Chapter 6
Lochlan
Something’s off in the Russian’s tone. He’s lying. Whatever his secret, he’s seems more interested in her studies than her earrings so I let Romanoff talk, for now.
He and Calliope have moved to a quiet place in the corner of the room. Sharing a friendly drink, they discuss how the Russians pointed EMF at the American embassy back in the eighties.
“Hey!” A man shouts from across the room and all eyes turn to the source, Gerard Chase.
He strides purposefully toward my client, a drink in one hand, his other hand clenched in a tight fist. When he aims a kiss at her lips, she pushes on his chest, and he staggers back.
Way to go, pretty sheila.
“Honey, you look stunning.” Chase wreaks of alcohol and when he wobbles, I reach out a hand to steady him.
Meanwhile, the red-faced Callie hisses through gritted teeth, “I thought you said you weren’t coming.”
“Your mother insisted. I couldn’t very well say no.” He shoots a conspiratorial look at both Yuri and myself and continues his speech as if on Broadway. “Her mom is picking out our wedding invitations.”
I step forward, worried Callie’s about to murder him. Instead, she puts on her polite mask and announces, “Oh dear. I had no idea. The doctor told us to expect this but not so soon.”
She dabs a tissue at fake tears. “My mother has A-Alzheimer’s. The family wanted to keep it secret.”
Gerard’s jaw ticks and brows furrow. “Then we best move up the date, dear.”
“To a cold day in hell.” This, she mutters through clenched teeth.
Using a louder voice, she turns to Yuri, then to me. “Would you excuse us gentlemen?”
We nod, then I follow as she drags Gerard out the sliding glass door and onto the deck.
While they argue, Yuri slithers beside me. “Apparently, her ex isn’t happy being relegated to friend status. Aren’t you going to break it up?”
“I’ll give her a few minutes.”It’s true, the dark deck is the perfect place to make an attempt at the jewels but what’s his interest?
“I didn’t know they dated.” Clasping my hands behind my back, I keep one eye on her, one on the Russian.
“You lie well but I’d expect nothing less from one of Gray’s men.” With a casual laugh, he slaps me on the back.
Message received. He knows I work for Patten Securities and wants me to think he’s on a first name basis with my boss.
“You interested in her?” I toss my head toward Calliope, now pointing a finger and shouting.
“I intend to marry her.” Yuri’s low laugh makes me cringe and I’ve heard enough.
“Don’t you think you should check with her, first?”You bloody bastard.
“That’s where you’re wrong. You underestimate her desire to please her mother. She needs a man who can share her passion for learning. Where did you get your degree, Sir James?”
I don’t flinch but he scored a point. I’ve never needed a damn piece of parchment to prove my worth and if he keeps up with that superior sneer, I may need to show him what I truly excel at.
Meanwhile, outside on the patio, Callie reams Gerard Chase a new asshole. He feigns to be apologetic but is a mediocre actor, at best. Every once in a while, his jaw ticks or his fingers clench and he looks away into the distance.
When I crack open the door, cool air hits my face, and she shouts at full volume. “You need to stop. We are not getting married, never were.”
The whole room turns and stares but the couple is oblivious.
“But we’re perfect together.” Chase grabs her hands and she pulls them away.
