The Contract With Her Father's Billionaire Rival-Chapter 71. Suzie And Walt.

Panic surged inside Nicolette as she stood in the hallway. She could already detect the stress in Suzie’s voice.

She exhaled, rubbing her temple. "How... come... how did he...?"

"I don’t know," Suzie said, her voice shaking slightly. "The other day, I saw him at my work."

Nicolette gasped. "Oh my God. And Walt?"

Panic rose inside her. She didn’t want to think about the terror she and Suzie would face if Troy had gotten to Walter.

The thought sent deep chills down her spine.

"I went crazy about it," Suzie admitted. "I call the school every ten minutes. And you know how that is."

Suzie was a waitress; she didn’t have the luxury of taking so many breaks.

"Yes, I do. But is he safe?"

"Yes. For now," Suzie said softly. "But I can’t begin to imagine—"

"Don’t imagine," Nicolette cut her off. "Nothing is going to happen to him. Where are you?"

"I’m still at Le Rez, the hotel Mr. Allens got for us," Suzie replied.

"Alright. I’m on my way. Just wait for me."

"Okay. Thank you, love," Suzie said and ended the call.

Nicolette sighed, trying to ease the tension in her chest. Troy was dangerous—the last fight they had had almost ruined everything, and it had nearly destroyed Suzie both mentally and physically.

She couldn’t let that happen again. She had to do something.

She returned to the dining room, and as Alaric had said, he was waiting.

His brow lifted when he saw her face. "Hey, what’s up?"

"I have to go see Suzie," she announced without sitting down.

Alaric stood up. "Why? What happened?"

"Her ex is around. She thinks he’s stalking her. I need to check on her."

"Oh. Do you want me to come with you?" he asked, placing his hand on her shoulder.

Her body sizzled at the touch, and her cheeks heated up. "I... no need for that. We’ll sort it out."

He looked into her eyes, his blue gaze piercing into her soul. "Are you sure?"

She nodded, biting her lip.

"Don’t do that," he hissed, dropping his hand.

She blinked. "Do what?"

"Bite your lips," he said softly, almost in pain. He turned to the table, placing his hands on it. "Okay, you’ll have to go with some guards."

She blinked at the sudden shift but replied, "Okay."

"Go get dressed, then."

What was wrong with him? Why was he—Oh...

She noticed the tension in his trousers and immediately understood. Her cheeks burned as she quickly turned and hurried to her room.

She changed into black jeans and threw on a designer top for a touch of luxury. She slipped into pink furry shoes and carried a pink Hermès bag. After adjusting her hair and spraying on some perfume, she left the room.

When she got outside, Alaric, Trainer, and another bodyguard were waiting for her.

"This is Wex," Alaric said, pointing to the new guard. "He and Trainer will accompany you to Suzie’s hotel."

"Okay," she said, grateful. "Thank you."

Alaric opened the car door for her as the guards climbed in. Nicolette slid inside, but Alaric didn’t immediately close the door.

He pulled her face to his with his hands and kissed her deeply. His tongue raced in her mouth as he pressed his hard body to her.

When he pulled away, she was breathless.

"Stay safe," he whispered and closed the door.

Nicolette melted into the car seat, her heart fluttering from the suddenness and urgency of the kiss. She touched her lips, as a smile formed.

She was all smiles until they reached the hotel. Wex opened the door for her, and together with Trainer, they made their way into the reception area.

She dialed Suzie’s number and waited for the call to connect.

"Lettie!" Suzie called from down the hall.

Nicolette turned and saw her. They hugged each other tightly.

"I missed you," Nicolette said as they made their way to the elevator.

"Missed you too," Suzie said with a smile. "Your honeymoon didn’t last long?"

"No. We had to come back home."

Suzie turned and leaned closer. "But you got the dick and sunshine?"

"Suzie!" Nicolette gasped, laughing. Her cheeks warmed, and her body jerked as memories of riding Alaric’s face flashed through her mind.

"Uh-huh, you did," Suzie teased, laughing.

Nicolette didn’t say anything. She just laughed too.

The elevator door opened, and Suzie led them to her room. Trainer and Wex waited outside while Nicolette followed Suzie inside.

"This is beautiful," Nicolette said, her eyes sweeping across the room.

