Saved By A Billionaire Brit (10 page)

"Aww, come on, Alexa. They can't see us. When we get the private plane, I want to see those nipples naked and available. It's all I can do to keep from untying that dress and sucking those delicious tits. You really don't have on underwear, do you? No panties either? Are you wet for me? Let me have a quick feel." The flight attendant came up behind Rex and offered us a glass of wine. He quickly removed his hand and accepted a glass.

I exhaled audibly. I thought about how different this would be if it had been Robert instead of Rex. I would probably be giggling right now. Rex immediately sensed the conflict in my emotions.

"Rex, they sometimes arrest people for getting too intimate on planes. Don't do anything to prevent us from getting to Brazil. I know you don't want to attract unwanted attention."

"Sugar, we'll be landing in France, the home of accepted scandal. Europeans don't have the same ridiculous sense of modesty we do." He smirked and sipped his wine. It seemed he always had to have the last word. Rex had no idea about my adventures on the island. Suddenly regret swept over me. Robert and I had never experienced a fully naked return to the beach. I admit we had time, but I never had the nerve to go topless. I was certainly too shy to go totally naked. Given the chance to return, I intended to adopt European customs.

"Alexa, tell me again. Why did you leave your clothes at the hotel?" Rex seemed suddenly tense. He was obviously irritated at my rejection.

"It was all so sudden. I needed time to adjust, some time alone to think. I grabbed a few things and went to return the jeep. I knew Anne would mail anything else I needed. I trust her."

"You didn't trust me? You had to leave in such a hurry that you left part of your jewelry, your art, and all of your underwear?"

"Rex, have you forgotten that you dumped me? I was hurt and unsure. I don't have underwear because you arrived while I was in the shower. There was no reason to pull around the huge suitcase I brought to the Greek Islands. I'm certain I can buy wonderful lingerie in Paris. It's the best in the world. I'm not sure they wear much of anything in Brazil, a practice I intend to acquire. I'll need a huge supply of skimpy beachwear. It will be fun to shop for new dresses." I tried to smile seductively. I was supposed to be the predator in this situation, but I felt like the prey.

Thankfully, Rex fell silent for long stretches. I believe he was getting increasingly angry and suspicious. I spent the rest of the flight trying to improve his mood, but he didn't respond.

When we began our descent into Paris, I was both relieved and nervous. I wanted to plan my every move, but there was massive uncertainty.

I ran to the restroom while Rex and the bodyguard were waiting for luggage. As far as I was concerned, my part of the plan was over. All I wanted was Robert, but I couldn't phone him yet. I had to report to Sharon first.

I was anxious about my safety and frantic to be finished with all the stress, so I shouted at Sharon, "Where is Eric? I haven't seen him. How do I get out of here? I need to get away from Rex as quickly as I can."

"Eric watched you get off the plane. He contacted me when you landed. You have to stay with Rex for awhile because we still need you," Sharon replied. "It's very important to get him onto the next plane. We've talked to the French company and arranged for a pilot and crew. In fact, the bodyguard is going on to Brazil as the co-pilot. Just so you know, he isn't Anne's friend. He was always working for us. We considered telling you in Athens, but decided it was better to wait. Now it's time to give you the details. Part of his job is to distract Rex so you can slip away. Get as close to the new plane as you can before making a run for it. At least wait until you clear immigration. Watch for your chance." This was the first time I realized my job included fleeing. I had no idea how to do that. Now I was relieved that I left my heavy luggage in Greece. Even a purse and overnight bag seemed problematic if I had to run. And these shoes...

I dialed Robert but his cell reception was blocked by walls or something. Had he managed to get to Paris in time or was he out of range? In the chunnel? I didn't want to put my fate in hands of invisible Eric.

Rex was anxiously waiting for me when I emerged from the restroom.

"What took you so long? We have to get to immigration. I called, and our plane is ready. Some salespeople are going to meet us here in the terminal and take us straight to the jet. We will meet the remainder of the crew and sign papers aboard."

"Aren't we going to get food somewhere? I'm hungry."

"It's a transatlantic trip, Alexa. The plane has a flight attendant, a galley, and plenty of food. This is a new life, remember?" His tone was insulting. Then he grabbed me by the wrist and jerked me so roughly that I almost dropped everything. I felt like a kidnap victim.

