Chapter 31
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
EDWARD
Sunday morning and I pull the SUV into Alora’s driveway in Nice.
We’re here to collect more of Alora’s things and water her damn garden, I glance over to her in the passenger seat. “These vegetables get more attention than I do.”
“Probably.” She bounces out of the car and up to the front door and I hang back to talk to the car that’s just pulled up behind us. “Morning, boys.”
“Morning,” they reply as they climb out of the car.
“I wanted to talk to you,” I say. “It’s come to my attention that Pascal Deschanel is still hanging around.”
They listen intently.
“I don’t want him anywhere near Alora at any time at all, and when she arrives here at her house I want you to go inside and check it before she enters, please.”
“Yes, sir.” Philippe glances into the house. “Has something happened that we are unaware of?”
“No. But last time I was here I got the feeling that something was off…. I can’t quite put my finger on it but for some reason my senses are heightened around Alora’s safety right now.”
“Okay.” Philippe listens. “I’m sure it’s just that there’s a lot going on with her moving house and whatnot. I can assure you she’s completely safe, we won’t take our eyes off her.”
“Thank you.”
“I take it she’s still wearing her bracelet?” he asks.
“Yes, but….” I put my finger to my lips. “If she knows there’s a tracking device in it she won’t wear it. I don’t want to frighten her.”
“Of course, sir.”
I think for a moment. “You know what?” I look in at the house. “Fuck it, I’m not taking any risks, put a trace on Pascal Deschanel. I want two men on him.”
“Yes.” He takes out his phone. “How do I spell his name?” I spell it out and he sends it off to his sources. “As soon as we have an address I’ll send a crew over.”
“Just watch him,” I reply. “Stay at a distance and unnoticed if possible, but we need to know his whereabouts at all times.”
“Agree, better to be safe than sorry.”
“We’re just packing up a few more of Alora’s personal things and then we’ll be returning to Monaco later this afternoon,” I tell them.
“Okay.”
I head inside and walk through to the back of the house; the French doors are open and Alora is out in the sunshine, watering her beloved garden. She’s hosing and walking around pulling out weeds, and I smile as I watch her in her happy place.
I flick the coffee machine on and turn to notice a book on the floor.
I walk over and pick it up. “Why the fuck is this book constantly falling off the shelves?” I set it on the kitchen counter.
“Keep falling on the floor and I’m throwing you in the trash, fucker.
” I make us both a cup of coffee and walk out and pass her one.
“Thank you.” She takes it from me.
“Did your carrots grow in the rain?” I blow into my coffee cup as I look over the garden.
“They did.”
“And what about your chili?”
She smirks, knowing I’m making fun of her. “Still hot.” She flicks the hose up at me. “Go and lie on the deck chair before I hose you down.”
“You’ll be the only one getting hosed down around here, Miss Sorenson.” I grab my crotch and she smiles and flicks the water up at me again.
I take her advice and lie down on the deck chair. Alora potters and waters and weeds, she snips and rakes the leaves.
I lie in the warm glow; the afternoon sun moves across the sky as the hours tick by.
It’s funny how life throws curveballs, if someone told me a year ago that watching my love enjoy being in nature would become my favorite pastime, I would never have believed it.
Yet here I am, doing something that brings me a great deal of happiness.
Who knew such a perfect simplicity existed?
When we’re here doing this, nobody else exists, the world is calm and centered.
Peaceful.
I take out my phone and scroll through my Realtor contacts. I need to find us a new house…one with good soil.
MONDAY MORNING.
I stride through the casino on a mission, I have way too much work to get through this morning. My first Zoom starts in fifteen minutes and I haven’t even gone through my notes yet. I take the elevator and step out on my office floor to see an angry face.
Fuck.
I am not in the mood for this fucking bullshit today.
“King Volter,” I say. “To what do I owe this pleasure?”
He glares at me, his face solemn. “I’d like a word.”
“Of course you would.” I brush past him. “This way.” We walk up the large corridor and into my office and I close the door. “I am on a very tight schedule.” I gesture to my desk. “Take a seat, but we will have to be quick.”
We both sit down.
“How can I help you?” I ask.
His cold eyes hold mine and he links his fingers together on the desk. “I’ve heard a story.”
“Story?” I ask.
“Don’t act oblivious. You know exactly what the story is.”
“No.” I shrug. “I don’t.”
“Let me enlighten you.”
I roll my lips as I concentrate on not rolling my eyes. “Please do.”
