Archie’s head turns so fast he’s in danger of giving himself whiplash. Finally. But it’s still not enough to reassure me he’s going to do what it takes to stop it.
That he’s ready to claim me as his own.
Harrison’s booming laugh echoes off the low ceilings.
‘I always knew you’d be game for a good time, Victoria. You have a certain…reputation.’ He raises his glass in a toast.
‘Do you know I’ve had thirteen different bodyguards since I arrived in this city?’ I say, trying to change the subject. ‘Apparently, being on the frontline is preferable to babysitting me.’ I take another sip of my drink, willing Archie to intervene, or give me some sort of sign.
Harrison rests an elbow on the table, gazing pointedly at my chest, before finally lifting his eyes back to my face. ‘You’re only young once.’
‘Let’s skip the sweet stuff. I’m full.’ I motion for the waitress to fetch the bill.
‘Don’t even think about it.’ Harrison’s cheeks blaze with embarrassment.
‘You’re not the only one with a trust fund.’ I hand my credit card to the waitress with a finality. ‘Take a forty percent tip for yourself, too.’
Paying is the least I can do when I’ve shamelessly used him, but emasculating Harrison, in his mind at least, has been one of the highlights of the evening.
As the maître de bids us farewell at the door, Harrison’s lips brush against my earlobe. ‘Fancy a nightcap at mine?’
A polite refusal rests on my tongue, but then a low growl erupts from behind me.
Progress, at last!
My soul silently rejoices.
‘One drink, okay’’ I eye Harrison firmly, making sure he’s in no doubt that a drink is all I’m agreeing to, and nothing else..
Even if I was attracted to him, I never put out on the first date.
‘Yes, ma’am.’ He links his arm through mine. The cold midnight air fogs in front of our faces as we stroll along the Royal Mile to where the car is parked on one of the flatter side streets.
I can’t see Archie, but I’m acutely aware of his presence behind me. The way his eyes burn into my back. His anger. His desire.
He needs one final push.
And I’m going to give it to him.
Camera flashbulbs light up the darkness. ‘Victoria! This way. Give us a smile. Just a couple of pictures.’
‘Who is your boyfriend?’ someone shouts.
‘Move.’ Archie steps in front of me, sheltering me from the blinding lights until I’m safely back in the car.
‘Is it always like this?’ Harrison asks, looking shocked and slightly dishevelled.
‘It’s usually worse.’ My shaky hands clasp my clutch. I wasn’t cut out for this life, although it’s something I’ve had to get used to since Ryan returned to Sasha’s life.
‘That’s so cool.’ Harrison’s awe-filled tone is a further reminder of our incompatibility.
It’s about a ten-minute drive to Morningside, where Harrison lives.
The car slows to a stop. ‘Victoria,’ Archie mutters a warning and a plea rolled into one.
I don’t want to do this, but I have to. One drink. Long enough to make Archie sweat.
Let him hang like he left me hanging in the dressing room at Sublime Secrets.
