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He was checking in; how freakin’ sweet.
‘It’s almost over; in thirty more days I’ll be a free woman,’ I replied, exhaling.
Silence fell between us until he spoke again.
‘You okay, mama?’
I was, now that his steady tone was working wonders on my frayed nerves.
‘I’ll live,’ I said, a faint smile breaking across my face. ‘And that’s all I want to say about that.’
We talked for 20 minutes, swapping updates on Raff’s latest crush on a girl at school and discussing Jude’s onstage chaos during one of the concerts.
‘A woman launched herself at him from the audience and tried to kiss him. Security took her out, but I swear Sofia, who’s traveling with us, was on the verge of walloping her.’
I laughed at the thought, my spirits lifting.
‘Hey, we’ve got a free night in between our Edinburgh shows tomorrow,’ Deacon rasped. ‘I can catch a flight and meet you for dinner in London, if you’re up for it.’
Was I up for it? Hell yeah.
‘I’d like that a hella lot, D,’ I murmured.
‘I’ve got you,’ he drawled.
He had no idea how much he was rescuing my sanity just by showing up.
‘Can’t wait to see you,’ he added, his voice a sensual drawl.
A loaded hush fell.
My clit pulsed, feeling him from where I was, the space separating us closing up fast.
Damn, shit was getting complicated.
Chapter 25
ANA
The following evening, I arrived at the lobby of the restaurant inside the Aqua Shard at six forty-five.
I was early, so I sat in a plush armchair, studying all the beautiful people who walked in, tapping my foot on the floor in nervous anticipation.
It was like a first date, which was uncanny, given our history.
When Deacon strode through the glass entrance ten minutes later, my breathing hitched.
Hands down, he was the most arresting man in the place.
He wore tailored charcoal trousers, leather dress shoes, a crisp white shirt unbuttoned to mid-chest, a silk scarf, and a dark wool overcoat.
With his silver jewelry, rings, close-shaven hair, sculpted jawline, and neat beard, he left me breathless.
I rose to my feet as his lush lips curved into a smile.
‘Malkia,’ he rasped, pressing a warm kiss to my temple as his signature sandalwood cologne wafted over me.
My nipples tightened in reaction.
