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“True.” He sighs. “Fine. Your man can come too.”

“Send the dates and hotel information so I can have my guys check it out and keep it secure.”

“My men are already on it, but fine. It doesn’t hurt to be extra careful.” He agrees

“Thanks. Bye, Lloyd.” I hang up, nearly tossing my phone aside.

Within minutes, the travel dates and hotel details come through. He booked the trip like it was some romantic getaway with a secret woman. Three weeks ago, that would’ve bothered me. Now it doesn’t. What bothers me is the heavy feeling that he might not bring her back. Fuck. Or worse, the fact that I have no control over the choices he makes when it comes to her.

I forward the hotel details to Malik and tell Grayson to put it on the schedule so my men can survey the place. At least I know where they’ll be. I’m not taking any risks. My men are going with them. She’s my girl, even if he doesn’t know it.

Chapter forty-eight

Lexi/Jola

Bruce returns home early. We are in our usual spot, my head resting on his shoulder when he quietly says, “Your brother called today.”

I sit up right away. “What’s wrong?” I ask just as my heart rapidly pounds, he takes my hand to calm me.

“Nothing is wrong. He wants to come pick you up the day after tomorrow, Wednesday, and bring you back on Saturday. Something about your birthday, and the fact that he won’t be able to visit then.”

My grin is wild. I’m already happy. “He didn’t forget. Did he say where we are going?”

“New York.”

“Yes!” I punch the air. He just watches me, expressionless. “Is Ice coming with me?” I ask.

“Yes, Ice is going with you.”

“Perfect. You won’t miss me too much, right, Mr. Darcy?”

“I will certainly miss you, sprinkles, but you can have fun with your brother and return to me on Saturday,” he says. I hear uncertainty in his voice. He avoids my eyes. I don’t squeeze his hand. I’m afraid he might lie to me. Instead, I ask,

“Do you think I won’t return?”

“I don’t know what Jonah has planned,” he says in a quiet tone. I sense his struggle with this decision.

“Jonah isn’t sneaky. If he wants to remove me from here, he’ll tell you.” I offer

“Alright, sprinkles. I won’t worry about you leaving. Not like I won’t come after you, but I won’t worry,” he states, firm.

I gasp at him and kiss him, which quickly turns into my leggings coming off and me riding him.

Over the next two days, I wrap up at work. Julian is very kind to give me Thursday and Friday off, as long as I get certain things done. Tricia isn’t happy about the fact that she won’t see Ice. He promises to call her. My bags are packed and ready when notice comes that the car is waiting downstairs to drive Ice and me to the airport.

“Do you have to take that?” Bruce says, nodding at my backpack that I never part with. He knows I can’t leave it behind, and I can see on his face that he still thinks I may not return. I go to him and kiss him.

“I’ll be back on Saturday. You know why this bag goes with me.” I quietly remind

He nods.

“Go, before I change my mind about letting you leave.” He nudges to the door

I leave his room and meet Ice in the living room.

“Where’s boss?” he asks.

“He said we should leave before he changes his mind.”