I told him he had noting to worry about as I had as much to lose as he had. But I also said it was the best sex I ever had & wanted a repeat performan...e. He agreed it was fun but felt to do it again would be risky. I said all we needed was an excuse to go away for the weekend. I told him to leave it to me. I happen to mention to his girlfriend later that John & I were thinking of going away to see a band in a couple of week’s time. She said great, ill come with you. I almost panicked but. ”“You’re welcome, but I don’t know how much I helped you, with your suitcase gone.”Still holding the ice bag to her face she shook her head. “You saved me from that evil man and ... and his amigos.” He could see her fighting back tears.Matt started the truck as she fished in her bag for a tissue.“I have an idea, why don’t we find you some clothes and then you can tell me your story – if you want.”Sofía nodded.As he drove toward the freeway he told her, “There’s a big outlet mall about thirty. You look down upon yourself. I bet you don't even look at yourself in the mirror longer than you have too. You let others tell you who you are, an ugly black girl, fancy smart junior exec, partner in three years." Paige's brows furrowed she had not told him anything about her life. "Word gets around, Paige. I bet you even came here with newly purchased London designer clothing just so you could put up the appearance of all those things, but inside you are not. You let the kids label you and. I make for the front door, and just before I reach the handle, I hear something behind me, but I’m not quick enough. A hand yanks my shoulder and turns me around, and I see a blur of Nicole’s angry face and light brown hair before her knuckles make contact with my skin. Her blow to my left cheek bone is stinging, blinding. A shock of pressure burns a gaping hole in my face and my adrenaline level goes from zero to one hundred in under a second. I push her back sharply on the chest with my.