Page 238 of The Rebel Billionaire

He agreed, and we snuck out of the safe house they moved me to immediately after we landed.

I shoot him a grateful smile. “You too, and don’t be a stranger.”

The chances of seeing him again are remote as I know he’s about to be reassigned.

I unlock one of the many hidden entrances and slip through the gate, careful to secure it behind me. Security is now number one on my agenda.

After I woke up this morning, I decided enough was enough. It was time to take my life back. I sent a message to The Seamstress after we left, telling her my plan, so she knows where to find me when she’s ready.

I head to the water tower, the place my brothers used to bring their girlfriends. I need some time to calm my racing heart and come to terms with the changes that have happened virtually overnight. During the debriefing, they updated me on their findings and what they expect to happen next. I’ll still have to remain vigilant, but they think the immediate threat has passed with Peregrine’s arrest.

Now, a few hours later, I’m sitting quietly in my big sister’s bedroom, like a scaredy-cat, waiting for her to come to bed.

I relax in Kat’s favourite wing-back chair. I remember when Mum was going to throw it out. Kat nearly had apoplexy and demanded Elijah and Jaxson carry it up to her room, directing proceedings as they went. It’s lived here ever since, although I’d swear Mother or Kat has had it reupholstered.

Closing my eyes, I let the peace and tranquillity of home seep into my bones.

I’ve missed this. The silence of the country, the fresh air, the closeness to nature. I didn’t realise how much until now.

My time in New York has been amazing. Not that I got to see much of it, squirrelled away in my apartment or Alex’s. I may not have been able to enjoy the nightlife or sights, Broadway shows or shopping… but I had my work and… Alex. My heart constricts.

I sigh.

Don’t go there. You need to let him go.

There’s something magical about coming home. Especially here. No car horns, no shouting, no roar of the subway. How had I forgotten?

I’m beginning to realise I haven’t. I’ve merely protected myself. I couldn’t dwell on thoughts of home. Not without driving myself completely insane. I smile. Kris was right. I had a choice to make, to make the most of my time there, and that’s what I did.

Sneaking into the house earlier wasn’t hard, especially with no one expecting me and with secret passages and hidden door keys at my disposal. Betsy nearly discovered me, but I managed to hide in the wall panel outside Caleb and April’s room.

My family are all gathered downstairs, no doubt playing Monopoly. I can see Kat and Gabriel going head-to-head, their competitive natures taking over, while Jaxson and Leah keep the peace and Caleb and Elijah do their best to thwart them all. It’s not what I was expecting when I arrived, and it’s why I’m now here, hiding and taking a moment to compose myself.

My siblings and their families lead such busy lives… but they’re here, waiting for me and tomorrow afternoon’s press conference, which will announce The Rebel’s return and Montague Peregrine’s arrest.

We’re Frazers. We stick together through thick and thin. How could I have forgotten? It’s who we are. And now, with all the children, it really is a case of the more the merrier.

My heart skips a beat. The children. I can’t wait to meet the new additions, baby Amelia and the twins, Ava and Isla. I’ve missed so much over the past nine months. My hands drop to my still-flat stomach, cradling the life I know is nestled and growing deep inside me.

Just you wait, little one. You’ll have so much fun here with all your aunts and uncles, not to mention cousins. They are going to love you.

I inhale a shuddering breath as voices approach.

“I love you,” Kat’s voice echoes through the door. I close my eyes briefly, then open them and turn towards the sound.

Showtime.

“I don’t think I’ll ever tire of saying those words,” she continues.

Silence descends, and I cringe. I get up, move towards the bed and sit on the edge.

Kat’s going to kill me. Talk about baby-sister, passion killer.

The door opens, and my sister and a man I love like another brother enter, their arms wrapped around one another and their lips fused.

I click on the bedside light, wanting to stop them before things get too heated. They spring apart, turning sharply to face me.

I stand, allowing Kat and Jax to see my face.