Page 29 of Disgraced (Russian Sinners 3)

Scarlett

Brian, Olivia, Anastasia, and I were finishing up our breakfast when my phone buzzed. Anastasia’s eyes came to me in surprise but she said nothing since Brian was at the table.

I quickly peeked at the message, and it was from Sergei. I worked hard at hiding my smile. It was a simple message but it made me want to grin like a fool.

*I’ll pick you up in an hour. Miss you already, solnce.*

Olivia kicked my foot under the table in warning, just as Brian spoke up.

“Why do I get a sense you are up to no good, Scarlett?”

I wiped the smile off my face. If I smiled like the happiest woman alive, he’d know I was up to something. I told Anastasia and Olivia but it would never go over well with Brian. He grudgingly agreed to let me stay behind alone while Anastasia and Olivia went sightseeing.

“No idea, Brian,” I replied to him, biting into my toast. It would buy me some time from answering questions since it was rude to talk with your mouth full.

“What did you do all day yesterday?” he questioned me. “Knowing you, it must be boring sitting in the hotel room all day.”

I had to stop myself from rolling my eyes. But he was right, I hated being cooped up.

“I lounged around and tanned,” I finally answered him. It was sort of true. Except that it wasn’t here but on a luxury yacht out at sea. And it was freaking awesome. “You like my tan?”

“You should apply some sunscreen,” he muttered. He was still suspicious. “I still think there is something you are not telling me.”

“C’mon, Brian,” Anastasia interjected. “You know how much she hates sightseeing. And you have to admit, it is painful to listen to her complain the entire time. She’ll stay behind, maybe use the hotel pool, read, watch movies, and tan some more. It is win-win for us all.”

Brian looked around for a waiter, and I threw Anastasia a quick grateful glance while she winked at me. Olivia and her were Godsent.

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