“It has come to my attention that you were on a night out with my daughter when you bid on Alora Sorenson at a charity auction.”
“For charity.”
His eyes hold mine. “I know what you did.”
“And what was that?” I snap. “Land the plane.”
“You were having an affair with her behind Hermione’s back and now there is a sordid story about to come out in the press.”
“You’re wrong.” I stand and on autopilot go to the bar, fuck…it’s too early for scotch. “Water?”
“No,” he barks. “I don’t want fucking water.”
“I knew Miss Sorenson.” I sip my water as I choose my words carefully. “We dated years ago and I bid on her internship at the auction to help her professionally.”
He narrows his eyes as he listens.
“Hermione and I had not been working for a long time and our relationship had run its course. It organically ended and if I hadn’t done it, she would have.”
His calculating eyes hold mine.
“Hermione is fine, I have kept in contact with her. This was the best decision for both of us.”
He slams his hand onto my desk. “Hermione is anything but fine,” he yells. “I want to know what this scandal is.”
“What are you talking about?”
“I’ve heard rumblings from our guards that there’s a scandal brewing and it involves you and Hermione.”
I shrug. “News to me.”
“If you think for one moment that you can treat my daughter like this and get away with it, you have another thing coming.”
“I have treated your daughter with nothing but respect,” I bite back. “I care for her a great deal. Hermione does not need you defending her to me, I will defend her against anything or anyone.”
“If something goes to the press, if you bring her name into disrepute…you’re a dead man.”
I exhale in an overexaggerated way. “I’m very busy and do not have the time or the energy for your dramatics today.” I turn to my computer.
“When did you date Alora Sorenson?” he sneers.
My eyes rise to his, something about the way he said her name triggers me. “That is none of your business.” I stand and open the door. “I have a meeting I have to attend.”
He stands, his eyes fixed on mine. “Be very careful, Prescott.”
“Get. Out.”
He storms out of the office and down the corridor and I slam the door behind him.
Fuck off.
ALORA
Jazz music sounds loudly through the store and I smile as I look through the window out onto the street. The sun is shining and it’s a beautiful day, Philippe and his two partners in crime are playing cards out the front of the café next door.
My phone vibrates on the counter and I turn and pick it up,
Mr. Doe
“Hello, Mr. Doe,” I answer.
“Hello, Miss Sorenson,” he replies, and I can tell that he’s smiling. “Tell me you love me.”
“I love you.”
“Ask me if I found you the perfect house.”
I smile. “Did you find me the perfect house?”
“Maybe.”
“Really?”
“Finish work early and we will go and look at it.”
“Alright, meet you at the yacht around three?”
“Okay, love you.”
“I love you too.” I hang up and smile broadly, how is this my life?
Edward smiles as he pulls into the driveway of the mansion perched high on the hill, he insisted on driving here in his favorite green Aston Martin. Maybe he thinks it’s lucky or something. “This looks—”
“Over the top.” I cut him off.
“Nice.” He reaches over and squeezes my thigh. “Can you just look at it with an open mind, please?”
“Okay.” I circle my finger over my head to symbolize a halo. “Open-minded is my middle name.”
“Thank you.” We climb out of the car and he takes my hand in his, the front doors open and an elderly man in a gray suit is standing there with a folder in his hands. “Good afternoon, Edward.” He smiles.
“Hello, Marcel.” They shake hands. “This is my partner, Alora Sorenson.”
Gah, that will never get old.
“Hello, nice to meet you.” I smile as I shake his hand.
“So here we are.” Marcel gestures to the house as he leads us inside. “Welcome to one of the most prestigious and breathtaking properties in Monte Carlo.”
Jeez.
My eyes rise to the three-story-high ceilings….
“There isn’t a doubt that this mansion is the ultimate expression of elegance, sophistication, and exclusivity,” he continues as we walk through the living area, the back wall is giant arched windows with the most beautiful view.
I stare at it, mesmerized, as Marcel carries on talking.
“Architectural masterpiece offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea, world-class amenities, this spectacular estate seamlessly blends classic European elegance with modern luxury.”
Edward squeezes my hand in his, he likes it.
It’s classically French but with a romantic grandeur. Large archways and windows, molded cornices, and super-high ceilings with low-hanging giant chandeliers.
I look around with my heart in my throat, I’ve never been in such a beautiful house.