It was huge and elegantly decorated, with a big window offering a magnificent view.

"Where’s Walt?" she asked, sitting on the blue couch.

"He’s sleeping," Suzie replied as she sat next to her. But then her expression changed.

Nicolette noticed and moved closer. "How are you?"

"Scared," Suzie admitted, her voice dropping. 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

Nicolette wrapped her arms around Suzie’s shoulders. "I understand. I’m sorry, dear. How did he know you were at work?"

Suzie shrugged. "I have no idea, but it scares me so much."

Nicolette tightened her hold, her heart pounding. Suzie was hardly shaken by anything, and she knew how important Walt was to her.

"He is not going to come close," she said firmly, assuring her. "I’ll talk to Alaric. He’ll do something about it."

"Thank you, Lettie," Suzie said with a warm smile, though Nicolette could see the worry still etched on her face.

"What happened with Mrs. Wahlberg?"

"Oh, that," Suzie said, her tone flipping with amusement. "When I went home to get some things, I saw her. She kept shouting about how my fancy friends hit her grandson. Apparently, she’s taking me to court for that."

Nicolette’s mind flashed back to that day. "Don’t worry. Alaric will handle it too. Mrs. Wahlberg shouldn’t be a problem."

Suzie arched her brow.

"What?" Nicolette asked, curious.

"Alaric? What happened to Mr. Allens?" Suzie teased.

"Well, you know," Nicolette said, leaning back on the couch, her cheeks flushed and a smirk tugged at her lips.

"You freak!" Suzie exclaimed.

"I know," she admitted, and they both burst out laughing.

Nicolette then told Suzie about Winters Island and everything that had happened there.

"Don’t you think the media will think it’s weird you’re back so soon?" Suzie asked.

"I think Alaric has got that covered," she said.

It felt good talking about Alaric until she remembered how he had reacted when she asked about Australia. She didn’t mention that to Suzie, she just let the thought lodge quietly in her head.

They talked some more, and Nicolette told Suzie about Lucian’s gift. Suzie gasped, shocked by Lucian’s and Ronald’s audacity.

"The police department called about the fire," Nicolette added.

Suzie straightened up. "And? Any progress?"

"Nope. Just a grainy picture of a man with full black hair," Nicolette said, the image haunting her mind.

"Do you recognize him?" Suzie asked.

"No," Nicolette replied, shaking her head. "But if I see him now, I’ll definitely remember."

Unless he shaved that mop of hair.

Suzie squeezed Nicolette’s hand. "I’m sorry, love."

"Thank you," Nicolette smiled. "I think it’s time for me to go. I haven’t slept or eaten since I got back."

As if on cue, her stomach growled, and they both laughed.

"Thank you for coming, Lettie," Suzie said, hugging her tightly.

Nicolette felt Suzie tremble and her chest tightened. She had to act fast, even before Alaric could help.

Then an idea formed.

"Wex will stay here with you," she said.

Suzie lifted a brow. "Who’s that?"

"The bodyguard," Nicolette said, gesturing toward the door. "He’ll stay here until Alaric figures something out."

"Oh, Lettie," Suzie’s voice cracked.

"I would never forgive myself if something happened to you two," Nicolette said, her voice tight with emotion.

Suzie hugged her again. "Thank you, Lettie."

"I’ll come see you later. I promise."

Suzie nodded, her eyes glistening with gratitude.

Nicolette waved. "Bye."

"Bye, love."

Out in the corridor, Nicolette turned to Wex. "I want you to keep my friend safe until further notice."

Wex nodded. "Yes, ma’am."

She faced Trainer. "Let’s go."

They both took the elevator down. Nicolette’s tension eased somewhat, knowing Suzie and Walt were now protected—at least until they figured out a more solid plan.

At least until Troy found them.

Her throat tightened, but she swallowed it down, refusing to let fear overwhelm her.

Just as they reached the reception area, she saw Lucian.

She gasped.

Lucian was standing by the elevator door, and by the looks of it, he was waiting patiently for her, with a smirk playing on his lips.

Her shock quickly turned into anger. "What are you doing here?"

Lucian’s smirk deepened. "You came. I knew you would."

Nicolette blinked. "What?"

"My opening party," Lucian said smugly. "It’s just next door. Let’s go."