Page 6 of Snowed in with the Billionaires

Chapter Four

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Madisyn

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The number of timesI tell myself not to have a conniption at this turn of events is staggering. I have to bide my time. Then escape. But fuck, I can’t leave this mission incomplete.

Without those codes, there’ll be no freedom.

I wish I’d asked Amanda for something that could instantly erase memories. Amnesia capsules or something so I can wipe my presence from their minds. I’m sure she’ll say, 'Sure, hold my microscope,' and get me some. We’ve known each other since school, but my friendship with her is top secret. I don’t want her visibly involved in my life. She’s going to wait six months before she joins me in Costa Rica. She wants to open a beach bar. I want to learn how to knit. If this mission fails, I can kiss my perfect life goodbye because how can I be trapped by the most harmless, nicest family members in the universe? I don’t know these people, but I... I like them already.

“I need to...” I murmur, bravely getting off the stool. I bravely hand the sleeping baby over to Melody. No, I don’t think baby Keira is cute as a cupcake, and no, I don’t want to carry her again. I lie to myself.

But the instant I’m divested of Keira, Tina hands me a heavy bowl of potatoes, a peeler, and a bright smile while she squeals how happy she is and that she needs to lose at least three pounds before our wedding.

Our wedding?

Okay, I’ll peel these damn potatoes, and then I’m out of here. With the roast on the stove, the aromas making my stomach growl, Uncle Klaus and Aunt Essie go to freshen up before dinner. Melody went to put Keira down and Gerard Hale for his nap before dinner. Tina is now expertly kneading dough for homemade buns. And I’m peeling potatoes. Help me make it make sense.

“You okay there?” Tina asks with a concerned look on her face as she portions off pieces of dough.

“I’m fine,” I say, forcing a smile.

“No. You looked very tense and ready to squeeze the life out of that potato. Something is obviously bothering you. But girl. Your boyfriends are billionaires. I don’t think there’s anything in this world they won’t fix for you if you ask them.”

Right. Um... Can you please give me the code to your vault, which contains billions of dollars’ worth of treasure and deeds, so I can free my father, please, and thank you?

This whole situation is too surreal to contemplate. Here I am, a professional thief for the mafia, fighting for my and my father’s life, peeling potatoes in the cabin of the three billionaires who are not supposed to know I exist at all.

I don’t even want to think about their reaction when they see me, their freaking girlfriend.

Nope, I can’t stay here. They’re arriving in two hours. Enough time for me to pack up and leave. I’d rather face the elements outside than face them here inside their cabin.

“Oh. Oh, that’s them. They’re early. We didn’t even hear their helicopter. Of course, we didn’t hear their helicopter. It’s probably a high-tech silent one. We’re not even ready. Dammit,” Tina is in a frenzy. Me, I’m ready to bolt.

Except Tina has me in an iron grip. I’d have to break her wrist for her to release me.

“Oh, no, you’re going to stand right next to me here to soften them up, so they don’t go ballistic on me for infringing on their alone time with Uncle Louie. You’re my lucky charm, girl.”

Uncle Klaus, Aunt Essie, Melody, and Gerard are back now. More people to witness my downfall when they threw me out as an intruder.

“I really need the bathroom real quick.”

“You’re as gorgeous as ever. You don’t need to freshen up.”

“I really have—”

My words are cut off. The massive cabin seems to shrink in size as the three billionaires, still dressed in suits, brush snow from their hair as they enter the kitchen. It must be the delicious smells that drew them in here.

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