I want it so badly that I almost come clean right there.
But the moment ends, and Mason pulls away to sit back down behind his desk. His expression is impassive as he reaches for a stack of papers and lowers his head.
I walk backward, my eyes never leaving his face.
Katia is waiting for me outside the study, and we barely exchange a few words as she leads me out of the manor and across the lawn. I stare at the moonlit path beneath my feet and count my breaths. Once we reach the club, Katia holds her arm up to the scanner and waits.
It glows and beeps. The door opens, and music reaches my ears. I step inside, allowing the familiar smell of alcohol and perfume to wash over me. Katia is on my heels as we move down the hallway.
Once the main floor comes into view, I glance around to see Miss Deveroux, and my heart jumps into my throat. She leans over the counter to pour someone a drink and flashes them a smile.
Her gaze lifts, and our eyes meet.
“Do not wander off.” Katia places a hand on my shoulder.
“It’s not like I have anywhere to go,” I mutter.
“Listen up, Blondie. I don’t have time for this today. We shouldn’t even be here, but we are, so do as I say, or I’ll drag you back,” Katia threatens.
“I thought we already established that you’re not going to do that,” I snap.
“That’s because I’ve never had to. Given the circumstances, I’m sure even Mason would approve.”
“You wouldn’t.”
“Don’t give me a reason,” she warns. “I’ve got my orders.”
I scowl and step out of her reach. “Jesus, fine. I’m just going to sit at the bar.”
Katia’s eyes stay on me as I walk over to the bar and slide onto one of the stools. Slowly, I turn my head and glance over at Miss Deveroux, who is talking to a man with silver streaks in his hair. He flashes her a row of pearly white teeth, and she bats her lashes.
Soon enough, a woman in a sequined outfit that leaves little to the imagination leads him away. Miss Deveroux takes a few steps back and rummages through one of the shelves under the bar, then strides over to me with a glass in hand. Then she pours me a drink and slides back over the table.
“It’s sparkling water.” Miss Deveroux doesn’t meet my gaze. “Figured it would be best to keep up appearances.”
I close my fingers around the cool glass and lift it to my lips. “Thanks.”
“I made a few phone calls.” Miss Deveroux reaches for a rag from under the bar and begins to wipe the top. “Are you sure about this?”
I take a few sips of water, wishing it were something stronger. “No.”
Miss Deveroux finally looks at me, and her expression softens. “I’m sorry it’s come to this.”
I take another sip of water. “Me too.”
“London—"
I hold a hand up and swallow. “Don’t say anything, or this will start to feel real. Like I’m giving up, and I… I don’t to think about that yet.”
“Isn’t it better than the alternative?”
I set my drink down. “No. If he knows what I’m trying to do, he might try to stop me. And I don’t want him to.”
The last thing either of us needs is for Mason to be even more distracted.
Knowing Mason, he’ll have me under lock and key while he fights for our survival, and each day will pull us further apart.
“This is better for everyone,” I add with more confidence than I feel. “Even if he doesn’t see it right away.”
