Page 37 of A Billionaire's Secret

Victoria

Isilentlystaredoutthe limo window as Daniel drove us back to my house in Louisville. Everything about the place seemed different. Like I was thrown into a memory of what the town used to be and not into today’s reality. The reality I wanted to be in was the one from the past two days—with Christian.

He squeezed my hand unusually tight as we made the last turn before arriving at my house. I looked at him, hoping to uncover what was causing him to hold onto me for dear life.

“When will I see you again,” I asked, eyes scouring his for an answer.

“I have a few things to take care of,” he shifted his gaze nervously. “But if you ask me, sooner than later.”

The vague response left a sour taste in my mouth that even his warm, wet kiss couldn’t remediate. Perplexed by mixed signals and choked up by his upcoming absence, I put one foot in front of the other, unlocked the door, welcomed the suitcase from Daniel’s hand, paused to look at Christian one last time, and shut the door behind me.

I rushed up the stairs to my room, locking the door before anyone noticed me, and came pouring down a storm of questions. I needed time to make sense of the magical days I’d spent with Christian.

Just like he had asked me last night in London, I had shoved away any thoughts and concerns about his daughter, and we had spent the dreamiest time together. Sights of the gorgeous city flashed before me, and I couldn’t wait to tell my family all about it. And Mischief—he had made my heart full. But what shone brightest in my mind was Christian’s face. He had fulfilled every desire of mine without even asking me about it. His body fit perfectly with mine as we made love time and time again, and I already missed him painfully.

Having returned to the dull reality of the real world, although avoiding it as much as possible, the time had come to decide what each of us wanted. Diana would have to be informed if any future was in store for us. And the thought of that alone, made my stomach queasy.

A vibration in my handbag shook the daunting thoughts away. I fished out my phone and towered over it in shock—nine missed calls from Tony. I scratched my head, contemplating if I had missed a meeting or a training session, but as far as I knew, I was free for about a month. I hesitantly dialed his number, hoping it wasn’t anything too serious. He was never one to call so excessively.

Tony picked up on the first ring. “Vicky, are you home? Come to the stables,” he instructed me with a shaky voice.

“Um, I can’t today,” I tried to finagle my way out. “Can it wait until tomorrow?”

“I don’t think you’d want that. Just come over. I’ll be here till dark.” He hung up, unwilling to shed more light on the urgent matter.

Ugh, great. Can’t catch a fucking break.

I pulled myself up from the bed, unlocked my door, and listened for any noise. Luckily, everyone was out of the house, so I quickly changed into sweats and headed out.

When I stormed through the Barrington Downs gates twenty minutes later, Tony approached me with concern etched across his tanned face.

“Come, let’s take a walk,” he pulled my arm and led me toward the field.

“Tony, what is it already?” I begged.

“It’s about Desert Rose, and keep your voice down, please,” he hushed me, watching my eyes bulge.

“What are you talking about? What about her?” I scoffed, feeling blood rush to my temple.

“I came across something that makes me think she was doped during the Kentucky Stakes, just like you tried to insinuate that day, but I ignored it.” Tony’s words materialized my fears and sent me spiraling with conflicting emotions.

Knowing what I knew now, I wasn’t sure I wanted to hear any more about Desert Rose. Or I’d have to scratch the thought of Christian altogether.

“Tony, don’t say another word,” I ordered him. “Even if that’s true, I don’t want to know about it.”

“Victoria, she may have stolen your win. And, what’s worse, you know what those drugs do to the horses. Are you just going to stand by and allow that?” Tony’s eyes fired with anger and disappointment.

“Please, Tony! What do you want me to do?” I raised my voice and looked around to confirm that we were alone. “Why don’t you inform the authorities and let them investigate further? I don’t want any part of it.”

His lips flatlined. He opened them and immediately closed them shut. Then he tried again. “I’m having a hard time believing you right now. And to be clear, I only called you and told you before I went to the authorities because I know you’ve gotten yourself involved with Diana’s father.”

My mouth flew open, his words cut a hole through my stomach. “How—” I stuttered. “How do you know?”

“Come one, Vicky. This town is not that big. Our circle is not that big.” He mocked me. “My cousin works at the airport and saw you boarding his private jet.”

“Does anyone else know?” I asked, my anxiety escalating.

“I mean, I haven’t told a soul. But I can’t speak for my cousin Linda.” He shook his head. “If this makes the news, you’ll be right smack in the middle of it. That’s the only reason I wanted to tell you. To protect you.”

---