The Billionaire's Ex Girlfriend (2015)

Chapter Six

“We’ve changed the locks and employee key cards. Now, whenever someone enters an administrative room, their name and the time of their entry will go on record.”

Madrick and Serena were sitting on a lounger by the pool, following a valet. The young man had been present at most of the incidences, but something about him didn’t feel right to either Madrick or Selena. The kid was just that, a kid. Could he really have the skills to destroy a resort?

The kid made his way around the pool. He pulled on the collar of his white polo. It was hot. It was Miami. The weather was nothing new.

Serena looked over at Madrick. Today he wore khakis, but his shirt and boots were will black. His entire wardrobe seemed to be a mixture of 007 and G.I. Joe. A pair of dark shades sat on his face. “It’s been strangely quiet since your arrival,” Madrick continued.

He was right. Not one incident had occurred since her arrival. Serena had interviewed everyone that had been on the scene for the incidence. She hadn’t alerted anyone to the fact that she was indeed a private investigator. She’d just come off as a chatty guest, wanting to know the ins and outs of everything. But… “Maybe someone knows why I’m here.”

Madrick’s men were helping, yet we’d all come up empty handed. July fourth was tomorrow and Serena suspected that if someone else was going to go wrong, it would either today or tomorrow. If someone really wanted to ruin Troy, that would be the way to go. If they were able to pull something off while the resort would be packed, then they were sure to dampen Troy’s profits.

“Or, maybe you’re this places good luck charm,” Madrick smiled her way.

Serena shook her head. “I highly doubt it.”

Madrick head was still turned in her direction, but she couldn’t see his eyes. “So, what’s up with you and Troy?”

Blunt much? Serena narrowed her honey colored eyes at him. “I fail to see how that’s relevant to our jobs.”

“It’s not, but since we’re all going to be a big family soon.”

Serena looked puzzle. “What are you talking about?”

He’d leaned up on his elbow. “Me and Paris. We’re getting married. Did you know?”

Serena laughed. She’d been hanging out with Paris almost every night since her arrival. Serena had asked her friend about her romance with Madrick. The answer had been plain. “I think you’ve got your wires mixed up. Paris is not marrying you.”

Madrick’s smile never wavered. “No, but I’m slowly wearing her down.”

Serena smiled. She didn’t doubt it. She’d seen the way Paris had blushed the night she’d danced with Madrick. “I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.”

Madrick rose from his chair. Their target was moving. “Catch you later, sister-in-law.”

Serena shook her head at his departing broad back. Life was a crazy ride. She couldn’t imagine what it feels to have a man like that want her that bad. But she didn’t want Madrick, she wanted Troy.

Serena stood up then and went to sit by the pool. Her feet were immediately cooled by the chlorine water. While Madrick was focusing his attention on employees, Serena was now focusing more of her time on the guest who seemed to never leave. There were a few wealthy people who’d looked to have decided to stay at the resort for the entire summer. Serena didn’t even want to know how much that was costing them.

“This is magnificent.”

“I’m glad you think so,” a deep voice responded. A voice that’s warmth battled the Miami heat.

Serena didn’t have to look over to know where the voice had come from. Troy. She hadn’t seen him since she kicked him out of her room. She didn’t want to move, knowing it might alert Troy to her presents.

“The Palace is a fine resort, but you’re going to have some serious competition once my resort is complete in the next few months. But for now, I'll take one of finest rooms.” The man with Troy had a laugh in his voice. 

Just listening to him speak, Serena could tell he was older. She looked over her shoulder then. The man was large. Round. Rings sat around his thick fingers. He had serious money. Yet, so did Troy, but Troy didn’t need to wear a ton of jewellery to let people know. Just standing in the same room as the man was enough to feel his power.

He wore a suit. White. A light blue shirt complimented his eyes, making them glow like diamonds. His eyes turned towards her. Serena stopped breathing. The man he was with looked her way as well. Without thinking, Serena jumped into the chilly waters of the pool. She swam to the other side, not coming up for air until she was on the other side.

When she turned back around, Troy and the man were gone. She sighed and climbed out.

“Running from me now?”

Serena looked up from her position on the pool stairs. Troy held out a towel for her, she took it, but what she wouldn’t take what the bait. Serena wouldn’t take about their relationship, or the nonexistence of it. “Who was that guy?” She asked, changing the subject.

She saw a fight build in his eyes before her past. “That’s Carl Fletcher. He’s building a resort not too far down the strip from this one.”

Serena wiped her face with the towel. She looked into Troy’s eyes. His face was unreadable. There were no emotions. It was as if nothing had happened between them. She hoped her face showed the same, but doubted it.

She started to walk towards a bar. Troy followed, not saying much. It made her very aware of her state of undress. Her red bikini was simple, but very revealing. “Do you think he could have something to do with what’s going on?” They’d made it to the bar. Serena ordered water. For some reason, her throat felt dry.

Troy took one of the bar seats next to her. “I don’t think so, but anything is possible. Have you found anything yet?”

Serena sighed. “No, not yet.” She, Madrick, and his team had been putting their work in, but had seen no results. It sucked to not have anything to show so far.

Troy sighed as well. “I have a feeling that all hell might break loose tomorrow. I don’t want anyone to get hurt. Maybe I should hire more security, just for the holidays.”

“Sounds like a good idea.”

There was a moment of silence.

Then Troy whispered low enough for no one to hear. “I would never ask you to get an abortion.” His eyes were very serious.

Serena looked away. “I rather not talk about this here.” She didn’t want to talk about it, especially in a public place.

“Have dinner with me tonight.” He’d said it as a statement, but he was asking. Serena could hear it. And so, she thought about what answer she would give. What was there to discuss? She loved him. He didn’t love her. The end. Case closed. Nothing would change that.

Troy grabbed Serena’s hand. He didn’t say anything until her tawny eyes met his. When her head did turn towards his, he brought his head close to hers. His voice was low. “I miss us.”

Serena’s looked up at him in confusion.

Troy continued. “We were friends longer than we weren’t. Don’t you remember? We shouldn’t have to throw it away because of simple lust.”

Serena looked away. She would have laughed if it didn’t hurt. Troy didn’t know. How could he? She’d never told him. Maybe that was the problem. She looked up at him. “It’s not just lust, Troy.”

This time, Troy’s handsome face held the confusion.

Serena shook her head. “I love you. I don’t know when it started, but it started long before we had sex. I have always loved you.” If Troy had been confused before, he was surely confused now. His mind was still trying to work out the details when he opened his mouth to speak. But Serena stopped him. A single manicured finger pressed to his firm lips. “Don’t say anything,” Serena pleaded. “I just wanted you to know.”

Strangely, a feeling of ease seeped from Serena’s body. It was as though a burden had been lifted off her shoulders. He knew. Her little secret was out. It no longer controlled her, scared her.

She stepped back. Her hand left his lips. She stepped into the sun, no longer hidden in the shadow of the bar’s cabana.

Troy puzzled look hadn’t changed.

A small smile touched Serena lips. “I can’t be your friend, Troy.” Her arms went up in a ‘I’m sorry’ gesture.

Serena turned then, spotting her target. The older woman was on the move. So was Serena. She left.

Leaving Troy behind.