Page 31 of The Marriage Auction 2: Part 2

“Baby, you want to go ahead and introduce me?” I let go of her hand and curled my arm around her shoulder, hugging her close.

“Memphis, um, this is Malik Hendrickson. My ex-fiancé.”

Episode 41

A Security Threat

MADAM ALANA

The flight to France felt longer than usual; it was fraught with concern and worry regarding the note I’d received. Emily played a game on her phone, watched a movie, and fell asleep within the first few hours. Christophe went straight to the office on the plane to look into what he was callinga security threat.He’d already had our home visited by the local French authorities, checked in with estate staff, and made sure no other mysterious documents or packages had been left.

When he shared that there were no additional concerns waiting for us at our home in France, a sense of relief eased through my worry, but didn’t remove it altogether. There was still a feeling of vulnerability and violation that came with receiving such threats—a gnawing fear I couldn’t quite shake.

Christophe eventually entered the lounge area where Emily was sleeping on one of the long couches. I sat on the settee opposite her, my mind going through every possible candidate and bidder I’d worked with this past quarter and coming up with nothing to offer. The bidders and candidates had certainly seemed happy as did the ones who’d attended but didn’t participate or win a bid. I made sure of this by offering complimentary top shelf drinks, catered food, music, gambling cards, and spa services within an environment that boastedluxury and relaxation. This showed each and every bidder that their time and energy had not been wasted. They’d taken time out of their busy schedules to attend one of my auctions, and I showed them I valued that gift.

“She just fall asleep?” Christo asked.

I nodded. “About a half hour ago.”

“No rest for you?” He sat down next to me and took my hand, then kissed the center of my palm.

I shook my head.

“Everything has been handled, Alana. There is nothing further to worry about. It seems as though it was a threat not backed by anything other than instilling fear into the recipient. Our home is safe. I’ve notified the hotel manager and owner of the casino. They are going to look more fully into the courier service and keep an eye out for any suspicious activity. I also informed them that I wanted a walkthrough of our Las Vegas apartment no less than once a week by their security team to ensure nothing is amiss. If another threat is received, we will deal with it. As for now…” He kissed his way up my inner arm to my elbow where he swirled his tongue devilishly, sending shivers racing along my nerve endings. “…we are safe. I wish for you to let this go. Don’t let someone’s immature actions ruin our mood. We are going to show our niece a wonderful time in France. Let’s focus on that,oui?”

“You’re right.” I sighed, trying to let the worry go. “There is nothing more that can be done. It just feels a bit disconcerting to have received something like that. Especially when we’re taking care of Emily.”

Christophe hummed in assent before he pulled me to his side, enfolding me in his arms until I rested against his chest. I relaxed as his heartbeat provided a soothing melody. “Rest,mon amour. We will be home soon, and all of this will seem like a distant, useless memory.”

I closed my eyes and let out a long breath, doing as he suggested. “Je t'aime,”I love you, I murmured as the stress finally took its toll and sleep claimed me.

* * * *

“This place is so dope!” Emily gushed as she spun in a circle, taking in the main living space of our home in France. “I love coming here. I’m gonna tell Dad to use some of his billions to buy us a house next door,” she said while peering out one of the large windows.

It had been a couple years since Rhodes and Emily last stayed with us here in France. We preferred meeting up at different locations around the globe to visit and vacation together.

“I don’t think your dad wants a home in France,chéri. Not when you both have rooms waiting here,” Christophe responded.

“Oh, right. That would be kinda dumb. I’m so stupid.” Emily frowned and kicked at the floor with the toe of her sneaker.

“Stop that negative self-talk right now, young lady. I’ll not have anyone talking down about my intelligent, kind, funny, fashionable, beautiful niece. It’s the same as calling one of Christo’s art pieces ugly.” I scoffed and made a face.

Emily’s corresponding smile reached her eyes. “I thought we weren’t supposed to make sour faces, Auntie Alana.”

“And quick-witted too.” I winked.

“Come, let us see what Aurelie is cooking for our homecoming meal,” Christo encouraged.

Emily bounced on her toes. “Oh man, I hope it’s Nutella and banana crepes.” She licked her lips.

“For dinner?” I questioned with a raised brow.

Christophe chuckled and wrapped his arm around Emily’s shoulders, leaning his head toward her ear conspiratorially. Those two were always conspiring about one thing or another.

“I may have called ahead and told her to have a few pre-dinner crepes available for my favorite niece,” he said loud enough for me to hear.

I rolled my eyes and sighed. Over the next two weeks, I would try to tame the teenaged beast, while Christophe spoiled the beauty rotten. Alas, I couldn’t bring myself to argue over it.

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