A Matter of Trust: London Calling Book One (20 page)

Bennett let her have her way, for the moment at least. Tapping his glass against hers, he watched as she brought her glass to her lips before asking, “Don’t you want to know what we’re toasting?”

“I’m afraid to ask.” She started to tip her glass up, but relented at his intent stare. Lowering her glass, she asked, “Okay, have it your way. What are we toasting?”

“Us.” He took a long swallow of wine while she gaped at him. Before she could recover, he set his glass down and tunneled one hand into the back of her hair, bringing her to him. He captured her mouth, reclaiming her in a kiss that was both commanding and tender. He thoroughly ravished her before pulling back, satisfied to see stunned pleasure in the dreamy mist of her eyes. “Finally, we have our beginning.
To us
.”

Although she still held it, her glass tipped precariously. He carefully removed it to set it on the rim of the tub. Tracing a finger over her face, he pushed a wayward strand of hair behind her ear.
 

“Will you answer one question for me?”

She rolled her eyes, playfully. “Yes, what is it?”

“I need to know that you don’t regret what just happened between us. You’d been drinking, Devon. I’m afraid that’s going to give my conscience some bad moments.”

“No, Bennett. NO.” She gripped his arm, squeezing to further emphasize her words. “I knew what I was doing, every step, every minute of the way. I need you to
listen
to me.”

Caught up in her urgency, he stared into her determined face. “Okay. I am.”

“I wanted this. I wanted
you.
” She blushed a little, but firmly went on. “I still do. I admit I’m a little unnerved, maybe even shy, but please don’t mistake me. Don’t misunderstand me, and please don’t underestimate me.” She smiled broadly, seemingly pleased by her own admission. “I’m so happy you’re my first lover. Don’t let that overdeveloped sense of chivalry you have put us at cross-purposes now. I’m not sure I could stand it.”

Catching him off guard with her smile, Bennett was staggered by her incredible beauty, inside and out. He’d be damned if she’d have any other lovers after him, fair or not. “You’re so lovely,” he groaned. “How did I ever stay away?”

Her chin trembled and she dropped her eyes. “I don’t want to think about those days,” she murmured.

Not wanting to upset or embarrass her, he tapped her knees, signaling her to make some room. As she looked up, he grinned.

“Budge up, woman. Or don’t you want to share that bath?”

Bennett slipped behind her, cradling her between his legs as he settled into the warm water. Devon reclined against him, and the familiar tingle of attraction jolted between them. With his heart banging an unsteady tattoo, he vowed to make her happy beyond this night.
 

She would be his. Always.

***

Across town, Dominic eased himself from Natalie’s bed.
 

Standing silently, he watched the slow rise and fall of her breasts, indicating she slept soundly despite his movements. His gaze washed over her, stopping to admire her lips, red and swollen from his earlier attentions. A slight smile etched the corners of her mouth upwards, and her brow was smooth, flawless in slumber. Edging backward, he saw the chafed skin of her jaw where his whiskers must have rubbed her skin.
 

He should have been more careful.

Dominic turned away. Rubbing the back of his neck, he sought to ease the knots gathered there.
 

He’d been careless.

Sleeping with Natalie had never been part of the scheme. He’d planned to wine and dine her, romance her a bit until he got the information he needed. But upon meeting her, he was instantly, rawly attracted. Spending time with her, and lots of it, had been no hardship.

Looking back, he wasn’t sure when he’d lost his way.
 

He liked her, tremendously. She was funny, smart, and hellishly sexy. She could freeze a man, or woman, to the bone with her ice princess act. But with him, she thawed. It turned out she was everything he could want, all wrapped in a gorgeous package.
 

She stirred, reaching out to the empty space where he’d been. As she settled back into deep sleep, he silently cursed himself, clenching his fists. He’d forgotten the reasons he was with her, lost control. Now, he must have the strength to reclaim his purpose. He would refocus and regain his bearings.
 

It was time to complete the task he’d come to do.

He crept silently through her flat, looking for the bag where she kept her laptop. Finding it where she’d dropped it near the doorway, he picked it up and carried it to the furthest bedroom, quietly easing the door shut. He couldn’t chance turning on a light, so he worked by the glow of a penlight. Turning on her system, Dom quickly muted it from making any sound.
 

He knew her password. Unaware of his ulterior motives, she’d let him lean over her as she worked, enjoying his outrageous flirtation. While he’d nuzzled her ear and kissed along her nape, he’d watched as she tapped it out.
 

It really had been quite simple.

He squeezed his eyes shut, not liking himself much. Wincing, he reminded himself, again, why he was there.
 

Working rapidly, his fingers flew over her keyboard with the long experience of someone well used to technology. He glanced up periodically, checking to ensure his absence was still unnoticed.
 

About an hour later, he gently shut her computer, pocketing the flash drive he’d used to download the information. He’d found it all, everything he’d possibly want later. He should have been relieved.
 

Carefully placing the laptop back into her bag, he then retraced his steps to put it back beside the door. He double-checked that everything looked exactly as it had before, knowing he couldn’t be too cautious or attentive to detail.
 

Slipping his phone out of his back pocket, he sent his father a text.
 

I’m in.

Dominic paused by the door. Leaving would be the right thing to do, the noblest action he could take for the woman sleeping off their lovemaking. He knuckled his fist against the wall, resting his forehead on it as desire and regret waged a bitter war inside him.

Desire won.

He was back in Natalie’s bed, undressed and beneath the covers as she stirred to reach for him again.

CHAPTER TWELVE

I
T
WAS
NEARLY
two weeks before Dom attempted to patch things up with Devon. She had a temper that burned slow, but once she erupted, as she had with him, she always needed time to cool off.

