Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 70826 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 354(@200wpm)___ 283(@250wpm)___ 236(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 70826 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 354(@200wpm)___ 283(@250wpm)___ 236(@300wpm)
Max takes the envelope, and without another word, we turn around and leave the hotel.
A smile spreads over my face as we walk to the SUV. “That was so cool. I feel like a spy.”
Max shakes his head, but I notice the corner of his mouth twitching.
Once we’re safely in our vehicle and driving down the road, he says, “Check inside the envelope.”
I tear the side open and take out my passport and a smaller envelope. My name is written on it in Papa’s handwriting.
“Got my passport,” I say while I open the second envelope. I pull out a single piece of paper.
Camille,
I’m so sorry this is happening. I miss you, mon amour. Please know I’ll do everything in my power to make France safe for you again.
I’ve opened an account in your name at St. Monarch’s. Should anything happen to me, Max can help you access the money I’ve placed there for safekeeping.
Please, mon amour, try not to worry.
Keep the following numbers safe: 58962
There’s nothing I love more than you.
Papa.
I don’t realize I’m crying until a tear splats onto the letter. I quickly wipe my cheeks dry and read the words again.
Suddenly Max pulls the SUV over to the side of the road before wrapping his arm around my shoulders. “What’s wrong?”
A smile trembles around my lips. “It’s a letter from my father. I just miss him.”
He presses a kiss to my forehead, then says, “You’ll see him soon.”
God, I hope so. As much as I’m enjoying this impromptu vacation with Max, I miss my father terribly.
I have to remember to memorize the number before I burn the letter.
I fold the letter again and tuck it back into the envelope. “Papa said he opened an account at St. Monarch’s for me.”
Max pulls away from me, and steering the SUV back onto the road, he murmurs, “That’s a good precaution.”
Precaution or not, it fills me with worry.
Leaning forward, I pick up my purse from where it’s lying by my feet and tuck my passport and the letter inside it. My eyes land on my cell phone, which I haven’t switched on since we left my penthouse.
Jesus, I haven’t even thought about my penthouse.
I wonder if Papa had all the damages fixed. How did he explain the attack to the media?
God, I’ve been closed off from the world.
“How long before we reach the border?” I ask as I glance around us.
“Thirty minutes. Have you been to Switzerland?”
Nodding, I reply, “Yes. Papa and I used to spend our winter vacations skiing in the Alps.” Clearing my throat, I ask, “Do you know what happened after the attack? Was there a press release?”
Max nods. “Yes, everyone thinks it’s a burglary gone wrong. They were told the police responded, and a gunfight ensued. You’re on a much-needed vacation in Bali to recover from the trauma.”
My lips part with shock. “And they believed it?”
“Money can cover up anything and buy anyone’s silence, Cami.”
“Right,” I relax back in my seat and place my hand on his thigh again. “It’s good news, though, and I have a story for when I return from this vacation.”
There’s a moment’s silence, then Max asks, “Do you want to return?”
My eyebrows lift. “To France? Of course.”
“No, I mean to your life,” he explains. “Being a socialite.”
“Honestly?” I think for a moment. “No.” My tongue darts out to wet my lips. “I’m thinking of talking to my father so I can step away from the spotlight.”
“What will you do then?” he asks, “Sell your photos?”
“Yes.” I let out a sigh. “Among other things.” I turn my head and look at Max. “I just want to do something that’s more satisfying.”
“You can always become my lookout while I’m on a job,” he jokes.
I let out a chuckle. “I didn’t think you had it in you to make a joke.”
Max’s eyes lock with mine for a second, and the smile drops from my face. “Are you serious?”
He shrugs and places his hand on top of mine. “I can promise you it will be a hell of a lot more exciting than being a socialite.”
A doubtful chuckle escapes me. “My father will have a heart attack.”
“You’re twenty-seven, Cami. Make your own decisions in life.”
I shake my head. “You’re insane.”
Silence falls between us again, and the rest of the way to the border, my thoughts are filled with wild fantasies of Max and me becoming a couple like Bonnie and Clyde.
But that’s all it will ever be – a wild fantasy.
Chapter 23
Max
When I finally stop the SUV at my safe house in Bern, I’m fucking tired of driving. Cami offered, but I know she doesn’t have defensive driving skills, so I refused. Also, I’m a control freak.
I climb out and stretch my muscles while my eyes sweep over the area.
“It’s beautiful here,” Cami comments as she comes around the front of the vehicle. “Are all your safe houses cabins?”