Page 122 of Contract of a Billionaire
I pushed my hand through my hair. I was still naked, running around looking for some clothes. I didn’t bring much here.
“Can you come and get me?” I begged. “All my stuff’s at my parents. I can’t pack the stuff that Alessio bought me.”
“So he’s not letting you go?”
“Branka!” I exclaimed. “He’s not here. I don’t know where he is. I have to be at the airport in less than two hours.”
“Jesus, Autumn, you’re going to get me on my brother’s shit list.” Her voice sounded a tad bit whiney. Lack of sleep always made her cranky. Super cranky.
“Please, Branka. This is important,” I begged. “I’ll call Alessio and explain.”
“Want me to come along?” she offered.
“No, you stay here. I’ll be back in less than a week. Just be here for Kol, Alessio, and my parents.” When she remained quiet, I added softly, “Please.”
“Fine, fine,” she caved. “I’m coming to get you.”
Then a thought slammed into my mind. “Remember when you mentioned Sasha said you’re not ready yet for what he had to give you?”
I could hear her bitter laugh. “Yes, I remember every goddamn lie that fucker uttered.”
I cleared my throat. “I’m not defending him but what if he–” I didn’t know how to say it delicately. I cleared my throat one more time. “What if he was into, like rough stuff and didn't want to scare you?”
“Huh?”
“What if he was–”
“I heard you, but where in the hell did that come from? Did you and–” She couldn’t finish the sentence, but I knew where it was going. “Oh my gosh, don’t tell me. There are certain things nobody wants to know about their own brother and best friend.”
“Ummm, it was just a thought,” I muttered, my cheeks burning like I was in hell. “It’s possible. You were young when you first met him.”
“And that Olympic skater is the same age I was, and it doesn’t seem like he’s keeping his hands to himself,” she grumbled. “Call my brother,” she added coldly. Yeah, Sasha Nikolaev was history in Branka’s book. “Or he’ll have my head.”
I tried to call him. I really did.
I just never got through to him. So I left him a voicemail.
Chapter39
Alessio
The moment my yacht docked, my phone signaled a voicemail.
I keyed in my code and listened.
“Alessio, it’s me. The crew is doing a quick job. I’m going to be back in less than a week. Kol is still with my parents. Will you keep him with you? He’s gotten used to you and our routine. My parents offered to watch him whenever you have to go to work. Branka said she’ll help too.” She cleared her throat. “Keep my baby safe. Okay? Love you.”
I dialed her immediately. She hadn’t exactly told me where she was going.
The dread formed a crease on my forehead. My sixth sense flashed a warning. Yesterday’s news rushed to my mind. Except, she said the trip wasn’t approved.
I dialed up Nico. “Alessio.”
“I need a big favor,” I started. “Check ifNational Geographicapproved an expedition to the Middle East. Afghanistan specifically.”
“Shit, don’t tell me–”
“She left while I was out,” I grumbled. “She didn’t say where.”
