We make our way back to the car, and when Thomas slides into the backseat next to me, I snuggle into his side so that we can talk without the driver overhearing. I don't want him to realize we’re not who we’re saying we are.
“Thank you so much for that. It was wonderful, and I had so much fun.” He smiles down at me, still light, but it’s somehow softer than it was before.
“It’s the least I can do since you’re helping me tonight.” I frown a little and pull away just a bit, feeling on edge after that response.
“Is that the only reason you took me? As ‘payment’ for tonight...” He looks confused for a moment then quickly shakes his head.
“No, no, it wasn’t. I’m sorry, Harlow. I didn't mean for it to sound like that. My flirting skills are rusty.”
“Look, Thomas, I don't believe in beating around the bush. I was very straight with your brothers, so I think it’s time you and I had the same conversation. Is this all just so we look convincing tonight, or are you interested in joining my... harem?” Yes, I've finally admitted to myself that is what I have. It’s better than a menagerie or flock, so I’ll take it even though I still feel kind of ridiculous when I say it.
His mouth drops open before a burst of laughter explodes from him. I fight the smile that wants to cross my lips because I do actually want to know, but I’m glad I got him to react like that.
He gets himself under control and picks my hand up, pulling me close again. “I would be honored to be a member of yourharem,and no, this is not about tonight. It’s me finally getting my head out of my ass and seeing exactly what is in front of me.” His hand cups the back of my neck, slowly drawing me forward until he kisses me. It’s not long, only a gentle brushing of lips, but it’s enough to let me know his interest. Out of the corner of my eye, I can see the driver watching us.
“Oh, Alexei, you know it is forbidden! We cannot.” I drop into the role I’m supposed to be playing, and Thomas’ eyes widen before they dart to the front, his lips twitching like they want to curve up, but he controls it.
“But, Olga, you are my one true love.” The Irish accent is gone, and in its place is a Russian accent as good as mine. It’s my turn for my mouth to drop open, and Thomas doesn't hesitate to take advantage of my surprise. He swoops in and takes my mouth with his, his tongue teasing and caressing the inside before I can recover and give back as good as I’m getting.
The driver really is getting an eyeful this time, and the car swerves enough to break us apart.
“Keep your eyes on the road,” Thomas snarls, then pulls back his jacket to expose his gun. The driver pales and follows the order with a nervous gulp. I smother a giggle in Thomas’ jacket, and we stay snuggled together until the car gets close to the hotel.
The media are no longer around, so our return to the hotel is a lot more relaxed than our departure. We’re both laughing about the driver when we make it back to the room, and Thomas opens the door to a quiet suite with a note on the coffee table. He picks it up and reads it out loud. “Have gone shopping for a few things. We will be back in plenty of time. Love, us.” He snorts and puts the note back on the table. “Of course they couldn't stay put for one day.”
“I don't blame them; it was bad enough for the flight here. Anyway, I think I’m going to go soak in that amazing bath in the en-suite of my room. It has a huge window in front of it with an amazing view of the Prague Castle. That’s as close as I’ll get to it this trip, but hopefully I can come back.”
Thomas strides over to me and takes my hand. “I come to Europe on business all the time, and if this sale goes through, we’ll need to travel back and forth quite a bit over the coming months. I’d love for you to accompany me, maybe we could do a search for abandoned places you would like to visit and make a list of them for when we do.”
Holy wow, inner swoon. When he really decides to go all in, he really commits. “I’d love that. Let’s see what happens with my job, but I may very well take you up on the offer if I can’t get hired anywhere until the media attention dies down.” I kiss him on the cheek, thinking about more but not wanting to rush this newfound closeness so soon. “Thank you again for today. Best date ever.” I leave him and head for my bedroom, but when I turn back to look at him, I see him fist bumping the air. Wow, this really is a change. Everyone told me he would be different, but I just hadn't expected so much. It’s almost like a weight has lifted off of his chest. He catches me looking, his pale skin lighting up with a blush, but I just chuckle and wink before entering my bedroom.
* * *
Five hours later, after a bath and a nap and another shower, my boobs are being wrangled into the dress by Jacinta, with tape being applied so that I don't flash the whole table during the meal even though Jace had suggested it may tip the scales in our favor. Both of them are looking much better this afternoon, and they keep exchanging cute looks that are totally not as sly as they may think. I still haven’t had a chance to corner Jacinta about what is happening between them, but I will on the flight home. She can’t run away from me at fifty thousand feet in the air.
“Alright, those puppies aren't going anywhere,” she declares, stepping back to take in her and Jace’s handiwork. Hair and makeup have already been done, so all that I need to do now is put my shoes on my feet and grab my wrap.
“Damn, girl, you clean up nice. The boys are going to be the envy of everyone at the table. We did good!” Jace crows, and the two of them exchange a high five.
Rolling my eyes, I slip my feet into the too-high heels and grab the wrap off my bed. “Yes, yes, you're both fashion geniuses. Now hurry up and finish getting yourselves ready.”
“Babe, weareready. You can’t beat perfection,” Jacinta replies, adopting a haughty tone, and Jace mimics her, smoothing down his suit jacket.
“No, it’s really not fair for everyone else that we’re going to be there. Poor Thomas will miss out on his airline because they're so dazzled by us.”
I look back and forth between the two, not sure how to react to all of that, but they can’t keep straight faces. They burst into giggles, leaning on each other like they can’t stand up straight without the other’s help. God, it’s nice to see Jacinta like this. Every moment between us now, I’m seeing the real her, I think, the sister that the guys are devoted to and want to protect because she’s worthy of their dedication.
“Idiots,” I growl on my way out, but there’s a smile on my face. I really like their relationship, the way they fit so well together. I hope it develops further. Jacinta needs some fun and friendship in her life, and Jace seems to be giving her that.
When I step out into the living area, I’m struck speechless by the sight before me. The Summers men are already a good-looking bunch on a normal day, but put them all in suits, and holy fuck... They’redeadly. Even Oliver is wearing one today, and I want to fan my face at the sight of his waistcoated self.
“Fuck me.” The reverent whisper comes from the one person I least would have expected it to come from. Declan reaches down and discreetly adjusts himself. “Harlow, you look beautiful.”
“Fuck beautiful, she looks smoking hot,” Oli says, a cheeky grin on his face. “Why are we going to this dinner again?” I can feel my cheeks heat at his silliness, but I’ll totally accept it. What woman doesn’t want to sweep her men off their feet with just a single glimpse?
“I just want to drop at her feet and worship her,” Holden adds in with a wink.
Thomas and Kai are silent, but I can see the desire in their eyes that speaks loudly enough on its own. Jaxon steps up to me and opens a little box, and he can’t quite meet my eyes, like he’s nervous for my reaction. Poor guy has taken a few hits over the last few days, and I really want to see confidence coming back to life. “I picked this up for you when we were out shopping. Jacinta may have let me know that the dress was missing some bling.” Sparkling inside on a bed of royal blue velvet is a delicate strand of white diamonds that meet in a v. Perfect placement to draw eyes to my breasts.
