Free Scarlet Assassin by Isabella Page B

back from the coven by then and maybe you won’t have to meet with Ian.”
    “What? Wait, you’re not going to the coven. I don’t trust Van der Plume.”
    “I’m going and you aren’t going to stop me. I want to look at that little worm’s face and confront him. He needs to know who he’s fucking with.” AJ’s voice filled with hatred. “I’m tired of the coven’s bullshit. They’re antiquated fucks that need to die. They’re the whole reason De Marcus is alive and we’re watching over our shoulder every second of the day. Clarissa deserves a life without wondering if De Marcus is going to pop in when he feels like it and fuck with us. I want answers.”
    “I don’t like this, AJ.”
    “I didn’t ask you if you liked this. I just told you I want answers. I don’t need your blessing to go to the coven, Selene.”
    “No, you’re a big girl all right. Big enough to fuck shit up and get your ass in a sling.”
    “I’m not asking you to bail me out. I don’t plan on pissing anyone off, I just want De Marcus and some answers.”
    “Does Clarissa know you’re going to the coven?”
    “No, and she isn’t going to find out, is she?” AJ walked to her desk and sat down. “I’m leaving in the morning and I’ll be back in time for dinner. She’ll never even know I was gone.”
     
    Chapter Eleven
     
    Clarissa had been running errands all day before her night class. Dry cleaning, getting her car washed and shopping almost made her feel like a normal human being. Almost. She hadn’t spoken to AJ all day and wouldn’t see her until late tonight after class. Their jobs had been one compromise they had made to each other. Keep some facsimile of normalcy, even if someone was out to kill you, who else has to live like that? Clarissa wondered. Clarissa parked her car in her usual spot, right under the lamppost, the light illuminating her car. Safety. AJ drilled it into her head constantly. She arrived early enough to park close to her office and classrooms. The parking garage was not an option. She hated the enclosed space and when she had used the garage before it had resulted in flashback to her former life with De Marcus. So, no garage, no flashbacks. Checking her phone one last time before turning it to silent, she noticed a message from AJ.
     
    Ms. Du Monte, your presence is requested for a lovely dinner, fireside at 6 p.m. Please be prompt as the owner hates to wait to see you.
    Love isn’t a word spoken between two people, it’s the realization that you couldn’t survive without them. See you at six.
    AJ
     
    Clarissa smiled at the text and sent a quick response back.
     
    Dinner with the most enchanting woman I know sounds wonderful. See you at six.
    Love
    C
     
    AJ had a way with flowery language. She always had, even when they first met.
    A long determined hand reached out as Clarissa sat down. “Pardon me. I don’t believe we have met yet? My name is Alexandra Locke, and you are?” The last word hung on a perfect French accent. 
    Clarissa stood quickly as though she were meeting the King of France. “My apologies, Madam Locke, my name is Clarissa Dumonte. It’s my pleasure of course to meet you.” 
    “I don’t know why it would be your pleasure, my dear, but it is kind of you to say.” Chuckling, Alexandra guided Clarissa back into her seat. “Please sit down. People might think that I am someone special and wonder why you stood so quickly. Please,” Alexandra said, as Clarissa watched her glance around the room, obviously uncomfortable with Clarissa’s response. 
    “So, Mademoiselle Dumonte, please tell me you are not Monsieur De Marcus’s new engagement?”
    “Engagement?” Clarissa looked over at the arrogant man Alexandra referred to.
    “Yes, engagement. Monsieur De Marcus has quite the reputation as a ladies’ man and you seem rather, well, let us just say you don’t seem to be his usual type.” Alexandra looked directly at Clarissa, making her blush.
    “I am sure