As the car slows outside Mum’s, he pulls me against him, whispering soothing words whilst gently placing kisses on my crown. “It’s all going to be okay.”
I take a breath and pull back, wiping my face with my hands. “Thanks for the ride,” I tell Anthony.
He gets out, ready to open my door.
“I’m not giving up on you, Leoni,” Warren whispers against my lips.
I smile sadly. “Goodbye.”
WARREN
Nancy smiles widely at her father as I open the ring box. The large diamond ring glints under the light of the restaurant, and she clasps her hands together, peering at it like it’s something precious.
“Oh my, it’s gorgeous,” she whispers.
I take it out and slide it on her finger. It’s the least I can do, seeing as I haven’t even bothered to get down on one knee. We’re all very aware this is for convenience, not love.
“I’d like to hold a celebration at the golf club,” Chief Winters offers, shaking my hand.
“That’s kind of you, Harry. We’d be honoured,” my father replies for me.
“Step out on the terrace with me,” Nancy says, pushing to her feet.
I follow, breathing in the fresh air as we stand side by side, looking out over London.
“Italy,” she says, keeping her expression neutral.
“What about it?”
“I wasn’t invited,” she says simply. “It would have been the perfect place to propose.”
“Only this isn’t a romantic dream we’re trying to sell here, Nancy.” I brace my hands on the glass wall. “And our engagement will be a long one.”
I feel her eyes on me, and then she slides her arm around mine and rests her head against my shoulder. “Once this has beenannounced, I expect there to be no one else in your bed.” I stiffen at her words. “Whatever you and your secretary had, ends.”
“What we had was an arrangement my father made, as you well know. There is nothing between us.” The lie almost chokes me but it’s necessary to protect Leoni.
“Our marriage will be real,” she adds. “In all departments.” When I don’t reply, she slides her other hand over my chest and looks up at me, smiling, “Who knows, maybe you’ll learn to love me with time.” And then she steps up on her tiptoes and gently presses her lips to mine. It’s brief, and for a second, I freeze. Then I step back, letting her arms fall away. I straighten my tie and head back inside.
Anthony drives into the basement and parks in the usual spot. As I get out, I make out someone sitting by the lift. Anthony frowns, pressing one hand to my chest as he quietly moves forward, making sure to keep me behind him. As we get closer, I see her head fall back, her mouth open slightly, and a low snore escape. Anthony rolls his eyes, shaking his head as he comes to a stop by Leoni’s sprawled out feet.
“Clock off for the night,” I tell him, crouching beside her and gently brushing the hair away from her face.
She’s still in the dark dress she wore for the funeral; her shoes clutched in her hand. There’s a half-drunk bottle of wine beside her. I pick it up and move it away before scooping her into my arms.
She groans, then rests her head against my chest, curling into me like she can somehow sense it’s me.
I take her straight up to my apartment and into my room. I sit her against me, my fingers dragging the zip down the back of the dress before peeling it from her and laying her down.
As I remove her bra, I press a gentle kiss to her chest, closing my eyes and inhaling the scent of her perfume. Her fingers thread through my hair, and I glance up to see she’s awake. “I didn’t want to be alone,” she whispers, her voice laced with sadness.
I run my nose up her chest, pressing another kiss to her neck. “I’m glad you came to me. Why didn’t you call, I’d have come back sooner.”
She guides my mouth to her breast, and I circle her nipple with my tongue.
“I deleted your number,” she says with a smile.
I glance up, before taking her nipple between my teeth and gently tugging. She cries out, her hands gripping my shoulders. I release it, pressing a quick kiss to her lips and getting up from the bed. She pouts.
