“Yes, dear.”
“Nuh-uh, we aren’t doing that nickname.”
“Okay, Cookie.”
“Better.” I kiss him on the lips and open the door. “Get going, otherwise you won’t leave and we will miss the meeting, I can see that twinkle in your eye.”
“What twinkle?” he asks, biting his lip.
“Fuck me, he’s biting his lip now,” I mutter to the ceiling. “TheI want to fuck youtwinkle.”
“I wasn’t aware I had one of those twinkles.”
“Well, you do, now fuck off.”
“That’s not a nice way to say goodbye to someone you love five thousand.”
“I saidmaybeit was five thousand. Now get going, you idiot.”
“You drive a tight mission; I’m going to have to get my money back.”
“It’s pro bono, remember?”
He laughs and kisses me once more and finally leaves the flat. I close the door and even though we are walking into another shit storm, I lean against the door with the biggest, fattest grin on my face.
I don’t think I’ve smiled this much since the first time we slept together.
Okay, Luce, we got this.
I’m sitting at the table in the corner. The roof terrace is reasonably empty, apart from a few people who are having early drinks, maybe finishing meetings early, and having one for the road before they head home.
But Luca Knight is nowhere to be seen.
I already know he’s not going to show up. I helped him set up his plan, he knew the sacrifice, and there is no way he would come out of hiding this quick.
This is big, but it isn’t big enough for Luca to not be selfish.
Him sending the hard drive to Owen in the first place was, in his eyes, him doing his bit. Fuck Owen. And fuck me, because Luca Knight knew our history, and he used it, weaponised it, and positioned me with Owen.
Playing right into Andrews’ hand.
I take a sip of the ice-cold tea and almost choke as no other than Henry Bishop strolls up to the concierge desk like he owns the place.
Jeans, white shirt and glasses. His light brown hair is longer than usual, tousled and messy like he’s been yanking it. Agitated. Unravelled.
Yup.
For an IT Geek, and one of Luca’s inner circle, I’ll give it to him. Henry Bishop throws off some serious Alpha waves. How have I never noticed that before?
A few of the women give him unsubtle glances. I roll my eyes and bury my face behind the menu, lifting my glass again and turning, just enough to shield my profile.
He’s shown to the reserved table.
Five minutes later, and right on time, Owen appears.
I rise as he walks toward Henry. He’s coming from the front. I’m behind.
I pull the small handgun from my jacket. Cold steel in warm hands as Owen slides into the chair opposite of Henry. I pull out the chair beside him and lean in.
