the truth. However, Roxanne refused to take the full blame. All Diana had to do was confront him, and he would have told her the truth. Instead, she had run, and he had refused to chase her. Something else had happened behind closed doors, and Roxanne had believed they would never see each other again. She had tried to draw him out to appease her guilt, but all her attempts had been useless.

Or so she thought…

The man cradling her had loved her like no other, but he was not Devlan Doyle. How could it be when Devlan was on the television ushering Diana to his Bentley where Wills stood proudly with the door open and the title across the screen read, Breaking News?

No, this was not Devlan. This was her mind once more twisting her thoughts, and she was in bed with another man, nude and not herself. All along, she should have known. She had felt it coming, knew it was beginning again, but foolishly thought she could control it.

She had never been so wrong in her life.

Roxanne screamed again. This time not with pleasure but with fear.

Chapter 1

Roxanne blinked multiple times then squinted against the bright lights. When she raised her hand to block the glare, it felt heavy, stiff, unnaturally awkward, and she frowned in confusion. She was Roxanne, perpetually graceful and sinuous. What happened to her?

It took several tries, but she was able to focus on one of her lawyers – and probably her oldest true friend – Bruno Fasciano. His suit was as impeccable as his slicked-back, dyed-black hair, and his spray-on tan appeared fresh. For him to be in her room instead of his son, Mario, meant that something had happened, and she doubted it was due to their 15-year business relationship.

She squinted again as her vision sharpened, and she frantically wracked her fuzzy memories while her fear grew that something was wrong. The nightmare was that only a fog of hazy memories swirled through her mind, and she could not put any of the tiny pieces together. There was just a void of blackness with little flashes of lighted scenes, like flickers of a movie that did not make any sense.

Her fear intensified when she heard Bruno’s voice, and she noticed that his phone was pressed to his ear. His voice was firm and angry. She’s exhausted. Six weeks of filming nonstop as well as her other commitments. All you have left are the shots at the studio set, which haven’t been constructed yet, so I know you can handle missing her for a few days. She’s collapsed from the strain. End of story.

That all-to-familiar feeling of dread followed, but before she found out what was going on, she needed to determine where she was. If she had ever been honest with herself, she would have known right away. The smell, the sounds. It was plain as day, but Roxanne grimaced and slowly turned her head. It was pounding ferociously, almost like a hangover, and each miniscule movement made her want to cry out. A sinking feeling began to form as her suspicions increased, and she became even more convinced when she saw her assistant sitting in a chair placed near her head. Mousy Elena Rodriguez remained loyal through thick and thin, no matter what Roxanne did or said to her. Naturally, she was there now.

At times, Roxanne could be cruel. She was known to be spoiled and demanding, and her assistant received the brunt of her tantrums. However, Roxanne cared for Elena in her own way. Well, as much as Roxanne Lemieux could care for anyone. Unfortunately, her affections were weak since she did not know how to love.

She’s waking, Bruno announced as he returned his phone into his inner suit pocket. Roxanne bit back a groan as the words sliced through her head like a paring knife. Get her clothes, El.

Are you sure you want to do this?

The new voice was female but unrecognizable, and Roxanne turned toward her while Bruno’s deep voice continued sharply. El, do as I said.

I can’t advise this, the stranger continued, so softly that Roxanne hardly heard. She’s had some trauma, a concussion, and her bloodwork shows… There was a pause where the female inhaled deeply for strength. She needs medication and treatment to stabilize her –

Let me make myself clear, Bruno interrupted coldly before she could finish revealing Roxanne’s secrets. I’m reminding you and your staff that you’re bound by patient/client privilege, and if you break it, we’ll sue you right out of here.

Of course, Mr. Fasciano. The voice escalated from a hushed whisper to a low warning. But I can’t discharge her in good conscience. She’s been heavily sedated, and she needs time to stabilize. She needs continued medical attention…

Which she’ll get, Bruno interjected coldly. We have a full staff on hand to care for her.

We do? Roxanne thought absently. She had finally managed to turn her head enough to see a woman in a white jacket, and it was so bright that it made her head ache even worse. Squinting against the pain, Roxanne focused on the woman’s hooked nose and short brown hair before crudely dismissing her and turning her attention to Bruno. What happened? Where was she?

When she attempted to swallow, she realized that her throat was painfully dry. Disgust followed when she felt a line of dried spittle in the corners of her famously full lips. Instinct told her to lick her lips, but she recoiled at the idea. However, speaking was not an option, at least not until she had a sip of water. Luckily, she had moments like this before with Elena. Her assistant might privately despise her, but she had mastered Roxanne’s moods, and she would know exactly what she was thinking with just one glance. Roxanne was turning to Elena when Bruno spoke again.

If anyone asks you or your staff, he continued. You’ll agree to our pre-written statement, and Roxanne will fund your research grant for three more years, Dr. Helmand.