Immigration was very, very crowded. Standing in long lines made Rex extremely anxious, and he started to mutter under his breath. There were endless papers to fill out and sign. It was wait, wait, wait and then hurry up. I was disoriented and simply followed everyone. When it was over, we rushed along faster than I could trot. I was trying to keep up and read the signs as we passed, but de Gaulle was the most confusing airport I had ever seen. It was impossible to gain any sense of location. Panic set in as I realized Robert would never find me in this maze. I couldn't get on the plane to Brazil!

"Rex, stop for a minute. All this rushing is making my bladder hurt. I've got to go to the restroom again." Of course, it was only an excuse to phone Robert. I had no idea how far we were from the plane. I desperately needed to reach him.

"What is going on with you? You just went to the restroom a few minutes ago. We need to hurry. I want to get on the plane now. This is taking too long." A vein was throbbing in his neck.

"Calm down, Rex. Earlier you were talking about shopping and looking at art. Now I can't even stop to pee?"

"I changed my mind," Rex hissed through clenched teeth. He squeezed my arm and put his mouth next to my ear. "If they suddenly decide to detain us, you are now an accessory to crime. Remember that while you are in the restroom."

I pulled away from him and went to phone Robert. Inside, I immediately started to dial. Then I turned and realized Rex had followed me into the women's restroom!

"Who the hell are you phoning? You've been lying to me. Just what are you trying to do?" He grabbed my left wrist again and twisted. I managed to hang onto my phone and shove it into the pocket of the travel bag. I hadn't seen Eric anywhere, and if I couldn't find Robert I was doomed. I was terrified Rex would take away my phone.

When he pulled me back into the open terminal, he turned to give the money bag to the bodyguard. I assumed it was so he could get a better hold on me. I took the moment to pull away at a run. The heels were impossible, so I took two hops and left the shoes on the floor. With one hand I pulled the long strap on my purse over my head so I could wear it cross body. I could see a sign ahead indicating a route to another area. I wanted to shout for help, but suddenly realized local police might arrest Rex. That wasn't what Sharon wanted. I wasn't sure why, but it might have something to do with French extradition. So I just ran. Behind me I heard the bodyguard yelling at Rex.

"Just guard the satchel with your life and watch the luggage," Rex shouted back. "I'll handle this. Stay here and wait for me."

I was opening daylight between us during his pause, trying to follow the strange signs. They pointed straight ahead but the terminal ended abruptly in a wall. There was a huge open door to my left, so I veered outside along a fenced porch. I was shocked that the porch ended with a fence. Just beyond was a grassy area, like a lawn, and past that was another building. Unless I climbed the fence, it was a dead end.

Behind me there were two or three people sweeping the porch.

"How do I get to that building?" I pointed across the grassy area. I prayed one of them could speak English.

"Just go back inside. On the other side of the wall you will see an elevator. The top floor has a sky bridge to that building." One man pointed, and the other man nodded.

I ran back inside, around a wall to the elevator, and hammered the button with my fist. I could see Rex running toward me. At least I knew he didn't have a gun, but the thought didn't comfort me. Maybe if he got too close I could throw my travel bag at him. At last the elevator door opened, and I ran inside frantically searching for a button to close the door. When the door snapped shut, I slumped with temporary relief. I had no plan. I needed to attempt another phone call to Robert, but how was I supposed to do that while being chased by a madman? And where was Eric?

I was trying to think calmly, but I began to wonder about stairs instead. Could Rex be running up the stairs? I hadn't seen any stairs, but I wasn't looking. Would the doors open to danger? I could stop the elevator and try the phone again, but as I was considering that plan, the elevator opened. And yes, there was a man standing there. The human brain sees what it expects to see, and I started to scream.

"Alexa, Alexa. Don't be frightened. It's me, Robert."

"Robert? You don't understand. Rex is chasing me. He is trying to drag me onto a plane and take me to South America. I think he would hurt me. In fact, he has already hurt my wrist." I stumbled forward and fell into Robert's arms. His body was the best thing I'd ever touched. My pounding heart was suddenly at home.

"It's going to be fine. No one is going to hurt you. I already know Rex is chasing you. I was on the phone with Sharon and Eric. I knew where to find you because they were tracking you through the GPS on your cell phone, and Eric is following close behind."

