Page 56 of He Knows When You're Awake

“Maybe not anymore. But Sloane, you need to be careful. These aren’t the kinds of people you want to get tangled up with. And I know this isn’t as important,” Chloe says quietly, “but Hailey says Julian’s been making moves with Bergdorf’s. Word is, if this keeps up, Cole Asher might not have his hold with them for your launch much longer. Rumors of a possible delay so Julian can launch first with his line. Are you sure Midnight Frost is scheduled as—”

“Wait.” Her words hit me. “Are you asking if there’s still going to be a launch for my collection?”

“Is it on schedule for the first of the year like you think?”

I actually laugh at that.

“Look, I might not be able to swear the man isn’t secretly storing bodies somewhere, but I can absolutely guarantee he’s on schedule. The man runs a tight ship.”

“Okay, okay,” Chloe says, sounding convinced. “But Sloane.” Chloe’s voice gets serious. “What are you going to do?”

I sink deeper into the couch. “I don’t know. Am I being stupid? Should I pack up my studio and run?” I pause, thinking of the winter collection, of the resources at my fingertips, of Cole’s complete faith in my vision. “This is the opportunity of a lifetime, Chloe.”

“Yeah, if it doesn’t get you killed.”

“You really think I’m in danger?”

“I think...” She sighs. “I think you need to be very, very careful about what you’re walking into. Keep your eyes open. And most importantly, protect your heart.”

My mind is spinning, my heart is sinking... Oh. My. God.

“Or,” she adds after a moment, “you could just ask him.”

I snort. “Right. How exactly do I bring that up? ‘Hey, baby, amazing sex last night. Quick question—do you know anything about your business partner’s wife’s suspicious death?’”

“I’m serious.”

“So am I. There’s no casual way to ask the man you’re sleeping with if he’s involved in something like that.”

“Look, all I’m saying is be smart about this. You’re already in deep with the collection, and now you’re sleeping with him...” Chloe trails off. “Just don’t let either blind you to any red flags.”

“I know.” I rub my temples. “I hear you. I do.”

“By the way,” I ask, trying to sound casual, “have you heard anything more from Maya lately? I still haven’t heard a word from her.”

“Actually, that’s another thing I wanted to tell you,” Chloe says, her voice dropping. “She’s still completely MIA. Apparently one of her friends has reached out to her family. They haven’t heard anything either.”

My stomach knots tighter. “That’s... not good.”

“I know. And with everything else going on...”

“You think there’s a connection?” The suggestion sounds paranoid even to my ears, but I can’t shake the uneasy feeling.

“I don’t know,” Chloe admits. “But the timing is weird, right? She vanishes right when you start working with Cole?”

I swallow hard. “Maybe it’s just a coincidence.”

“Maybe. But be careful, okay?”

“I will.”

“Call me tomorrow? And I mean actually call me this time, not ghost me for days while you’re getting laid.”

“God, you’re terrible.” But I’m smiling. “I promise. Tomorrow.”

“I mean it, Sloane.”

“I know you do. Thank you for looking out for me.”