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My body did.
With that thought swirling around, I turned off my phone.
Just as I snuck out of the wood, something darted out of the scrub. I reached for my gun but then noticed a fluffy tail disappear in the scrub.
Dressed in black, I’d even streaked my face. I was that soldier again. I’d never stopped because I aimed to protect. And I wanted to deliver for Caroline Lovechilde because loyalty was paramount to me.
Although my bank account looked healthy, thanks to the Lovechildes’ generosity, I also liked them as people. They’d accepted me for who I was and didn’t lay on the airs and graces.
I positioned myself behind an elm that I’d discovered earlier while riding Drake’s new trail bike. I’d turned into that boy again, racing through the wood, getting off on the adrenaline. I even promised myself a new motorbike.
Fifteen minutes later, a van arrived. The driver stepped out along with Manon. He opened the side door, and six girls spilled out. I couldn’t exactly see what they looked like, but they struck me as young. Manon seemed to give them a pep talk.
She knocked on the door at the back of the casino, and when it opened, the girls, dressed in short skirts and high heels, filed in.
One girl refused to go in. I didn’t need to be a clairvoyant to guess what that meant. They were being asked to either perform naked or have sex. It had that look about it.
I would report back to Caroline and suggest an anonymous tip-off to the cops.
But what was Manon’s part in this?
Chapter 15
Manon
Thehotelboastedapostcard view of the Eiffel Tower and Champs-Élysées. Positioned close to the Louvre, the location couldn’t have been more fitting for a luxury destination.
“How did you swing this?” I stroked a silk embroidered scarf covering a white grand piano. “I must have missed that board meeting.”
Ethan smiled at my guilty smirk. “When it came up for sale, I jumped at it. You got the minutes?”
“I did. But you know me. I can’t get past the first addendum.”
Ethan flashed me a sympathetic smile instead of criticising my somewhat slack attitude toward family business matters.
Cian came scampering along the marble floor with Mirabel close behind and showed me his model of the Eiffel Tower.
“Oh, that’s nice.” I bent down, kissed his little cheek, then smiled at Mirabel and hugged her.
“I can’t get it out of his hand.” She splayed her palms. “He’s besotted by that little structure.”
“An architect in the family could be good.” I grinned.
“More like a train driver or an astronaut.” Mirabel’s comment made Ethan laugh as he gave her a lingering peck on the cheek.
Mm… Loved up as always.
Six months pregnant, Mirabel, looking all boho chic, was the picture of health in her green floral dress and lace-up ankle boots.
I pointed at the carved ceilings with shimmering crystal chandeliers. “It’s almost a replica of London.” Even the mahogany carpet, red velvet curtains, and an intimate bar decked in Art Deco reminded me of our hotel.
“That’s our brand, so to speak.” Ethan grinned, looking justifiably proud. He’d done a stellar job with that grand hotel.
“Each room has its distinct flavour. Some are modern, others classic. To suit all kinds of tastes. You got the photos?” he asked.
“I did.” I smiled apologetically. “I’m just all over the place.”
“Declan spoke to Lord Pike, who promised he’d have a word with Bram.”
