Free BROTHERS OF ST. BARTS a totally addictive romance read (St. Barts Romance Books Series Book 6) by EMME CROSS Page A

well thought of, polished, older. I thought he was glamorous. He was my mentor.”
    Astrid noticed that the phrase made Sunny start. “It’s not so unusual. A novice often takes on a mentor to help them get ahead and gain experience.” Sunny agreed in a strangled voice that yes, inexperienced women often acquired mentors.
    Astrid continued. “It was strictly business for a long time, almost a year, and then one night I was working late. He showed up at the office and needed to access some of the confidential files. I was working in accounts and I knew the password so I got him the information. That night we went to bed. It had been a long time between lovers and he was wonderful. I didn’t hear from him for a few days and then the notice went up that he was going to a rival company. That’s why he wanted the information. He was stealing clients and secrets. I didn’t realize right away how I’d been used.”
    “He got in touch with me a few months later and convinced me to follow him to the new company. I thought it was for the best. I was worried someone would find out what I’d done and that I’d be fired or charged. Nobody did. They even gave me a going away party. The new job was better — more money, a title and an office. I started investing in bonds and stocks, squirreling away money for the future. Nils kept an eye on me but always at arm’s length. I found out later that he’d put in a good word for me with my boss. But he didn’t make a move. After a time, it was as though that night had never happened.” The electricity came back on so suddenly both women jumped and even Sponge woke up with a bark. Sunny got up and filled the kettle to make tea. Astrid was worrying at the marks she’d made on her inner arms. They were trickling blood again and it began to drip slowly into her palms.
    The night seemed endless. Sunny wished that someone knew she wasn’t alone, and that Astrid was here.
    Not that she was worried for herself, but she was pregnant and there was Bliss. She realized that both of them were vulnerable. She looked at the knife block on the kitchen counter. They were all there, in their rightful places. Even the fish filleting knife, like the one Clyde used on Sven.
    Clyde!
    He was the last person who had lusted after Sven and she hadn’t realized the danger until it was almost too late. She couldn’t take chances now, though Astrid didn’t look dangerous except to herself. She was still picking at those marks on the inside of her arms with her long pointed nails.
    Sunny slipped the cellphone into her pocket, making sure it was charged and ready for use. Just in case, she thought, wishing Judith was nearby. Judith or Sven.
    Who could she call?
    Liam? His job was to keep her safe but she couldn’t ask him to protect her from his own mother. If she were to call him, she’d have to explain why Astrid was here and she didn’t think the boy knew about his real father.
    Sunny spied a pile of mail on the counter. There was a letter from Raisa to answer and a Russian stamp Stellan would like.
    Stellan! Her pen pal. He was calm and steady and never seemed to panic.
    She glanced over at Astrid who was still sitting on the couch, gazing into space.
    “The water’s boiling. I’ll just put the tea on to steep.”
    With one hand she filled the pot with water and camomile. The other she kept beneath the lip of the counter, hidden from view. She scrolled down the list of contacts to Stellan and quickly texted: Astrid is here and very upset. Could you come? If you can, text me back about a stamp. If not, text me something about the storm.
    She hit send and slipped the cell phone into her pocket. There was no indication Astrid had noticed.
    Catching sight of her daughter, she walked as briskly as her belly would allow to the couch and scooped up the sleeping child.
    “Help me put her to bed and you can change into a robe. We might as well be comfortable.”
    Astrid went ahead of her up the back