Page 30 of Wanted

“Jordan isn’t easily convinced about anything,” Fylox argued.

Alex’s thumb traced my collar bone again. His arms were endless, and his fingers looked like magic. I inhaled, taking in the citrus that followed Fylox around.

“I have an idea. I thought of it in bed, actually,” I confessed. More awkward silence. “No, I wasn’t touching myself inappropriately.” I’d done that quite often in the past, though. “I would never do that next to Mandy. She’s different.”

“You really need to learn how to filter yourself,” Fylox recommended.

Alex disagreed, “Nah, I like her just the way she is.”

“Anyway.” I continued, “We should get married.”

“What?” both men asked at the same time.

“Your dad mentioned that you have the press’ attention because you’re who you are. Well, I’m a missing Katantian princess. What better way to keep me out of danger than by letting everyone know who I’m with at all times?” It was a far-fetched plan, but it was an option.

“My dad also said Rawlins owns the media, baby,” Alex countered. “Then, there’s the league…”

“But does he own the league? Or social media users? Besides, I’m internationally known. People from all over the world will show interest once I make a comeback.”

“How I ended up with two Kardashians, I’ll never know,” Fylox uttered under his breath.

“What’s a Kardashian?”

Alex’s laugh filled me with joy. “We can’t go public. My father will have thought of that plan already. He’s not an amateur. If he says I need to go, I will. I don’t want to endanger Fylox’s or your life.”

“You don’t need to protect me,” Fylox interfered. “I can do that on my own these days.”

“I know. It feels better when I lie to myself that I can attribute to your safety,” Alex said.

“Fylox.”

“Yes, Kamila.”

“I’ve never heard you say my name.”

“You wanted to say something.”

I rattled myself awake from my swift daydream. “Yes.” I cleared my throat. “If you feel like telling me, I’d like to know what happened to you.”

♥♠♥

“Say something.”

I couldn’t.

“Leave her be,” Fylox said.

“She’s been quiet ever since you told her.” Alex’s thumb caressed my forehead. “She’s feverish again.”

“Check her pulse.”

I flinched, stirring away from Alex’s hand on my neck. I already felt like gagging. My stomach was uneasy. If he touched me there some more, I would throw up.

“Should we tell Dad?”

“It’s better if he doesn’t know that I told her.”

“He’ll find out once he sees her like this.”