I couldn't let go of Robert. Feeling returned to most of my body. Then I heard the elevator moving behind me and the swish of opening doors. I flinched, expecting something to happen.

Rex shouted, "Who the hell are you? Get your hands off my fiance or I'm going to make you very sorry."

Robert pushed me behind him and faced his adversary directly. He didn't say anything immediately. Then Rex stepped out of the elevator.

Robert spoke softly, "Don't come any closer. Stand where you are. You need to realize that I grew up in Africa, and sometimes I had to deal with physical violence. And I will die before I let you touch Alexa."

"I don't think you could stop me. I know enough about airports to know you don't have a gun. She is coming with me, so get out of the way."

"I don't need a gun. If you start a fight and then drag Alexa through the airport, everyone will notice. You might be interested to know that I have law enforcement with me. In fact, they sent me here. There is an officer watching you as we speak, and he does have a gun. They're willing to let you go without incident if you leave Europe immediately. We all know you have a plane waiting, and I urge you to turn around and board it straightaway. There is no reason to force Alexa. I promise that will result in your arrest, but if you insist on fighting, give it a go. I am keen to beat the bloody hell out of you."

Rex mumbled some curses and stepped back into the elevator. I lost the strength to stand, and Robert had to hold me. I wanted to sit down, but he wanted to move quickly away from danger.

"How far is your car?" We started across the elevated walkway, and I looked down to realize some kind of highway or railway bisected the airport.

"It isn't far to the aeroplane," Robert answered.

"I don't have a ticket, unless Sharon bought one for me."

"You don't need one. It's my aeroplane. Well, it really belongs to my mother, but she doesn't use it anymore. Mum leases the plane to the charity when needed. We are on the way to Kenya, along with two cargo planes filled with supplies and medicine. They topped off our petrol while I was looking for you, so the planes should be ready. John is on one of the other planes, and I sent him to find more food and snacks. I thought you might be hungry."

"Alexa, I have a confession to make. My family is the major contributor to the charity. I'm not only the charity director; I'm a philanthropist. I haven't dated anyone in the U.K. recently because my status is well known there. My only serious girlfriend was an heiress. I hope you are not offended because I didn't offer up my pedigree and financial standing earlier. It's hard to discuss without sounding like I have an ego problem, nor is it a good opening move for courtship. Can you forgive me?"

I was too shocked to say anything as we walked along. He was practically carrying me. I suppose he had offered clues: a house in the Lake District and membership in a London club. The earrings he bought for me in Greece were probably black diamonds. At the time I missed the hints because I didn't know much about English society.

The pilot met us at the foot of a rolling stairway. I was almost too weak to climb the steps, even with two men helping me. Once again I was shocked. This time it was the size of the plane. Robert settled me onto a large sectional sofa in the center of the plane and tucked a blanket around me.

"This is the living room?" I asked. He leaned over and kissed me gently.

"Yes, we Brits call it a lounge, but I often ride somewhere else when we deliver charity supplies. I usually need this large area to carry as much cargo as possible. There is also a bedroom, a galley, a loo with a shower, an office, an employee lounge, and cargo space. Since you are on this trip, I limited the cargo to the office and storage areas. You and I have the main lounge, a loo, galley, and bedroom. There is a seatbelt, so buckle up because we'll be in the air in few minutes."

I lay back and closed my eyes. Robert's phone rang, and after the conversation I heard him giving orders.

"Hold the plane. Don't close the door. Someone is coming onboard."

When I opened my eyes, Sharon was walking across the cabin.

"I hope I'm welcome here. Have you forgiven me?" Her tumbled hair looked like an aura. She still needed some blonde streaks.

I managed a weak smile.

"I know you must be exhausted, but I thought it would give you peace of mind to know what is happening. Rex's plane is already on the runway. He won't escape. Thanks to you, we hired the pilot, and our bodyguard made it on board as the co-pilot. Rex thinks the plane is en route to the Caribbean and then Brazil. When he steps off the plane, he will be in New York instead, and the FBI will be there to arrest him. Rex can never bother you again. You did a great job. This was a win/win for all of us. Just so you know, I did everything to keep you safe. You are still my best friend. Should I send your money to England?"