Smiley gripped her arm and turned her in that direction. “Smile for her, Vanni.”

She posed with him. The stranger approached cautiously and took the photo. “Can I get a picture with one of you?”

Slash stepped forward. “I’d be honored.”

The woman beamed. “Thank you. You’re so tall.”

He chuckled and crouched down a bit next to her. “Say cheese.”

Vanni was amused, watching the woman take a selfie with the New Species. He made sure she liked the picture and then backed away.

“We appreciate your support,” Slash rasped.

“My daughter and sister are going to be so jealous,” the woman gushed.

Slash beamed. “I’m glad.”

Smiley leaned down a little and whispered in her ear. “Let’s shop. I hate to remind you but we have to rush this a little.”

Vanni nodded and headed toward the clothes racks. Flame stayed right behind her with the cart. She just grabbed things that caught her eye, quickly putting together about eight outfits.

“That will do it.”

“You need panties and bras,” Smiley reminded her.

She blushed, gazing up at him with dread.

He winked. “Not that I’d want you to wear them but Miles had me memorize a list. People might talk about what you buy.”

She glanced away from him to the other New Species hovering around her. “In front of them?”

“They aren’t shy about those things.” He chuckled. “Only you are. I’ll help.”

She wasn’t sure if that made it better or worse as he clasped her hand and led her to the intimate-apparel section of the store. Vanni released his hand, located her size in bras and just grabbed a few that looked pretty. She was usually pickier about fabric and comfort but just wanted to get it over with.

She grabbed some boy-shorts-style panties but Smiley chuckled, drawing her attention. He held up a bright-blue thong. “I like this.”

Vanni just spun around and grabbed a few more pairs of underwear. “Done!” She turned and dumped them in the cart.

Smiley placed the thong in the cart, adding a few of the same style in other colors. “You should see your face.” He looked amused. “You’re so cute, my Vanni.”

She liked the way he called her that.

“You should never be shy about anything with me.”

It’s not just him though, she reminded herself, darting a look around. They had gathered a small crowd of customers who seemed to have nothing better to do than follow them around taking pictures with their cell phones. She quickly looked away from them and forced what she hoped was a smile.

Smiley approached her and offered his arm. His other hand brushed a few loose strands of her hair back from her cheek as he leaned in closer. “It’s almost over. You’re so brave.”

She didn’t feel that way.

“You can do this, my Vanni. I’m right here. Now we just need to get you some shoes. The ones you’re wearing make you a little unsteady on your feet.”

The heels weren’t the problem. It was her nerves and feeling as though she were on stage in some play. She refused to look at the other people again but could sense their stares. She gratefully allowed Smiley to lead her to the shoe department. One pair of flats, a pair of tennis shoes and a pair of black two-inch pumps later and she was done.

“Can we go now?” She really wanted to leave.

“Yes.” Smiley led her to the front of the store.

She looked up and skidded to a halt. The sight in the parking lot shocked her. The NSO team they’d left outside kept them back but at least a hundred or more people were blocking the parking area along the front.

“It’s not bad yet,” Slash rasped. “It’s still manageable. Only two news crews have set up. They demanded an interview but were told no.” He reached up and tapped his ear, drawing her attention to the device he wore. “I’m in contact with the team outside and Homeland is monitoring.”

Only two? Vanni panicked but Smiley seemed to realize she was about to lose it. He spun her to face him and lowered his head, staring deeply into her eyes.

“It’s okay. I’m right here. Slow your breathing a little.” He took a deep breath and blew it out, as if to show her how to do it. She mimicked him. He grinned. “That’s my Vanni. They are just curious people. That’s all. They mostly just want to observe us, if that helps. You’ll adjust to it.”

She doubted she ever would, not that she’d have to. She silently vowed there would be no more outings. She really didn’t like being the center of so much overzealous attention.

Smiley squeezed her hand. “Trust me?”

“Yes.” She didn’t hesitate to answer because it was the truth.

“We’re fine. This isn’t a large gathering yet. We’ve dealt with much worse. We’ll pay for your things and leave. We’ll be back at Homeland in ten minutes.”

She took another slow breath and turned, facing the front of the store again. There were so many faces out there that it was weird. The NSO officers had help blocking off the street that ran between the store and the parking area. She noticed a few police officers had joined them along the sides to keep people from entering the store. Her shopping trip had, in effect, closed it down.

The cashier grinned when they reached the front. It seemed as if they’d opened a line just for Vanni and the New Species. “Hello. Right here. I’ll take you!” The woman waved them over.