Page 148 of Unlock My Heart

My pen gets tossed. “See, this is why you can’t be the villain living with the sexy, thoughtful victim. It’s Stockholm reversed, or something.”

Lacey doesn’t comment, plopping down beside my lounger.

The sound of footsteps and the deep baritone of Fabien’s voice have me shoving the paper beneath my towel. “The family’s nervous about the mayoral swearing-in next week, and how things were left between the two of us at the party. I propose one final meeting with everyone in attendance, letting them know you and I are on the same page.”

There’s a pause.

“Clear your calendar, Angelo,” my husband says, his voice annoyed.

Pause.

“Then where does the King of England propose we hold this meeting?”

Pause.

“Fine. Everyone meets at my office, Friday at midnight.”

Pause.

“Yes, asshole, I have an office at my ice company’s warehouse. Do you need the address?”

Being that I don’t, I nevertheless listen to Fabien rattle it off. My eyes snap shut when the sounds of footsteps grow closer.

I can feel Fabien’s presence, and I allow my eyes to flutter open, not having to try too hard to fake a yawn.

“In case you were wondering, your torture game is still on point.” Rubbing a hand over his mouth, he takes in my skimpy bikini, and I hate the way my skin prickles and my breasts tighten.

“Is there a reason you’re bothering me?” I ask primly, grabbing a towel in the lounger next to me and covering myself.

“Besides being obsessed with you?” Laughter in his voice, he tells me, “I wanted to drop this off before I leave. I’ll see my beautiful wife later this evening.” He places a folded note on the table beside my lounger, giving me a wink before disappearing inside the house.

My heart’s jackhammering with this new information, and what I plan on doing with it. What’s sure not to help with my decision-making is the letter I can’t seem to stop myself from reading.

Sienna,

Without further ado, let me continue to count the ways.

37. Your cute toes. (I’m sorry if this is triggering. If you need the warehouse restocked, let me know).

38. Your scowl. Even when you’re scowling at me, you’re still the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.

39. The way you rode my ice pick. Now that takes the number one fantasy spot.

Heat creeps up my neck as the wild images of yesterday’s “encounter” flood my senses.

40. The way you handle a gun like a natural.

41. The way you handle my gun like a natural, if you catch my drift.

Despite the eye roll, I still laugh.

42. Your fierce loyalty.

That’s all the time I have for now. Parting is such sweet sorrow.

Forever your loving husband,

Fabien