Page 48 of Misdeeds of a Billionaire
“Then why do you know she’s back?” Alexei asked the logical question.
Alessio shrugged. “For some reason, her and her sister’s names came up on the dark web. Something to do with diamonds.”
My brows furrowed. “That has to be wrong.”
Alessio shrugged. “I think so too. She was in Ghana, working under WHO. Did you know?”
I shook my head. “No, I’ve made a point not to know.” Then, because talking about Odette was the last thing I wanted to talk about, I changed subjects. “Are you sure you can’t stay for our monthly luncheon tomorrow?”
Alessio shook his head. “No, Autumn has a gig for a photoshoot in the Ukraine. I’m not letting her go alone.”
“Jesus, is it safe?” He shot me a “what the fuck do you think” look. “Was Afghanistan not enough?”
“She wants to make a difference,” he grumbled. “She tried doing nothing and got too antsy. So we made a deal. She can take on assignments as long as I’m with her and in charge of security.”
“That’s probably wise,” Alexei chimed in. “She’d eventually go with or without you. This way, you have some control.”
“Do you want me to watch the kids?” I offered. “I could bring them back to you when both of you return.”
My brother tilted his head. “I appreciate it, but we already made arrangements for Autumn’s parents to watch them. Next time, it’s definitely your turn.”
“I’m counting on it.”
I might never be a father, but I’d be the best uncle to my nieces and nephews.
Chapter20
Odette
“These fucking heels,” Billie muttered.
The cobblestone sidewalk of the French Quarter was uncomfortable in my flats, never mind the heels I saw women around me wearing. My sister included. She grabbed my arm every so often, using me for balance.
I helped steady her while my mind was on what we were about to do. “This better work, Billie.”
Or we’d be dead. Dread washed over me, coiling tightly in the pit of my stomach. The last six months felt surreal. We’d been on the run ever since that fucking day. Every single day. I’d seen more of the world than I cared to. We left Las Vegas just last week where Billie managed to squeeze in a wedding dress fitting and make some extra money.
“It will work. They get their shit and our life will be back to normal.”
My eyes darted to my sister, letting out a frustrated breath. I loved her; I really did. But at the age of thirty, Billie should have been smarter than to grab a bag of diamonds and think nobody would notice. Ten million dollars’ worth of blood fucking diamonds from organized crime syndicates.
While I was performing surgeries, my sister had been busy robbing criminals.
Jesus H. Christ.
“You have everything in your purse?” I questioned. If she forgot them, I might have to murder her myself.
“All the diamonds are in the bag,” she assured. “Glittering and expensive.”
Her hand reached out again, grabbing my arm.
“Why in the fuck are you wearing heels?” I hissed. She’d never be able to outrun the men in those heels if it came to that.
Billie shot me an annoyed look.
“I wanted to look good.” I glared at her. She knew what was at stake here. I couldn’t fathom her appearance was more important to her than our safety. It was life or death here. Literally.
“You look good, Aunt Billie,” Ares said, his small hand in mine.
