Page 44 of She's Mine

My heart hammered as I answered the call. This could be it. He might be calling to tell me the Bloodline were finally caught, and Alyssa and I were free.

“David speaking. What’s up?” I asked on answering.

“David, I need you back in LA as soon as possible. There’s something important I need to discuss with you. I have a private chopper on the way to your place as we speak. Be ready to leave in ten minutes.”

The seriousness in Jeffrey’s voice jerked me fully awake, and I sat upright in bed.

“What’s going on?” I asked, as I climbed carefully out of bed, being as quiet as possible so that I didn’t wake Alyssa.

“I’ll explain everything once you’re here. This is something you’re going to want to hear in person.”

I instantly imagined the worst, and asked, “Are Charles and Pamela Blythe, okay?”

The idea of having to tell Alyssa either of her parents had been killed broke my heart.

“Don’t worry. The Blythe’s are still safe and secure. But I’ve sent for Scott and Pedro too. I need to speak with all of you.”

I was relieved to know Alyssa’s parents were safe, but the fact Jeffrey needed to see Scott, Pedro and I so desperately had me worried. What had the Bloodline done? What had Jeffrey and the team uncovered?

Knowing the quicker I got to LA, and the sooner I found out whatever Jeffrey needed to tell me, so that I could get back to Alyssa, I hurried to get dressed.

Once everything was ready, I gazed down at Alyssa. Part of me wanted to wake her and tell her what was going on, but she looked so peaceful as she slept that I didn’t want to ruin that. Plus, I didn’t want to worry her too much. With any luck, I’d be back before she even woke up in the morning. But just in case, I took a notepad and pen from my bedside table and left her a note explaining that Jeffrey had called me back to LA. In the letter I repeatedly stressed how important it was that she should not leave the property. No matter what.

As I headed towards the helipad to board the private chopper, I thanked my stars that I’d started training both Alyssa and Lawrence how to fire a gun. I didn’texpectfor anyone to find them here, but if a burglar or somethingdidtry to break in, at least they’d be able to protect themselves until either I or the police arrived.

I wasn’t a religious man, but as I got onto the chopper Jeffrey had sent, I said a silent prayer, begging whatever force was out there that Alyssa would be safe, and I’d be back to her soon.

20

ALYSSA

When I woke up to an empty bed, I thought nothing of it. Perhaps David was in the bathroom, or maybe he’d gotten up early to prepare breakfast for us.

I sat up, looked around the room, andthat’swhen I saw the note David had left for me on the nightstand.

Alyssa,

I’m so sorry to have to leave you in the early hours of the morning like this, but Jeffrey is sending a private chopper to bring me back to LA.

Don’t worry, your parents are alive and well.

Hopefully I’ll be back with you before you even wake up, and this note will be pointless.

But just in case I’m not back yet, please, do not, under any circumstances, leave the property. Let Lawrence deal with any deliveries there may be.

If something does happen, use the training I’ve given you to protect yourself, but don’t take any unnecessary risk. Call the police ASAP.

I hope to be back in your arms as soon as possible.

David XXX

I felt tears well in my eyes as I stared down at the note. What had happened that Jeffrey needed to whisk David away in the early hours of the morning? The only consolation I had was at least my parents were still safe.

Part of me didn’t even want to get up without David here, and the idea of staying in bed all day until he returned was very tempting. But finally, the call of nature won out, and I climbed out of bed, and headed for the bathroom.

As I showered, I thought about the night before, and the way I’d felt as David and I had made love.

I’d been feeling this way for a while now, but since last night, it had become undeniable.

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