Page 60 of Unravel You

“Yes, I’m sure. He doesn’t know Alex like I do.”

“And are you sure he has Max. When I met Max a few weeks ago, he struck me as a really smart kid. He’s mature for his age. He wouldn’t go with just any stranger like that.”

“He would for Alex. Max has always been very curious about his bio dad. He wants to know why Alex isn’t around. In his little mind, he just can’t understand the complex feelings he has about his dad. So yeah, he would definitely go with Alex. All Alex would have to do would be to show Max a picture of us when we were together and tell him he was his dad.” I hated myself for not teaching Max to be afraid of Alex. But I didn’t think Max’s heart should be filled with something so sad. This was all my fault.

“Say no more.” She checked her phone. “Okay. My driver will stay with you the whole time. He’s highly trained and can protect you. All you need is money.”

“I’m raiding Derek’s safe. I feel like I’m stealing.”

“You’re not. You’re his wife. Well, almost. Same thing.”

“Thank you so much for this.”

“You’re welcome. Go. I need another minute.” She fanned her face.

Chapter16

This Is Your Engagement Party

Derek

This was the worst time for a guard to go missing. Maybe he had to take a piss and forgot to tell someone. Shit. These were highly trained men. No one took a piss without following protocol.

“Man, you look like you’ve just seen a ghost.” Tyler took my empty glass of bourbon and replaced it with a fresh one.

“Thanks.” I knocked it back. “It may be nothing, but apparently we have a guard that hasn’t checked in for the last fifteen minutes.”

“Are you kidding me?” Tyler barked out a laugh. “This is your engagement party. Take a break and enjoy yourself.”

“Yeah, maybe you’re right.”

“Don’t let that asshole get under your skin. More importantly, don’t let him ruin her fun.” He pointed toward the top of the grand staircase where Valentina stood surrounded by garlands made of gardenias from Mom’s greenhouse.

Tyler was right. She deserved to enjoy her day. After all she’d put up with when we first got here, she deserved to have fun.

“There she is. Just in time.” Tyler offered Valentina his hand. “Ana prepared something for the lovebirds tonight. Everyone’s in the drawing room. Come on.”

“Should I be worried?” Valentina gave me a weak smile.

“Nah. Sweet Ana is harmless.” Tyler ushered Valentina across the foyer and into the drawing room, where people had already gathered around the grand piano.

I followed close behind, keeping an eye out for my security guys. I’d told them to come get me the minute they found the missing bodyguard. Valentina glanced over her shoulder a few times. Taking a deep breath, I willed myself to calm the fuck down and not ruin Ana’s surprise for her.

“Look who I found.” Ana came in behind us and hugged Valentina.

Valentina did a double take when she saw the woman hanging from Ana’s arm. “Oh my God, you made it. I thought I saw you before, but I wasn’t sure.”

“Thank you for having me. Your home is incredible. I…” The woman met Tyler’s gaze and stuttered. “I, um, I went for a walk in the gardens earlier. They’re breathtaking.”

Valentina took my hand. “You remember Rebecca? We met a few weeks ago at Saks while we were shopping for Ana’s dress.”

I could honestly say I’d never seen this woman in my life. Why would Valentina think that? “Well, I’m sorry. I don’t.”

“Yeah, you do.” Tyler slapped my stomach with the back of his hand before he hugged Rebecca. “Rebecca from the country club. What the hell are you doing here? I mean, how the hell are ya?”

“Of course. Rebecca from the country club. How could I forget?” I followed his lead, though I got the impression Valentina didn’t care one way or the other. She leaned toward Ana, and whispered something in her ear.

“I’m in town for a few days. I ran into Valentina and Anabelle, and they were kind enough to invite me to your soiree tonight.” Rebecca kissed my cheek hello, as if we were old friends.

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