Rich Radiant and Over Him (Alicia and Vincent) novel Chapter 2

"Hey, assistant." Mina's gentle voice called out just as Alicia ended her phone call.

Alicia spun around, nerves coiling in her stomach as she found Mina waiting in the staff kitchenette.

There was something almost intimidating about Mina, despite her gentle smile and poise. Just standing there, she radiated an effortless grace that made Alicia feel small and awkward.

"Yes, Miss Holloway? Is there something you need?" Alicia managed, voice barely steady.

"I just remembered—I forgot to pick up a few things for the trip. Would you mind going out and getting them for me?" Mina handed her a handwritten list.

Her handwriting, neat and delicate, reminded Alicia of Mina herself: elegant, soft, and impossibly refined.

Alicia's eyes skimmed the list and froze on one word—condoms. For one breathless moment, it was like an ice pick to the sternum, that sharp, that sudden.

"Please keep it between us, okay?" Mina whispered, flashing her a conspiratorial wink.

Alicia nodded, flustered, and all but fled the kitchenette.

The first time she'd ever been with Vincent, she'd just turned nineteen. It was her birthday—he'd come by with a bouquet and a tiny cake.

Alicia had grown up in foster care, and no one had ever gotten her a birthday cake before. That single, small cake and a bunch of flowers had been enough to sweep her completely off her feet. She'd given him everything, heart and soul.

A bitter smile flickered across her lips. She really was a joke.

Maybe that's why people say girls should grow up with a bit of luxury—otherwise, the first guy to show them a cake can steal their hearts.

In all four years with Vincent, Alicia had never once bought condoms herself. Vincent didn't like them—he always made her take the pill.

But for Mina, he wouldn't dream of that. He'd never ask Mina to mess up her body; he'd make sure she was taken care of.

. . .

On the way to the airport, Alicia sat silent behind the wheel, barely blinking.

"Time's tight. Can you speed up?" Vincent's voice cut in, sharper than usual, as if he'd noticed her mood.

"Yes, Mr. Lawson." Alicia turned left at the green light, barely glancing at the traffic.

The car in front had just cleared the intersection when, out of nowhere, a little boy darted across the road. Alicia jerked the steering wheel to avoid him, swerving hard—and crashed straight into the median planter.

"Mina!" In the split second after impact, Vincent reached over and pulled Mina into his arms, shielding her.

Luckily, they hadn't been going fast; only the driver's side was badly crushed.

The airbag exploded into Alicia's chest, pinning her in the twisted seat. Her left leg was wedged under the dashboard, the pain so sharp she could barely breathe.