Page 74 of Chased By a Billionaire

She shook her head. “That’s odd. The caretaker knew we were arriving today. I was there when my mother called him.” She pulled out her phone and then looked up at me in horror. “There’s no signal.”

I lowered the luggage. “Just wait a minute. I’ll go around the back and see if there’s a way in. I’m sure we can break in.”

“But that’s ridiculous. Where are the staff?” She looked alarmed.

I gave her an encouraging smile. “Don’t worry. We’ll sort this out.”

The wind had a chilly sting, so I ran back to the car and grabbed my hoodie and a denim jacket.

Seeing Savanah gripping her arms, I placed the jacket over her shoulders.

“Oh my god. Denim. I hate it.” She grimaced as if asked to walk around in a rubbish bag.

I laughed. “It looks good on you.”

Her mouth curled slightly. “Does it?”

Savanah was such a child. I had to remind myself that she’d lived a different life than most. She was used to having everything whenever and wherever. And she was a fashion victim in the true sense of the word.

“It’s a shame you don’t like denim because it goes nicely with your eyes.”

She clutched onto it. “Well, then. Thanks.”

I smiled. “Back in a minute. Don’t go anywhere.”

“Yeah. Righto. I think I might just head over to visit the neighbours. Not.” She rolled her eyes, and I laughed.

As I tramped around the side of the extensive property, I could only assume that the staff were at the back. It was a big estate.

For me, it didn’t matter if they were there or not. I loved the idea of being alone. But for Savanah, who was used to servants, it would only stress her more. Even though a good slice of reality, maybe a week of roughing it, wouldn’t be bad for her, I couldn’t imagine her agreeing to that.

The vegetable garden was weed-ridden, and there was no sign of life. Confirmed by a bolted door.

I tried pushing hard against the back door, but it wouldn’t budge, so I headed over to a shed and found a crowbar.

After I prised open the door, spider webs brushed my face, confirming that the place hadn’t seen humans for a while.

Moving through the large kitchen area, I made my way to the front, through a large, musty room with sheets covering the furniture and a massive fireplace.

I went to the door and let Savanah in.

She stepped into the entrance, which was a large sitting room.

“What the fuck?” She turned around. “Where are the staff? The place looks fucking run-down.” She brushed her face. “Dusty and yuck. Let’s get out of here and stay at a hotel. I need a signal to call my mother.”

“So, do I bring in your gear?”

She looked pale suddenly. “I can’t stay here when it’s like this.”

“No. I guess you can’t.”

Savanah gave me a puzzled look. “And you can?”

“You bet. With a little dusting and cleaning, it will be lovely.”

“Lovely?” She looked around. “Where are the cleaners? They should have already been here. I guess while they’re getting it spick-and-span, we can stay at a hotel.” She smiled. “That’s what we’ll do.”

“Okay.” I went to bend down to grab the luggage.

---