Marcel continues his sales spiel. “Featuring high ceilings, grand arched windows, intricate detailing, and the finest materials, every corner of this mansion radiates opulence. The spacious open-plan living areas, designer chandeliers and premium finishes make this home an unparalleled work of art.”
As we walk through the home, each room gets better than the last. Up the grand staircase to a beautiful master bedroom with its own terrace.
The lights of Monaco are just beginning to twinkle.
It has a view of the city that meets the sea, the ocean a deep blue, the sky is a beautiful shade of pink and I wonder if Mother Nature has joined the sales team.
I stand on the terrace and stare out over beauty.
“She sure is putting on a show tonight.” Edward smiles as he kisses my temple.
“She is.” I smile.
We walk back downstairs and through the large arched door that leads to outside and I don’t know where to look first.
“Unrivalled outdoor spaces set against the backdrop of Monaco’s stunning coastline, the mansion boasts expansive terraces, lush gardens, and an infinity pool that appears to merge with the sea.
A large vegetable garden. The perfectly designed outdoor entertainment areas, with comfortable lounge spaces and al fresco dining setups, make this the ideal retreat for relaxation or lavish gatherings. ”
Oh….
My eyes meet Edward’s and he smiles as if reading my mind.
“This is luxury at its finest.” Marcel holds his hands out to the surroundings.
“World-class amenities. This Monte Carlo estate comes equipped with everything you need for an elite lifestyle, including an infinity pool overlooking the Mediterranean. Private cinema room for the ultimate movie experience, a state-of-the-art wellness and spa center. A high-end gourmet kitchen with premium appliances. Sophisticated wine cellar, a grand master suite with a private terrace. Multiple luxury guest suites for friends and family. High-tech security system and smart home automation.”
“How much?” Edward cuts him off.
“The price is €100,000,000 and is a complete steal, featuring six bedrooms, an infinity pool, a private spa, cinema room, wine cellar, breathtaking terraces, staff quarters and a security watch house.”
“One hundred million?” I gasp, wide-eyed. “That’s….”
“I’ll give you some privacy, I’ll be inside.”
Edward turns me toward him and takes my hands in his.
“Do you like it?” Edward asks.
“That’s too much money,” I whisper.
“Do. You like it?”
My eyes roam over the infinity pool, the gardens and grassed area. I thought inside was magical, but the outside has blown my mind. “This is the vegetable garden of my dreams.”
“Can you see yourself being happy here?”
“I’ll be happy wherever we are together.”
“Liar,” he teases. “You don’t like my yacht.”
“That’s just because I can’t garden.”
He leans in and kisses me. “Would you like this house?”
“It’s too much.”
“You can’t put a price on happiness.”
“Will you be serious?”
“I am.” He kisses me again. “Am I going to make an offer on this house, or not?”
I bite my lip to hide my smile as my eyes float around. “Let’s go back inside and look again.”
“Okay.” He leads me back through the house and into the perfect kitchen. “Can you see yourself cooking in here?”
I nod.
We go back through to the living room and down into the cellar and through to the wellness center and oh my god, this is really something else.
We end up back in the main bedroom and walk out onto the terrace, the sun is setting in a beautiful glow of pinks.
“So?” He kisses me. “Can I give you this?”
“But that’s not fair because I have nothing to give to you.”
His eyes twinkle with a certain something. “Your heart is the ultimate gift.” He takes me into his arms. “The only thing I would ever wish for.”
Oh….
My eyes well with tears. “I love you,” I whisper. “So, so much.”
“Is that a yes?” He smiles against my lips.
I giggle through tears. “That’s a hell yes.”
DARKNESS
With my eye pressed firmly to the wall I watch.
Naked, she’s straddled over him, his body deep inside hers. Moving together as they ride the wave of pleasure. The room is dim, lit only by a bedside lamp.
But I can see everything…. Feel everything.
They pant harder as I struggle for control.
No.
My breath is ragged, tugging at my lungs as it begs for an exhale.
I press my face harder to the wall.
He tips his head back and moans as she rides him. “Fuck yeah.” His hands are on her hip bones and the bed begins to hit the wall with force. “Just there. Just like that.”
“Fuck me,” she whimpers.
He rolls them and his full naked body comes into view, he lifts her legs up over his shoulders and begins to ride her hard.
I push myself closer to the wall, my eyes wide as I watch from the shadows.
“Yes, yes,” he chants as he gets closer.
Deep punishing hits as their skin slaps together.
Thump.
Thump.
Thump….
Adrenaline surges as my grip tightens around the handle of the knife.