Oh, the woman Roxanne now knew was a doctor gasped. Her voice had taken on a breathy quality of someone who seemed flustered and excited. That’s not necessary, of course, but it would be greatly appreciated.

If one word leaks, the offer is null and void.

Naturally, the doctor replied. But please understand that we take patient confidentiality very seriously here.

Of course you do, Bruno scoffed. That’s why it leaked last month that Micah Boyle was treated for alcohol poisoning.

The doctor apparently had no reply for that, for there was no response. Or if there was, Roxanne did not hear it. Elena finally met her gaze then, and the sadness in her assistant’s dark-brown eyes filled Roxanne with that horrible dread that settled in her stomach like a boulder. The niggling familiarity returned too, and it was not a good feeling. She knew what that meant, and the last time she saw it in her assistant’s eyes was when she visited Diana Somerset and lied about her engagement to Devlan Doyle. Elena had refused to speak to her for a week after that. The look on the younger woman’s face warned her that she might not speak to her for a month.

What had she done?

The not knowing was the most frustrating thing. It was something she would never grow accustomed to, no matter how many times she woke up after an episode. Humiliation, frustration, and self-loathing began consuming her from the inside out, but sadness and self-pity also reared their ugly heads until she felt as though she was being sucked into a vortex of despair that would drag her down into the deepest depths of darkness.

On the outside, she appeared to have everything. She was Roxanne Lemieux, the most famous supermodel in the world for over a decade. Her face had appeared on the cover of more magazines than any other model in history, including the timeless beauties who defied their age. She had participated in more fashion shows than any of the late-greats, and she held record upon record for her success with endorsements and product lines. However, the public that either revered or reviled her did not know the truth.

Roxanne was a broken woman, weak, foolish, and unable to control her own actions, and no amount of money or fame could change that flaw.

When Elena began to move away, Roxanne reached out and grasped her sleeve. Words were still trapped in her dry throat, but she managed to croak a single word. Where?

In the hospital, ma’am, Elena whispered before turning to Bruno. I have her clothing, sir, if you’d wait outside.

It’s nothing the world hasn’t already seen, Bruno muttered. However, he nodded at the doctor and allowed her to precede him from the room.

The tone of his voice worried Roxanne, and she drew her hand over her eyes wearily. She had no idea what had happened, where she was, and why she was not at home. The faces around her were familiar, but they were unfriendly, even when Elena held a straw to her dry lips.

As she drank the lukewarm water, her mind continued unsuccessfully to try to piece together the events that led her to the hospital. Instead, her upcoming schedule came into sharp focus, almost making her choke when she gasped in horror. She had a photo shoot before dawn at the beach, an interview to promote her first film, and a full day of activities on the set in Universal City scheduled for Monday. Her last memory was Friday night’s appearance at a charity function. She could still hear the paparazzi’s taunts about her missing companion, Devlan Doyle. Devlan. Dev. Her Devvie.

Then everything went grey to black.

She could not remember.

It had happened again. In her heart, she knew it, and her suspicions exploded into stark fear when she spied the suit in Elena’s hand once she returned the water to the table near her feet.

Why do you have that suit?

Mr. Fasciano told me to bring the blue one rather than the pink. He said it was more professional and subdued.

Roxanne frowned and began to sit up. Her head was throbbing, and a painful slice of discomfort centered on her temple. She pressed two of her long, elegant fingers against it and glared at Elena as she snapped. That’s not what I asked. Why do you have it?

Elena glanced at her as if she expected her to already know the answer, but Roxanne did not care. If she had already discussed something, she needed to be reminded. That was all there was to it.

Her stern look made Elena turn away, but Roxanne heard her low response. For court, ma’am.

Pardon me?

You have a court appearance at one today, ma’am. Don’t you remember?

Obviously I don’t if I’m asking you, Roxanne growled.

Elena nodded briskly in response, but Roxanne suspected that she understood more than she let on. Though she would never admit it to her inferior, Roxanne was terrified. Her heart had begun to race at the sight of the fashionable-yet-tame suit, and a sheen of sweat now covered her entire body as her panic grew. What had happened? What had she done? Where were those missing hours or days? Her confusion could not mask the heaviness in her limbs, and she ached in various places, but it was nothing compared to the horror that she had done something bad enough to warrant a court appearance. The lack of memory was so terrifying that she wanted to scream her frustration, and she would have if Elena did not choose that moment to speak.

Right, Elena said calmly. I suppose you’ll be hearing about it shortly, but suffice it to say that you had an… episode, and you ran into a reporter with the Ferrari.

Roxanne’s heart sank even deeper into the dark void surrounding her, but she did what she always did when she felt threatened. A carefully practiced and seamlessly executed half-shrug and sarcastically arched eyebrow appeared despite the pounding in her head. So? He probably deserved it.

