Total pages in book: 159
Estimated words: 157450 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 787(@200wpm)___ 630(@250wpm)___ 525(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 157450 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 787(@200wpm)___ 630(@250wpm)___ 525(@300wpm)
Bollocks.
I’ll tell her later.
And deep down I know the longer I wait, the worse it’s going to be when I finally spill the beans.
My phone buzzes in my jacket. It’s a text, and I know it’s from Caroline.
That’s another issue I have to deal with at some point. But right now I’m going to take my lady for another walk on the beach.
* * *
Alessia holds up the little dragon, a lantern in the darkness as they lie in bed. “Thank you,” she whispers. “For today. For yesterday. For this.”
“It’s my pleasure, Alessia,” Maxim responds. “I’ve had a wonderful day.”
“I did, too. I don’t want it to end. This has been the very best day.”
Maxim strokes her cheek with his index finger. “The very best day. I’m glad I got to spend it with you. You really are lovely.”
She swallows, glad that the fading light will hide her blush. “I’m not sore anymore,” she whispers.
Maxim stills, his eyes searching hers.
“Oh, baby,” he says and suddenly his mouth swoops down on hers.
* * *
It’s after midnight, and Alessia dozes beside me. I must tell her about who I am.
Earl of Trevethick.
Fuck.
She deserves to know. I rub my face.
Why am I so reluctant to come clean?
Because I don’t know how she feels about me.
And also, apart from my title, there’s the small matter of my wealth.
Bugger.
My mother’s suspicious nature has left its mark.
Women will only want you for your wealth, Maxim. Remember that.
God. Rowena can be such a bitch.
Gently, in order not to wake her, I lift a strand of Alessia’s hair and wind it around my finger. She was reluctant to let me buy her clothes, reluctant when she has nothing. She doesn’t want me to buy her a phone, and she always chooses the cheapest item on the menu. This is not the modus operandi of a gold digger.
Is it?
And the other day she said that I have no rivals. I think she cares for me. If she does, I wish she’d tell me. It would make this so much easier. She’s talented, bright, and brave—and eager. I smile thinking about her carnal appreciation. Yes. Eager. I lean over and kiss her hair.
And she can cook.
“I love you, Alessia Demachi,” I whisper, and I lay my head on my pillow and gaze at her…this beguiling woman. My beautiful, precious girl.
* * *
I’m woken by my phone. It’s morning, and too bloody early judging by the dim light seeping through the space between the blinds. Alessia is wrapped around me as I reach across and pick up my phone. It’s Mrs. Beckstrom, my neighbor in London.
Why the hell is she calling me?
“Hello, Mrs. Beckstrom. Is everything all right?” My voice is low so I don’t wake Alessia.
“Ah, Maxim. There you are. I am sorry to call you so early, but I think you’ve been burgled.”
Chapter Twenty
“What?” A chill sweeps across my skin as every hair on my body stands to attention, and suddenly I’m fully awake. I run my fingernails over my scalp.
Burgled? How? When?
My mind and heart are racing.
“Yes. I was taking Heracles for a morning walk. I do so love a walk beside the river early in the morning, whatever the weather. It’s so quiet and restful.”
I roll my eyes. Get on with it, Mrs. B.
“Your front door is open. It may have been open for a few days. I don’t know. But I thought it odd. So today I had a peek inside, and of course you’re not there.”
Did I lock the flat in my panic to leave and go search for Alessia?
I can’t remember.
“I’m afraid the place is a frightful mess.”
Fuck.
“I was going to call the police, but I thought I’d call you instead, dear.”
“Well. Thank you. I appreciate it. I’ll deal with this.”
“I am so sorry to be the bearer of bad news.”
“It’s okay, Mrs. B. Thank you.” I hang up.
Shit! Fuck! Bollocks!
What have the fuckers stolen? I don’t have much—all the important stuff is in the safe. I hope they haven’t found that.
Bugger. Bugger. Bugger.
What a fucking nuisance. I may have to go back to London, and I don’t want to go. I’m having way too much fun with Alessia. I sit up in bed and look down at her. She’s blinking up at me sleepily, and I give her a reassuring smile.
“I’ve got to make a call.” I don’t want to worry her with these details, so I get up, wrap the throw around my waist, and head into the spare room with my phone. I call Oliver as I pace the floor.
Why didn’t the alarm go off?
Did I set it? Shit! I left in such a rush. I don’t know.
“Maxim.” He’s surprised to hear from me. “Everything okay?”
“Good morning. My neighbor’s just called me. She says I’ve been burgled.”
“Oh, shit.”
“Precisely.”
“I’ll get around there right away. Shouldn’t take me more than fifteen minutes at this time.”