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sell them online. But most of the time they can be deadly. Especially if they think they have a claim on you. You never know what will set them off. I want you to get some protection—pepper spray or something. Promise.”
    Allegra nodded. She’d see Tigo in the morning and ask about self-defense lessons. “I promise, so long as you promise not to tell Mallory or my family. I need to handle this myself.”
    “Fine. I’ll call you as soon as I have anything. Stay aware and follow your gut. If something seems wrong, call me.”
    Allegra led Damien out the door and made sure to lock it. It was silly to be so scared, but maybe Damien was right. Maybe she did need to protect herself. With determination, Allegra set out her gym clothes for the morning and decided to make a stop to pick up some pepper spray on the way to work tomorrow.

     

CHAPTER FOUR
     
    Allegra closed the last suitcase and stood up to survey her closet. Fashion Week was a nightmare. While she enjoyed the fashion, the industry, and the beauty of it all, not everyone else did. Most thought of it as a competition. They bustled around New York City in outrageous clothes, trying to one-up each other. Allegra had gotten the shock of her life the first time she went.
    Always the nice girl, it was a huge surprise to her that fashion heads and designers were nothing but fierce competitors with each other. No one cared if she said hello. They were too interested in creating buzz, being with their cliques, and ignoring the new girl in town. And as much as Allegra fought against it, when she went to New York, she now focused on her people, her cliques, and the massive party she threw for her houses.
    But this year was going to be different. During the past couple of weeks, she had gained a new outlook on life. She’d been able to sleep better, to think, and to grow as a person. Her talk with Harry had worked. He hadn’t sent any more text messages or emails. She loved her new house and spent nights alone decorating it. In the mornings, she met Tigo for self-defense lessons. She felt her confidence grow with each class. She could stand on her own two feet. She could yell, kick, and punch. Tigo had immediately found her weaknesses and pushed her until she screamed at the top of her lungs for the first time in her life. And now she could say no. She could be strong. She was woman, and everyone would hear her roar.
    The knock on her door surprised her. For a moment, she worried Harry had found her. But, no, he was too much of a coward to taunt her face to face. Damien had called every week. The phone that had contacted her was a burner phone from Atlanta. They were trying to track down video footage, but the store didn’t have cameras. The man paid with cash, so no tracking by credit card. Allegra figured Harry had been careful. Since her chat with him, she’d been left alone.
    Allegra hauled her suitcase off the bed and wheeled it to join the six others by the front door. Allegra opened the door and smiled at Shirley. “Hey! Are you here to wish me luck?”
    Shirley wheeled into the house with her walker and banner reading PSA - Package Security Agent on it. “No, I’m here to knock some sense into you.” Shirley hefted her massive purse and swung it against her arm. Allegra fell backward from the hit.
    “Jeez, what do you have in there?”
    “Oh, a little of this and that. Now, what the heck are you doing screwing up your life?”
    “What? I’ve been getting my life in order. I’m confident, powerful, and, for once, would make my sisters proud.”
    “Baloney. You’re running scared.” Allegra froze. No one but Nate knew about Harry and his messages. How did Shirley know? “You’re running as fast as you can from love. Have you seen Finn recently? He’s been beating the crap out of everyone at Tigo’s, and there was even a girl in his office when I left just now.”
    Allegra felt her heart clench. No matter how much she was finding herself and growing