“It’s Evelyn,” said Luca. “That fatso told me.”

“Evelyn?” Abel’s face fell, and murder filled his eyes.

“But I couldn’t find her anywhere,” Luca added, “I’ve gone through the surveillance footage. A masked woman saved her.”

“Is that so?” Abel asked, “Do you know who her savior is?”

“Not sure,” said Luca. “But it’s probably another customer of this place.”

“I see.” Abel nodded. “We can talk about that later. For now, I need you to delete all the surveillance footage just in case the paparazzis try to use anything against Emmeline.”

“Done. I saw Evelyn spiking the madam’s drink.”

“Damn her!” Abel clenched his fists. “You’re done for, Evelyn!”

“The madam destroyed her,” said Luca. “And she pricked her too. Evelyn’s gonna live in agony for the rest of her life.”

“Which she should.” Abel gnashed his teeth. “Blacklist all the paparazzis who got involved in this. And send that fatso to Arturia.”

“Yes, sir.” Luca went away to do his job.

Emmeline woke up at dusk. Abel had been right beside her all this time. She woke up feeling weak and sore.

Abel pinched her cheek, pretending to be angry. “Happy now? Do you want more? You almost gobbled me up.”

Emmeline covered the blanket over her head. She could still remember how… how indecent she was a while ago.

Abel chuckled and tried to pull the blanket down, but he failed. Emmeline wouldn’t let go.

“My gods, I can’t believe I did that. This is so embarrassing.”

Abel flicked her forehead through the blanket. “If I hadn’t got there on time, you’d probably be grabbing any man you could find.”

“I wouldn’t,” muttered Emmeline. “I still had my consciousness.”

“Because the drug hadn’t worked its full magic,” said Abel. “You almost stripped yourself naked.”

Emmeline screamed. “Please, stop! I’m gonna kill myself!”

“Please don’t.” Abel hugged her. “You worked me to the bone, though. I can still feel it in my back.”

“I’ll whip something up when we get back.” Emmeline poked her head out and kissed Abel’s chin. She chuckled. “Thanks for the help, honey.”

“I don’t mind. It was fun,” he whispered. “So, do you want another go?”

“Please, no.” Emmeline covered herself up again.

Abel laughed. “Just kidding. Now get up. I’ll shower you, then we’ll go home.”

Emmeline poked her head out again and blinked. “Just a shower?”

“Yep.” Abel pulled her out of the blanket. “Now come on. You’re sticky.”

Emmeline wrapped her arms around his neck as he took her into the bathroom. Then she showered.

She couldn’t wear her clothes anymore, so Abel covered her in his coat and took her into the car.

Alana took Evelyn into the guest room of Avalan and let her lay on the bed.

“Thank you,” said Evelyn. Her cheeks were swollen, making it hard to speak.

“Don’t have to say that.” Alana took her mask off. “I was going to stay away, until I saw Emmeline coming out of that room.”

“You know her?”

“Know her?” Alana growled, “I want to kill her!”

Evelyn gasped. “Who are you, and why do you want to kill her?”