Page 125 of The Playboy Billionaire

“Yeah, we’ve got this.”

Scarlett and I hand them their costumes. Francesca got them suits from a local tailor. She said they can keep them once they’re done. I won’t even think how much they’ve set her back. But as she said, she wants the flash mob and for them to blend in. To do that, they need to look the part. Who am I to argue?

Caleb returns after making himself scarce while everyone gets changed. He sets about taking pictures of the kids so they can forward them to their parents.

“Okay, everyone, it’s almost show time. If you’d like to follow me,” Caleb tells them as he moves towards the door. He leads us to another part of the house and down some stairs.

“Are you taking us into the cellar to murder us?” Tyler asks.

Cal laughs. “No, Tyler, but I think this is somewhere you’ll like.”

He opens the door into a large games room. A full-sized pool table, pinball machines, a jukebox, and large sofas fill the room.

“Through there is a movie room. Help yourself, and we’ll be back down when we need you.”

The kids scatter to all four corners of the room.

“Thank you,” I say. Looking around a teenager’s paradise. This is magical.

“Mum is moving this stuff to the community centre next to the dance studio. It’s sitting idle, and she felt they would benefit from it.”

I bite my lip and nod, not trusting my words. I glancearound at the excited faces and know how well this will go down with the community. I’m not the only one Caleb Frazer is winning over.

The kids are happy,and even more so when it’s time for their star moment. They enter the kitchen and grab the trays of drinks and canopies from the catering staff.

“Two hands,” I squeal as I watch one tray wobble precariously on one of the teenager’s arms. I don’t want anyone spilling drinks down someone’s three thousand pound or more dress.

Arms slide around my waist, and lips touch my ear. “Stop worrying. I’m off to speak to the DJ and make sure everything is ready.”

I turn my head, only to have him drop a kiss on my lips as he takes his leave. Scarlett pops her head in and gives me the thumbs up. She looks amazing in her dress. Her husband, Seb, is standing behind her and waves. I raise a hand in return, although my stomach is churning.

What’s the worst thing that can happen?

The answerto that is nothing. The group does us proud. They mingle and serve the canapés and drinks. Then, when the music starts, they dispose of their trays and dance. They dance as they were born to do. I watch the crowd as they stand back, their attention fixated on the group. Not one person continues their conversation. When it’s over, the kids mingle with the guests, answering questions, while Francesca takes to the makeshift stage at the front of the marquee.

“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for attending thisyear’s Frazer Foundation Fundraiser. I expect you all to dig deep into your pockets today. We’ve a lot of items at this year’s auction. I’m sure there will be something to entice you. I’d like to thank the dancers from April Wilson’s School of Dance. Come on up April.”

Caleb pushes me forward and I move towards the stage, grimacing at Francesca, who is grinning at me.

“I’d like to introduce you to this special lady. Please welcome April, everyone.”

Francesca claps, so everyone claps as I make it onto the stage. She hands me the mic, and I shudder.

“Hi,” I say, the feedback buzz making everyone laugh. “Hi. I’ll try that again.” There’s only my voice this time, so I smile at the crowd. “I’d like to thank the Frazer Foundation for having us. They’re supporting our local community and the kids, and when Francesca asked, we were delighted to give something back. Scholarships for neighbourhoods like ours are a godsend, thank you. I hope you enjoy the rest of your afternoon.”

I hand back the mic and move to follow the children out of the marquee.

“April,” Leah’s voice stops me, and I find myself pulled into one conversation after another.

When I finally make it back into the house, the kids have long gone, heading back to the playroom downstairs. I told them what Cal had said about the community centre, and they were all, “Cool! Wow!” Caleb and his mum have developed an even greater hero status.

“I almost didn’t recognise you,” a voice comes from behind me, and I freeze.

A sense of dread hits me in the chest.

I turn around to face the man who has followed me. There would be no other reason for him to be here. This partof the house has been closed off to guests. A wave of dizziness overwhelms me as I stare into the face of my past.

Sir Leonard Crawley stands in the centre of the empty hallway. His piggy eyes roam over my body, making me vomit a little in my mouth. This can’t be happening, not today, not now.

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