Page 45 of Pretty Evil

“Alexei.” My heart beats faster as I think about him and Shade smiles. “Don’t play games with your emotions, Serena. Who knows how long we have left in the game? You may as well enjoy it while it lasts.”

“When did you grow up, Shade?” I tease, but his words hit home. The fact there’s a hit on me makes them meaningful and I bend down and kiss his cheek, and whisper, “Thanks. I’ll bear that in mind.”

This time he lets me go and as I shower and change ready for landing, I really hope I get the chance to see Alexei again and see if what I’m feeling now is real, or just wishful thinking.

CHAPTER23

SERENA

It’s as if the last two days never happened. We arrive in Sydney and yet this time I don’t need anyone to meet me. Typical of Shade, there are enough cars waiting to stage a coup and as I sit beside him in the third one, I’m a little sad I never got to arrive like everyone else.

As we head off to Vaucluse, I am in two minds about going at all because I may not like what I discover.

Shade is scrolling through his phone, and I interrupt him. “Do you think mom knows about Stoner and Aunt Giselle?”

“I’m not sure.” He stops scrolling. “It will be interesting to find out.”

“How will we broach the subject? It’s not something you can drop into everyday conversation.”

‘You’ll find a way. You’re good at that shit.”

He shakes his head and I note the murderous gleam in his eye as he growls, “Leave Stoner to me. That greedy, money grabbing bastard is certain to fall into my trap. I almost hope he’s to blame for it all because I would welcome taking him apart limb from limb.”

“You should seek help for your anger issues, Shade.” I grin as he shrugs. “Where’s the fun in that? What can I say? I love my job.”

It takes us about an hour to reach Stoner’s ranch and I plague Shade with questions about his new girlfriend, Allegra. If anything, I pity her having to deal with his shit daily, but I don’t believe I have ever seen him as happy as he is now.

As we sweep through the gates of their fifty-acre ranch, I hope with all my heart that Mrs. Romanov was wrong. This is the only bit of normal in my life that I really don’t want to lose.

* * *

We pullup in the courtyard and my heart leaps when I see my mom standing by the door with a broad smile on her face.

As soon as the door opens, I can’t get out of it quickly enough and as I fall into her arms, everything is right with the world.

“Serena. It’s so good to see you, honey.” She pulls me in for a hug and she smells so nice. Flowers, baking and mom. My favorite scent in the world.

Shade isn’t far behind me, and she hugs him hard and says happily, “This is such a nice surprise. I’ve missed you so much.”

She stares at us both with a tearful smile and laughs joyfully. “Come inside. I want to hear everything and don’t miss anything out.”

She links her arms in mine and Shade follows us behind and it crosses my mind that Mrs. Romanov must have been wrong about Stoner. Mom is obviously happy, which gives me no reason at all to doubt that he loves her.

* * *

We headinside the huge ranch that always appears warm and cozy despite its size, and I plant myself on the oversized couch and groan with pleasure.

“This feels so good.”

Mom grins happily and then smiles as her housekeeper brings in a tray of refreshment, which I am grateful for.

When we are settled, she stares at us with a sad shake of her head. “I was sorry to hear about your father. How are you both?”

We maintain blank expressions and I say guardedly, “It was a shock, but not unexpected.”

She nods. “It was always a possibility. He was so reckless.”

“Are you okay, mom?” I stare at her with concern, noticing a few lines that weren’t there before and a sadness in her eyes that definitely isn’t through grieving our father’s untimely death.

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