Free Fugitive Millionaire (Fugitive Millionaire Book One) by Jaclyn Brooks

someone just let the air out of her happy future. Her mind is struggling to accept the reality of what she’s just learned. Fabian was at the hotel the same time Sloane was there. He went into her room and came out with a big suitcase. He’s now a suspect. Fabian’s claim of innocence is full of more holes than Swiss cheese. He led her to believe Sloane’s titillating accounts of them being together was all made up. But, there he is on tape looking guilty as hell. It’s damning evidence no matter how you try to explain it.
    What is in that suitcase, Fabian?
    She’s afraid of the answer, even though it’s already stuck in her mind.
    “Claire? Are you still there? Claire?”
    She forgot Nathan was still on the line. “Yeah, Nathan. I’m here. I can’t believe what I’m seeing, though.”
    “Me either. I hate to say it, but…I think he did something bad to her.”
    Claire shakes her head vehemently. “No. Whatever’s going on, he wouldn’t do that.”
    “Look, Claire, Fabian is like a brother to me. We’ve grown up together and shared a lot of good times. I mean I changed my mind about his possible guilt, even when Gray was so sure. I allowed myself to believe Fabian after he convinced me it was all a misunderstanding. But, after seeing that video, there’s no way I can come to any other conclusion.”
    Claire sighs heavily. “I know.” She doesn’t have anything else to say.
    “The police came to the estate to arrest him, but he’s not here. Nobody knows where he is. Have you heard from him?”
    “No. He was supposed to call me, but so far he hasn’t.”
    “If he contacts you, give me a call. I know I can talk him into turning himself in. Oh, and call the police just to be safe, okay?”
    “Yeah.”
    “You okay?”
    “Not really.”
    “I understand. One of the house staff told me you spent time with him yesterday. Sorry, kiddo. There will be other guys that are better suited for a great person like you.”
    “None like him, unfortunately.”
    “Listen, Claire. Whatever your feelings are for him you’ve got to put them aside and do the right thing if you ever see him again. He’s considered dangerous and I would hate if anything bad happened to you too.”
    “Don’t worry, Nathan. It’s obvious he can’t be trusted. I have to protect myself, even if that means calling the cops on him.”
    “Good. Okay, I’ve gotta get back to Gray. He’s not doing too well.”
    “None of us are at this point.”
    “Talk to you soon. Bye.”
    “Bye.”
    Claire is devastated by this turn of events. She’s fallen madly in love with a man that could possibly be a lady killer. Cupid must have been drunk or angry when he pointed his arrow in her direction.
    Knock! Knock! Knock!
    “Ugh. Who can this be? Probably a wrong delivery address.”
    Claire intends to get rid of whoever is on the other side of that door quickly so she can settle in to do some serious moping.
    Claire peers into the peephole and is stunned to see Fabian standing there.
    Oh, my god. What do I do?
     
     
     

P1.Chapter 5
     
     
    “Open up, Claire. I saw you looking at me.”
    Claire flushes red with embarrassment. She forgot that people see movement from the outside when the living room light is on.
    Should I grab my phone and call the police? There’s a warrant on him. I’d be within my rights as a law- abiding citizen.
     
    “Claire, please open the door. Don’t shut me out like this. I love you.”
    Claire decides to keep a locked door between the two of them. “I can’t, Fabian. I want to, but I can’t. You’re all over the news.”
    “I’m not going to talk about everything that’s happening standing in the hallway. I just wanted to see you one last time before I leave.”
    “Where are you going?”
    “Goodbye, Claire. I’ll always remember what we had together.”
    Fabian heads down the hallway.
    Claire unlocks the deadbolt and swings open the door. “Wait! You can’t leave here without getting a goodbye