Adrienne felt the thrill of panic combined with the necessity of speed. Alexander was giving her a dangerously small window of opportunity. He was searching for Adrian at the office, but Adrian couldn't be found there—Adrian had to be at the penthouse by the time Alexander returned home.
She reached her small, rented storage unit—a place she had always reserved for emergencies—and rapidly shed the elaborate guise of Adrienne.
The loose skirt and hoodie were pulled off, the restrictive binder that created Adrienne's fuller figure was discarded, and the wig was ripped free, letting Adrian's shorter, natural hair fall free. The soft makeup that gave Adrienne her delicate appearance was wiped away with quick, fierce swipes, revealing the fainter bruises and sharp angles of Adrian's face.
She changed into a simple work shirt and slacks, stuffing the Adrienne clothes into her gym bag.,
I have to be Adrian. Timid, clumsy, indebted, and utterly devoted to his work.
