“You don’t know everything about me, do you know that, Tom?” Jonny muttered as he threw his next card down.
“Maybe because you refuse to say a word about yourself.”
“Maybe,” he said, pulling out his pocket watch once more.
“Have somewhere to be?” Rhys asked.
“Away from you lot is all,” Jonny said, telling himself he had to wait for what felt like at least five minutes before he checked his watch again, not wanting to miss the time Ada had asked him to meet her.
He knew he shouldn’t go, and yet, he couldn’t seem to keep himself away.
Just like their dance.
He had loved how she fit perfectly in his arms, how she had practically nuzzled into his chest, and he had wanted nothing more than to wrap his arms around her, bury his nose in her hair, and hold her close against him.
He recognized that he should never have asked her to dance, that he should never have pulled her closer or allowed her to so invade his senses, his thoughts.
But he wasn’t sure that there was any force greater than that which was pulling them together.
He was disrupted from his thoughts when he sensed motion from beside him. Ada’s father was standing from his card table, along with the two men who were sitting with him.
David Carter was one. Jonny’s lip curled upward in disgust. That must be his father beside him, judging from the resemblance.
Carter was everything Jonny wasn’t. Tall. Traditionally handsome. Polished. He carried an air about him that told others he felt himself better than everyone else around him, which Jonny passionately despised.
They moved to a different table to play a new game of cards, putting them right beside Jonny. He felt the eyes of his teammates on him, and he just shook his head as they all stayed silent for a moment, playing their game of cards, which allowed Jonny to overhear the conversation that seemed to be a continuation of one before it.
“It’s time,” Ada’s father was saying. His voice was lower than the others, slightly raspier. “It’s been years, Carter.”
“Things have changed,” said the elder Mr. Carter. “You assured us that you had nothing to do with Blackwood’s organization. That you hadn’t for years.”
“I haven’t!”
“Then why is your daughter’s name on everyone’s lips?”
“I don’t know, but she has done nothing.”
“Besides hang around footballers,” David said in distaste.
Jonny snorted as he exchanged a look with the other men. The businessmen’s arrogance had caused them to not even realize who was beside them. Of course not.
“Her friends are married to them,” Mr. Jones said, although not without dissatisfaction in his tone. “And they certainly are not part of Blackwood’s world. Besides, Blackwood isn’t even here anymore.”
Thanks to Ada.
“Others have taken his place,” the elder Mr. Carter said. “The stakes are raised. We want fifty percent of your business. Then we will merge your munitions company with our iron and steel company, along with your daughter’s hand.”
“That is preposterous!” Mr. Jones blustered as Jonny’s spine stiffened. They were bartering Ada’s life as though it were part of this business transaction. He saw Tommy was similarly affected, likely because it reminded him of what had nearly happened to his own wife last year. “You will not tell me what we are doing. Do you know who I am?”
“I know all too well,” Mr. Carter said, leaning forward. “Is that not what has gotten us here?”
Jones sputtered as Carter continued.
“This must be completed quickly. I will not have my son looking like an idiot. After his dance with your daughter, one of those footballers had her on the dance floor and they looked a little more than friendly. Why Harcourt lowered himself to invite them, I’ll never know. I’d be careful if I were you, Jones. If her reputation is sullied any further, this deal is off.”
Jonny risked a glimpse at David, who sat there, fuming, although he said nothing. Jonny smirked, wishing he had taken a chance to watch the man’s face while the woman who was supposed to be his was in Jonny’s arms instead.
“My daughter would never compromise herself,” Jones said vehemently, and Jonny couldn’t help it.
