Rich Radiant and Over Him (Alicia and Vincent) novel Chapter 169

Four years ago, when Alicia met Vincent, she thought she’d finally caught a break. But later, she realized the storms Vincent brought into her life made her high school bullies seem tame.

So maybe she really was just unlucky.

Franklin chuckled, amused by Alicia’s dry wit. “You can’t be too soft in our world. Wallflowers are just prey, bottom of the food chain. Someone like you…” He gave her a slow once-over. “You’ll be eaten alive, not even a scrap left.”

“But even a little vine can choke a mighty oak, can’t it?” Alicia shot back, her tone light but defiant.

Franklin paused, a smirk playing on his lips. “You’re awfully naïve, little rabbit.”

He waved his phone at her. “Here, take my number. Call me if you need anything. Room service will bring your meals, but try not to wander out unless you have to.”

Alicia nodded quietly.

Franklin gave her a long, thoughtful look before leaving. Truth be told, his curiosity about Alicia stemmed entirely from the fact that both Vincent and Tyrone—two men who lived and breathed their ruthless careers—had their eyes on the same woman.

As the door clicked shut, Alicia headed into the bathroom.

Sitting on the toilet, she doubled over as a sharp, stabbing pain twisted in her abdomen.

She glanced down. Just a spot of blood on her pad—barely anything, really. That was actually a relief; she hadn’t had time to buy any new toiletries after rushing over. She’d have to run to the store later and pick up what she needed.

Thinking of how she’d bailed on Melanie for their shopping trip, Alicia picked up her phone and sent her a quick message, explaining she wouldn’t be able to hang out for the next few days.

No reply from Melanie. Maybe she was mad.

Girls her age could be temperamental—and Melanie, with her fiery streak, was no exception. Honestly, it was nothing new if she got upset over something trivial.

Alicia sighed. Just when she thought she’d finally made some progress with Melanie, their relationship had slipped right back to square one.

She set her phone aside, took a long shower, and when she emerged, noticed several missed calls—numbers she didn’t recognize.

No doubt Maddox’s doing.

Alicia flopped onto the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling.