Page 200 of In Love with a Ruthless Man

Alyx growled, “FREDDIE—-”

—with...that...guy?”

“Oh my God, Freddie!”

“I just thought you guys would click,” Fredericka protested. “He’s socalm,Alyx, he’s the opposite of you, and have you heard about how opposites attract—-”

Anneke had an absent-minded expression on her face. “Is that the same Nathan Callis who used to be a supermodel?”

Alyx gagged. “Asupermodel?” She glared at her cousin. “Really, Freddie? You think I’m the kind who’d date asupermodel?” She gagged again.

“Stop being so judgmental,” Fredericka said reproachfully. Turning to Anneke, she said, “Yes, it’s that same Nathan Callis.”

“Oh.” Anneke cleared her throat. “Then...that means he’s about three years younger than Alyx?”

Alyx was moaning in horror now. “He’s not just a supermodel, but ayoungerone, too?”

“You can be sued for discrimination with that attitude of yours,” Fredericka lectured.

Alyx scowled. “I don’t care. I’mnevergoing to date a supermodel, and certainly not someone who’syounger.”

Anneke flushed.

Seeing the Dutch heiress’ expression, Alyx mentally swore at her tactlessness and said hurriedly, “Your case doesn’t count, Anneke. Marcus Ravelli’s just a year younger anyway.”

It was Anneke’s turn to force a smile. “Yes, well.” She shrugged. “Age’s not the reason I’ve filed for divorce anyway.”

Alyx noticed her cousin suddenly looking guilty again.

Fredericka cleared her throat. “About that—-” Although divorces weren’t her specialty, she had agreed to represent Anneke in the proceedings. Initially, it didn’t seem that big a deal, but now she realized she should have said no. Because now, she was privy to things she wished she didn’t know – things which she had no choice but to tell her friend about, even if they were sure to hurt Anneke.

But before Fredericka could say another word, her phone rang, and she had to excuse herself when she realized who was calling.

Standing up, Fredericka walked away from the two women, needing to make sure that her conversation wouldn’t be accidentally overheard. It wasn’t that she had anything to hide, but she really hated it when Alyx and Anneke ribbed her aboutSergei Grachyov. Yes, sure, he was possibly the hottest looking guy on her phone book, but still.

He was twenty-five.

And she was...not.

Answering the call, she greeted him cheerfully, saying, “What’s up?”

“Hello, Erie.” Although Sergei Grachyov was six years younger than her, he was in many ways more mature and formal than she could ever be, and the difference in their phone etiquette was the least of it.

“I’m sorry I missed your call,” Sergei murmured in that sexy Russian accented voice of his.

“It’s okay.” Fredericka’s voice was gruff. “It wasn’t anything important anyway.”

“You are my friend,” Sergei countered. “That makes everything you say important.” He checked his watch. “Shall we have dinner and discuss it?”

“Umm—-” Even after all these years, Fredericka still wasn’t used at the way distance seemed to have different definitions for her and Sergei. He lived in Los Angeles, and she lived in Miami. And yet here he was, suggesting they have dinner.

“Time’s up. I shall fly to you then.”

“Sergei! I was—-”

“Worrying over nothing,” he finished dismissively for her. “It’s only dinner,pchelka. It’s not as if I expect you to share my bed in exchange.”

Fredericka turned beet red. “I hate you, Sergei.” She knew he had only said the words knowing it would make her blush.

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