When Love Comes Late by PASSION

Yet her darting eyes gave her away.

Stellas lips curved into a cool, almost taunting smile.

Without breaking eye contact, she reached for a pair of scissors lying on the table.

Holding them out to Lindsay, she said smoothly, Go ahead.

Isnt this what you wanted? Heres your chance.

Take these scissors and destroy the dresses-or come up with some other brilliant way to ruin them.

Lets see if youve got the nerve.

Lindsay reeled from Stellas abrupt challenge.

Her eyes wide, she shot back a fiery retort.

You think I lack the guts? A tremor of mixed anger and panic vibrated through her voice.

Stellas smirk only widened, her tone laced with provocation.

You claim courage? Prove it.

Stop the chatter; Im itching to see your next move. Consumed by fury, Lindsay seized the scissors with a fierce grip, hoisted them aloft, and brought them down toward the lavish dresses, unleashing the pent-up storm of jealousy and resentment.

wrath, a seed of doubt paused

of anxious thoughts swirled through her

a ploy by Stella? Stellas eyes, gleaming with mockery, fixed

this? Halting mid-rebellion? Werent you just a

s ...

that the realization dawned on

narrowed, a glint of

took a cautious glance around and indeed, her gaze caught

followed Lindsays alarmed look and offered a thin

not so naive,

scorn, You boasted of

by a little camera? Seems your bravery was

a fierce red,

teeth, she spat, Dont get

her, Stella advanced, plucking the scissors from Lindsays grasp with a

Heed my warning, Lindsay.

my event, and Ill make sure its your

you without a

in Stellas eyes sent an icy

the weight of panic, Lindsay was shaken by Stellas menacing words, causing her to flinch back, her

finger at Stella, Lindsays voice

me! Stella merely laughed off

Did I coerce you into the dressing room?