Blossom in Winter (Blossom in Winter #1)(28)

“Such an amazing concert, right?”

“Wonderful,” snaps Alex. “Petra?” He holds my arms, forcing me to cool down and return to planet Earth. “Look at me.” But I don’t want to. Will he really give me the most embarrassing talk ever? I nevertheless obey. “I know you’re all excited about my brother… but…” He lets out a breath. “Don’t do anything you might regret, alright?”

I roll my eyes. Why does he have to ruin everything? “What is your problem with your brother?” I ask, crossing my arms over my chest. “I don’t get it.”

“The way he talked about you was…” He tries to find the most suitable words, but they don’t come.

“Did he talk to you about me? What did he say?”

“He was very inappropriate,” he replies instantly.

“What ‘inappropriate’ means to you might be a compliment to me.”

“Petra, I don’t think he cares about you, but rather about what you are.”

I furrow my brows in total confusion. “Could you be a bit more specific?”

But Alex sighs again. “I’m sorry. I’m… I'm terrible at this.” He lowers his gaze, clearly embarrassed, and remains speechless. At that moment, and for the very first time, I can sense his vulnerability.

“Well, then, don’t talk. It’s alright. I appreciate your concern. But I’m not a child anymore. I’m turning eighteen this year,” I remind him. “But I get it—you haven’t seen me for ten years and now you can’t realize I’ve grown up.”

“I do realize you’ve grown up, Petra. But you’re still young, too young.” He lets out a breath, his face serious, thinking something through. “Promise me you’ll be careful.”

Dear Lord. “I will. Was it Dad who told you to give me this talk?”

“No. Your dad has no idea about your French kisses by the lake with Jimmy.”

But Alex does? “Wow. So he told you about it?”

“He told me everything about it.”

I gasp instantly in horror. “Please don’t tell Dad! If he finds out—”

“I’m not worried about Roy. I’m worried about you, Petra. You barely know him. And I don’t think Jimmy has good intentions toward you.”

“I see...” I pretend I care. “Thanks for the talk.” And I give him a friendly clap on his arm. “Let’s go. Jimmy said to meet him in the lobby of the Four Seasons.”





As we sit in the lobby area just beyond the opulent marble stairs, we realize Jimmy and his crew are nowhere to be seen.

Alex notices how I’m becoming impatient, checking my iPhone every two minutes, looking around, shaking my legs unsteadily.

“He’ll arrive drunk,” he announces bluntly.

“Why are you so tough on him? Maybe he went to pick up some friends.” Or at least that’s what I hope.

“I know him, that’s all.” He pauses. “Look, if we lose each other at the party, give me a call, and I’ll find you.” And what if I don’t want to be found? “I know the suite. I brought him here once for his birthday.” There’s a beat of silence. “And don’t leave without me,” he snaps, so sternly that I swallow hard.

“What about you? What if you find some gorgeous supermodel?”

His face softens with a suppressed laugh. “I’m taking care of you tonight. I won’t leave the party with anyone but you.”

I can’t help but smile and decide to satisfy my usual curiosity. “You know, for a second I thought Jimmy was your son…”

“Really? C’mon, he’s twenty-two.”

Well, why not? Could’ve been. “Yeah, I mean, before you introduced me to him.” He shakes his head in amusement but doesn’t open up further. “Do you have kids?” I finally ask.

“Me? Of course not,” he utters immediately, almost in outrage.

“How can you be so sure?” I insist. “After all, accidents do happen.”

“Um, because…” I feel him hesitate. A shy smile settles on his lips, but he breaks eye contact and stares down at the marble floor. And just like when we were in the private box, I know this type of talk makes him uncomfortable.

“Alex.” His eyes meet mine again for a moment. “I’m not a kid anymore, it’s alright,” I remind him once more, just before giggling like one.

“Okay. Fine,” he spits out. I wait patiently for the rest of his answer, my eyes pinned on him. “I always use condoms.”

“Really? Like, always always?”

“Yes, always always,” he repeats. “I’ve never done it without using one.”

“Wow. What about with Amanda?”

“Damn, you’re so curious. Dear Lord.” He glances around, probably impatient for Jimmy to step in and save him. Not a good excuse, Mr. Van Dieren. I keep staring despite his loud sigh. “Even with Amanda,” he mutters.

“Any reason in particular?” I know at this point I’m being super pushy, but I can’t help it—curiosity is my nickname!

He doesn’t reply, but my eyes are glued to his mouth, waiting for his next words. He presses his lips together, finally looking me in the eye, and knowing there’s no escape, he says, “I just don’t trust women when it comes to birth control, little Petra.”