Page 80 of The Grizzly Situation
“I did. I’ll take the jet, but only this one time.”
“You will take the jet anytime you go somewhere. Non-negotiable.”
“What makes you think I’ll listen to you?”
He put his hands under my armpits and lifted me off the floor. I loved the strength he possesses. Sometimes I wonder if he’s aware of it himself. “Once again,you are my mate! I can’t say it any other way. I will take care of you, no matter how you argue. If you refuse to let me, I’ll have Cullin grab the ropes.” He leaned in and kissed me. “Life as you knew it has changed. Time to travel with the sleuth now.”
I sighed. What could I say? Who says no to a billionaire? “Fine.”
He smirked. “Now you’re getting it.” He gave me a noogie. “No one says we need to go hog wild. I try to keep spending to a minimum because, again, the money is the sleuths. My father kept them poor, and I won’t compound his mistake.”
“I don’t think I like your dad too much.”
A snort. “I doubt you’ll find many who did. He’s gone now, so we’re good. All right, get a bag packed so you can go see my brother-in-law. Bring back cake!”
This man.
Cullin drove me to the airstrip the next day and we headed out. That was when the real problem began.
Jamie and Deb picked me up from the airport. I grabbed my bag and went to the doors to meet them. Deb was radiant, although she waddled like a duck.
“Say one word, mister, and you’ll go back without your balls.”
I leaned in and hugged her. “You’re beautiful,” I whispered in her ear.
“I know,” she replied, then stuck her tongue out at me.
We weren’t even to the car when my phone rang. I glanced at the caller ID and saw it was Amelia.
“Can you give me a sec?” I asked. “I need to take this call.”
“Sure, go for it. I want ice cream,” Deb said. Jamie was already heading for the kiosk. “Man, I have him well trained.”
Then we both snickered. I retreated to a quiet corner and answered the call.
“Amelia? Is everything okay?”
“The boys are fine. They’re a little grumpy because you’re not home, but you did explain it, so it wasn’t a surprise.”
“Then what’s wrong?”
“It’s Mr. Lockhart.”
It felt as though the blood froze in my veins.
“What’s wrong with Brent?” I demanded.
“All afternoon he’s been groaning like he’s in pain. He was calling for you, but then we reminded him you were visiting your brother, and he said ‘oh, yeah. I forgot.” It was quiet for about another twenty minutes, then it would start over. We’re worried about him. He’s listless, unfocused. Even the boys are concerned.”
But he was fine when I left and—no. Chaim’s words came back to me. Being away from the mate was physically painful. Brent was hurting because I’d left.
“Give him your phone,” I told Amelia. “Hurry.”
I could hear her footsteps racing through the mansion. “Mr. Lockhart? Uly’s on the phone.”
“Uly.” That one word sounded like a plea. Then his voice got stronger. “Uly? Baby?”
“Hey, lover boy. I hear you miss me.”
