Alexis: Sure. I’m on my laptop now. I’ll email you a link.
Her face flashed on the screen and I waved.
“Hi, from prison!”
“It doesn’t look so bad,” Bianca said, her eyes darting around the room behind me. “Maybe a little bare.”
“It’s torture,” I moaned, resting my chin on my fist, “but I’m making progress.”
“With what?”
“I’m monitoring the ports along the East Coast looking for patterns. Dad’s shipments aren’t going to have anywhere to dock, and his contacts in Europe will cancel them once they realize he’s dead...unless,” I lifted a finger, “John and Simon figure out other ports that are receptive. I’m monitoring for suspicious activity.”
“Jesus, Alexis,” Bianca breathed, closing her eyes in frustration. “Your monitoring is what got us into this mess. Can’t you justNetflix and chillfor a few weeks? I don’t want you anywhere near this situation.”
“Um, hi, 2015 called and would like its catch phrase back,” I teased, rolling my eyes. “Netflix and chillis so lame, Mom. And besides, you and Dad paid a lot of money for me to go to MIT and learn my tech skills. Shouldn’t I actually use them?”
“Not if it’s going to get you killed!”
“Okay, okay,” I sighed. “I can’t with the dramatics. I’m already dealing with the bodyguard from hell with the personality of a rock. I’m an expert in encryption, Mom. No one’s going to know it’s me.”
“Please be careful. Is Nick being kind to you?”
“He’s fine,” I muttered. “Possibly the most boring man on the planet, but fine.” Straightening in my chair, my smile deepened. “How was last night with Michael?”
“We will absolutely not be discussing that. The marriage is consummated, which is most important for us to put the plan in motion.”
“Well, you’re glowing, so I’ll assume the best.”
“I absolutely am not.”
“You are.” I leaned forward and lowered my voice. “It looks nice on you, Mom. You never glowed around Dad. Why didn’t you marry Michael when he first proposed? I’m dying to know the story.”
“One day, sweetheart. For now, I’m worried about you. Do you need me to order you some clothes or anything? Michael gave me a credit card. Maybe I could order them here and have someone drive them to you? I’m not sure.”
“We have the basics,” I said. “You know I’m good with yoga pants and comfy stuff, especially in my prison.”
“Please stop calling it that,” she said, frowning. “It breaks my heart.”
“Okay.” Glancing over my shoulder, I huffed. “I’ve got to go. I’m going to make us some lunch before I starve to death.”
“Please be nice. Nick is going out of his way to protect you, and I’m sure he’s not happy about the situation either. I get the impression he’d rather be by Michael’s side.”
“I said I’m making lunch! Forbothof us,” I said, exasperated. “That’s nice, right?”
Mom arched a sardonic brow.
“Gotta go. Love you. Bye!”
I ended the video chat as Nick emerged from the downstairs murder-basement...orgym, as he liked to call it. He was shirtless as he strode into the kitchen wearing black shorts and sneakers. He walked to the refrigerator and pulled out a bottle of water, lifting it to his full lips as he began to chug.
My mouth suddenly went dry as my eyes skated over his pecs before lowering to his six-pack. What were they feeding gangsters these days? IV-infused protein packs? Good lord, he was ripped. Tattoos darted his biceps and forearms, and several also lined his chest above his dark nipples. I licked my parched lips, wondering what it would be like to touch him there... If I ran my fingers over the skin, would he moan with that deep voice?
He lowered the bottle and faced me, his brown eyes filled with deep satisfaction. “Want to take a picture? It will last longer.”
Embarrassment flooded my cheeks as I felt them turn ten shades of red. “I was just wondering if you always walk around your home like a naked caveman. There were plenty of shirts in the clothing stash.”
The corner of his lips curved, and he slowly approached me. Anger darted up my spine as I had to tilt my head to look up at him from my sitting position. His chest glistened with sweat, and I had the insane urge tolickit...
