A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust by Sally Garcia

The driver was practically shaking in his seat, especially when he saw all those men piling out of the black SUVs behind them.

"Uh, look, this has nothing to do with me, right? Maybe... you should get out? They're probably here for you!" he stammered, darting nervous glances at Calliope.

Calliope just stared out the window, silent. Honestly, she didn't have a clue who these guys were. She didn't recognize the cars, the men, nothing. She hadn't pissed anyone off lately, at least not that she knew of. So why on earth would a whole squad of men show up for her in the middle of the night?

"Maybe," she replied, not entirely convinced herself.

Before she could even open the door, one of the men was already knocking on her window.

The driver, clearly terrified, rolled it down for her.

"Ms. Jewell?" the man asked, peering in.

"That's me," Calliope said, giving him a level look. "So, who are you guys, and what do you want?"

thing had "bad news" written all over it.

you. Would you mind coming with us?" he said, polite enough, but his tone was more "invitation you can't refuse"

who your boss is?" she asked, genuinely curious. No one she knew would send a whole goon squad to fetch her. If they meant well, they'd have called

when you get there," the man replied. "Ms. Jewell, please step out of the car.

in the rearview mirror, silently begging her

you. Thanks for the

guys wanted, they weren't giving her a

bothered to explain where they were going. One

was, they clearly had money and power. She

the entrance of a five-star hotel downtown. She was

of scotch on thez

seat," he said, gesturing to the sofa across from