It was Teddy Wyatt, ma’am.

At that, Roxanne closed her eyes while her heart plummeted even further. Teddy Wyatt was the only paparazzi member she respected. Of all the photographers taking photos of her, prying into her private life, and trying to climb over the walls surrounding her homes, Teddy was the most respectful. In fact, she hardly considered him paparazzi and felt he was more of a freelancer. He never peered into her windows, hovered over her lawn in a helicopter, or dogged her steps while she was out. Not once had he chased her when she was out driving, recklessly trying to run her off the road in an attempt to get a photo. In fact, he was so professional that her office had leaked to him more than any others because of his tasteful photos and lack of vindictiveness. She had even shared lunch with him one afternoon in Vienna after a show and praised his objectivity.

When burning-hot tears of frustration and self-loathing formed in her eyes, she turned her face away and raised her chin haughtily. There was no way she would allow her assistant – her employee – see the pain and fear inside her. However, Elena understood, no matter how hard Roxanne tried to hide it. It was like Elena could read her mind. Perhaps after all the years they had been together, she could. While Roxanne struggled to keep the horror from consuming her, Elena hummed softly as she laid out the suit.

He’s fine, she whispered when Roxanne remained silent. Only minor injuries. You spoke to him yesterday and apologized, and you offered him an exclusive. He accepted that and all first-dibs rights in the future. I agreed to that request on your behalf because I know you… like… him better than the others. He isn’t pressing charges; it was the police. They saw the surveillance footage in the parking lot, and it captured the entire scene. You claimed you didn’t see him, but the police believed there was enough light out front. From the corner of her eye, Roxanne saw Elena shoot her a sidelong glance. You’re being charged with assault and reckless driving.

Although she tried, Roxanne was unable to hide her shudder. Oh, no, she thought with another bout of self-hatred. This was bad. Worse than she could have imagined. The police were charging her with a serious crime, and she had no memory of anything that occurred after Friday evening. How on earth would Bruno handle her case? Those missing hours or days were frightening and frustrating, and she felt foolish having to admit it to her lawyer. Of course, she thought sarcastically, all guilty parties claimed they had no memory. Surely he was used to it. Still, that did not help the fact that she was being charged with a felony.

A felony.

Bruno certainly had his work cut out for him, she thought as her tears burned harder, but at least he was capable. He was famous for his hard-nosed ways, and most prosecutors cringed when they saw him enter a courtroom. Hopefully, her high-priced lawyer would earn his outrageous fee today. If not, she was headed for a long road of tabloid coverage. As usual.

With a sigh, she slid her long legs over the side of the bed, noticing immediately that she ached everywhere, and her genitalia was suspiciously tender. She drew her hand across her brow with another shiver. There was no doubting she was in an auto accident, but what bothered her more was her lower ache. She knew why it was raw, but she did not know with whom – or worse – how many times. Her fear spiked into a terror so powerful that she began to tremble all over, and intense panic began to combine with her fear.

Someone would know, she reminded herself, perhaps even Elena. What she needed to do first was focus on the immediate. They could discuss in detail what happened after she endured her court appearance, which had to be soon considering Elena was approaching. Projecting her best cold look, Roxanne drew on her years of experience and began to bark out orders. Anything to distract herself from the all-consuming terror and anxiety threatening to shatter her self-protective walls.

Cancel all my appointments this week, she snapped as Elena helped her remove the hospital gown. It was scratchy, over-starched, and so well-used that the blue-printed flowers had almost faded completely. Roxanne’s lip curled in disgust as Elena drew it off her shoulders.

I already have.

I’m sure Bruno will agree, so I also want you to put out a press release that due to my busy schedule, I’ve been ordered to take some time off.

I had Michelle handle that, ma’am, Elena said. Your schedule’s clear pending the judge’s decision.

Roxanne nodded abruptly. A part of her wanted to applaud her assistant’s foresight and efficiency, but she did not dare. Maybe one day she would be able to express how much she appreciated everything the loyal woman did for her, but not now. Not yet. Elena was bright, focused, and dedicated, and her silence about Roxanne’s private demons went beyond the signed confidentiality agreement. Pure and simple, Elena was trustworthy.

However, Roxanne held her tongue. To express her gratitude would be beneath her, and Elena was not expecting it anyway. In fact, if Roxanne did offer her thanks, Elena would not believe her. With that in mind, she scanned her brain in search of the dark grays and blacks her lost hours posed as a deep feeling of doom mercilessly haunted her when she glimpsed her nude body.

Who had she slept with?

There was a red mark on her breast that Elena averted her gaze from, and Roxanne spied razor burn scrapings along her abdomen and chest. Guilt, humiliation, and mortification washed over her in relentless waves.