The least he could do was give her that time, considering how hurt she’d been. Dominic ignored the internal whisper that suggested he was avoiding her, consideration be damned.
 

Guilt and regret dominated his thoughts. He wondered whether the cost of the scheme he and his father had hatched would be too high.

He walked up to Devon’s flat, spare key in hand.

Since their argument, he’d spent his nights with Natalie. He condemned himself to hell, but couldn’t stay away. Until the day of reckoning came, he took it all, every moment and memory he could make with her.
 

The lights were on in Devon’s flat and he sent up a silent prayer she would be alone. He needed to get back to the States, but wanted to fix things with her first. She was family, and he couldn’t stand the idea she was disappointed in him, wounded by his actions.

He unlocked her door, poking his head inside to call out softly. “Dev? Are you home?”

She raced toward him, swallowing him in a hug. He relaxed in her hold; he should have realized she’d want to resolve their differences as much as he. They’d never gone more than a week being mad at each other.

“Dom, you’re back. I’m sorry I was so hard on you.” She cupped his shoulders between her hands, a soft smile on her face.
 

Hoarsely, he said, “Devvie, tell me you forgive me.”
 

Embracing him, she bussed his cheek with a quick kiss.
 

“Of course, Dom. Always. I could never stay angry with you, you know that.”

“So we’re okay?” He had to ask, needing the reassurance. As family, she meant the world to him. He’d never worried about losing her affection or respect until now.

“Yes, Dom. We’re okay. I overreacted, not considering how you felt about Natalie.” With a secret smile, she added, “I think I understand better now.”

Frowning, he eyed her. Something was different. “What do you mean?”

She patted him. “I’ve grown up a bit in the past weeks, that’s all. And I recognize the signs now, as I’m pretty guilty of most of them myself.” At his questioning look, she explained, “You’re smitten. It’s rather endearing, actually. Especially since it’s obvious Natalie’s equally taken with you.” She turned, leading him into the sitting room.
 

Dominic followed, zeroing in on the first part of what she’d said. “Wait a minute. Putting Natalie and me aside for a minute, what are you saying about yourself?” At her raised brow, he echoed her earlier comment, “You being
pretty guilty yourself
?”

She chuckled. “While you’ve been with Natalie, I’ve spent my time with Bennett.” Gesturing him to the sofa, she sat beside him. “There’s no need to look panicked. We’re happy.
I’m happy
, Dom. I’ve never felt this way about anyone.”
 

He bit back a groan as she patted his leg, describing how she had him to thank, really.

“It was seeing you and Natalie. We both realized you two were together. And somehow the barriers keeping Bennett and me apart melted away.”

Dom turned, facing her while grasping her hand firmly in his. His worst nightmare had occurred; she was serious about Bennett. This was a disaster.

“Listen to me, Devvie. You need to be careful. Don’t go soft on me now. You’ve worked for years to be where you are. Don’t throw it away on some fling with your boss.”

“This isn’t a
fling
, Dominic. I think I’m in love with him.” She seemed surprised by her own declaration, then a dreamy smile drifted over her face.

Squeezing her hand, he desperately interrupted her. “No, no, no. Don’t do this, Devvie. You don’t understand men.”

She peered at him, serious. “What do you mean?”

This was the worst scenario. He inwardly cursed himself for leaving her alone while he enjoyed Natalie. “You need to slow down. Whatever you do, don’t repeat those words to Bennett.” She tugged her hand in his grip. Holding on fiercely, he said, “Are you hearing me?”

“I’m not ashamed of my emotions, Dom. Frankly, I shouldn’t have said anything to you before I shared my feelings with Bennett.”

Dominic’s gut clenched. He couldn’t tell her about his plan with their fathers; she’d only interrupt it, possibly ruin everything. But if he didn’t warn her away from Bennett, her pain would be inevitable. Pitilessly, he exploited her fears. “You’re forgetting where we come from. Do you honestly think Bennett will accept us, our family? Do you think he’ll accept
you
when you tell him who you are, and what you’ve done?”

She paled, but he steeled himself from reassuring her.

“You always said I worried too much. That I shouldn’t be ashamed of myself or my family, the cons we played.”
 

“That was before I knew you’d get serious with Bennett Sterling.” Her eyes were watery pools of misty gray. “Dammit, Devon. I don’t want to see you hurt.”

She nodded, obviously lost in her own thoughts. “I’ll think about it. But I don’t see how Bennett would hurt me, Dom. And I’m happy for now.”

Dominic relented. Her vulnerability was palpable and he didn’t have it in him to press her further. Besides, he didn’t want to risk angering her again. “Okay, I’ll leave you be. But be careful, okay?” He didn’t wait for her response. “Will you at least trust me for a little advice? I am a man, after all.” This time he paused until she reluctantly nodded, a tiny smile lifting the corners of her mouth.

“Don’t be a sure thing. Not for him, but especially not for you. Can you hold back a little?”

Devon pondered his question, her forehead creasing slightly. “Fine. But you’re going to find out your worries are unfounded. I may lack your experience, but I know what I know.”

The woman was stubborn, always had been. He changed the subject. “Okay. For now, let’s talk about something else. I’m heading back to the States. Any messages for your dad or mine?”

Surprised, she sprang up. “When are you leaving? Why didn’t you say anything sooner?” She wrung her hands, pacing. “Now we’ve wasted your last two weeks here,” she wailed.

“Devvie.” She ignored him, striding back and forth. Loudly, he repeated himself. “
Devon
.”

She stopped, facing him.

“I’m coming back. I have something to take care of, in person. I leave later tonight. But after, I’m returning straight away to London.”

She whooped. “Oh good. I have so much more to show you.”
 

Dominic rubbed his neck, easing the chronic knots.