Page 15 of The Marriage Auction 2: Part 2

“Are you guys coming or what?” Emily appeared in the foyer, tapping a foot. “Dude, what’s taking so long? You can hug and kiss at home. Let’s goooooooooo.” She bounced with the exuberance only a teenager could muster this early in the morning.

I swallowed down the lust my frisky Frenchman had inspired and cleared my throat. “Coming,” I answered as Christophe released me.

He coughed as he buttoned his suit jacket over his tented slacks.

I cocked a brow, pursed my lips, and swayed my hips as I strode after Emily. There wasn’t a doubt on this Earth that my husband was watching my ass from behind. I grinned, feeling flushed and desirable.

We made it down to the lobby where I heard my name called.

“Mrs. Toussaint, Mrs. Toussaint,” one of the hotel managers quickly walked over to us, an envelope in his hand. “This was left for you. I wanted to make sure you received it before your trip. We look forward to seeing you back home in a few months. Safe travels to you both.” He nodded at me and then at Christophe.

Emily hooked her arm with Christo’s as we walked through the lobby toward our waiting limo. Christophe had already made sure our bags were loaded into the car. All that remained was us.

I slid my finger along the flap of the plain white envelope as I walked. My name had been typed out in black on the front: Alana Toussaint.

I pulled out the single trifold sheet and unfolded it. All the blood drained from my face at what I read.

YOU RUINED MY LIFE

NOW I RUIN YOURS

The two lines were typed in all capital letters. I fanned my face with my hand as Christophe approached.

“What’s wrong? You’ve gone white. Are you feeling unwell?” he asked.

I stood there silently, blinking numbly as he snatched the page from my hands and read it.

His shoulders stiffened, his jaw firmed, and his nostrils flared like a fire breathing dragon. He pursed his lips as he hooked me around the waist and escorted me to the car.

“Stay here. I’m going to speak to the manager immediately. Lock the doors,” he barked, obviously as upset as I was at the note.

I nodded and, my hands trembling, pressed the switch for the locks the second the door closed.

“What happened, Auntie?” Emily asked, worry in her voice.

I shook my head. “Just some strange news Uncle Christophe needs to look into. All is well. Why don’t you pick some music while we wait.” I was proud that my voice didn’t quiver because my heart was pounding a mile a minute, and sweat had beaded along my hairline as fear slid through my veins.

The two sentences spun around my mind on repeat. Who could have sent the note? There wasn’t any signature or clue as to who left the message. I swallowed down the emotions clogging my throat as I desperately tried to imagine who might want to scare and threaten me.

I couldn’t come up with a single name.

YOU RUINED MY LIFE

NOW I RUIN YOURS

What did I even do with this information?

Call the American police?

Notify the French authorities?

I was at a loss for words when Christophe approached the limo at a brisk pace. He barked orders to our driver who ran around the front of the car and got in. I clicked the locks open when Christophe was close, and within seconds he was in the car.

He didn’t even buckle his seatbelt before the driver started the vehicle and bolted out of the hotel parking area.

“What did you find out?” I asked, clinging to his side, trying to keep my voice steady so that Emily wouldn’t be afraid.

“The manager said it was the usual courier service that comes all the time. They gave me the name and promised to send a picture of the delivery person from the security footage. We’ll notify the authorities. I’ll take care of it.” He lowered his voice, his eyes flicking to Emily who was busy connecting her phone to the Wi-Fi in the car so she could play her own music. “It’s not uncommon for people in our positions to receive such mail, Alana, though it is extremely concerning. We will take the threat seriously and proceed with caution until we know more.”

---