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I couldn’t help but smile. “She’s beautiful and so small.”
“Would you want one?” he asked, his tone softening.
“Eventually,” I said, a hint of longing in my voice. “I’d like to spend time with you first.”
“As long as we can have one before I’m forty,” he teased, a chuckle escaping his lips.
“That’s not long off, Mr. Fox,” I teased back, enjoying our playful banter.
“You keep reminding me,” he said, a mock sigh punctuating his words.
I yawned, feeling the weight of the day settle in. “I’m tired. Brad put me through my paces.”
“How was dinner with him?” Oliver inquired, genuine interest in his tone.
“Good,” I replied, leaning back against the couch. “He said Jurgen is a good house husband and Daddy.”
“I’m sure. They’re both very nurturing,” he said, his voice warm with approval.
“I think I’m going to take a shower and get into bed,” I said, my eyelids growing heavy. “It’s very late there. Why are you still awake?”
“Because my fiancée doesn’t listen to me,” he said with a touch of exasperation.
“Go to sleep. You have a busy day tomorrow,” I reminded him gently.
“I love you, sweetheart. Goodnight,” he said, his voice softening with affection.
“Goodnight, Oliver. I love you,” I replied, a warm feeling spreading through me as I ended the call.
As I hung up, I felt a sense of contentment and relief. The day had been long, but Oliver’s voice and our shared plans for the future filled me with a comforting sense of security. I headed to the bathroom for a hot shower, letting the water wash away the day’s stress.
By the time I climbed into bed, Trouble snuggled up beside me, I felt at peace. My thoughts lingered on Teagan, Oliver, and the beautiful life we were building together as I drifted off to sleep.
Oliver
After hanging up with Ryleigh, I dialed Vlad’s number, my mind racing with worry. He picked up promptly.
“Mr. Fox?”
“Check the video feed at my building. Someone approached her when she got out of a cab,” I instructed urgently, my voice clipped with tension.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t there,” Vlad responded with a hint of remorse.
“For now on, I don’t care what she tells you. If she goes to the gym, you’re right there. If she goes to the toilet, you’re right outside the door,” I ordered firmly, my concern for Ryleigh palpable.
“Yes, sir.”
“Call me when you find the guy,” I added before ending the call abruptly, not waiting for Vlad’s acknowledgment. He had made a serious error tonight, and it could have endangered Ryleigh’s life. I was giving him a pass this time due to his track record, but I couldn’t afford any more mistakes.
I paced the room, my anxiety mounting. Despite the late hour, sleep eluded me. The combination of jet lag and worry kept me restless. I sought refuge at the wet bar in my suite, pouring myself a scotch from a crystal decanter. I rarely drank hard liquor, but tonight I needed something to take the edge off.
As I waited for Vlad’s call, my thoughts were solely on Ryleigh. I couldn’t focus on the business matters awaiting me in the morning. My mind kept replaying scenarios of what could have happened to her.
Amidst my anxiety, thoughts of Ryleigh’s enticing figure crept into my mind, and I felt a surge of desire. But alongside that desire was the weight of the secrets I kept from her. There were things she didn’t know, things that could shatter us if they ever came to light. I didn’t keep them to deceive her but to protect her from the harsh realities I dealt with.
Twenty agonizing minutes later, Vlad’s call finally came through. The scotch had taken the edge off but did little to ease my nerves.
I glared at Vlad through the screen. "What did you find?"
