Trust (3 page)

Sophia looked at Leonard waiting for his reply.

“Five: Italian, French, German, English, and Spanish. My mother’s Spanish; my father was English. You’re a great asset,” he raised an eyebrow, “interested in a partnership?”

“Your offer is an honor, but I already work with a lawyer,” she winked at Leonard.

“Where do you work?”

“I work with Professor Holbrook.”
Yeah, he is my supervisor at Cambridge
.

“From Holbrook and Barton?”

“Ah… Yes.”
Sophia, be careful
.

“Where did Holbrook find you?” Leonard asked. “He’s a friend. We have a kind of partnership. How long have you been working there?”

“Let’s say I found him,” she answered cryptically.
Try to keep lies as truthful as possible
.

“You came to see a client in Geneva?” Ethan asked.

“No.”

“Are you here on business?” he insisted.

“Yes. But I don’t usually talk about business except with the client, Ethan,” Sophia replied, her expression serious.

“Can’t or won’t?” Ethan insisted.

“Neither. I don’t, period,” she kept staring at him, lips thinning.

“Ashford, you know we must follow some rules,” Leonard intervened.

“Oh, Allenthorp, sometimes you’re too boring,” Ethan huffed. “You like to keep things in the dark, don’t you, Sophia?”

Sophia took her time to answer. She drank her water, licked her lips, and bit the lower one, totally unaware of the effect this had on the man in front of her.

Ethan felt the blood run hotter in his veins and he gripped the arm of his seat harder.

She played with a lock of her hair, twisting it around her finger and curled up her lips slightly, “Things are more exciting when one unveils them bit by bit. One loses interest fast when they’re too easy.”

They landed at Geneva International Airport fifty minutes after takeoff. The flight hadn’t been as bad as they expected as the snowstorm waited for their arrival to hit.

They hurried inside the building, laughing, all composure lost in the frosty air. The temperature had dropped to below zero and the snow was already falling heavily.

“So, can I give you a ride back to London? I’m leaving tomorrow at three o’clock, possibly four, if that’s okay for you.”

“No, thank you, don’t worry,” she smiled at him, her cheeks rosy from the cold.

“You didn’t like my company,” he teased.

“I didn’t say that, Ethan,” she grinned at him, “I’m not flying back tomorrow. I have many important things to do. They’ll take time.”

“Are you going to spend the weekend here? When are you returning? I can wait for you.”

“No, thanks,” she said firmly but with a charming smile, “I don’t want to be a burden.” She pushed the sleeve of her suit to look at her Santos 100 Skeleton watch. “I have to go.”

Ethan’s hand shot forward and gently held her left wrist. “I like your watch. It’s quite a masterpiece.” He turned her arm from right to left. “It’s not common to see a woman using this kind of watch.”

“This kind of watch?” she parroted, intrigued.

“Indeed. It’s a very masculine watch. The watch is too large for your delicate wrist.”

“Well, I normally wear masculine watches. I think they complement my wrist. You see, they’re perfect opposites. My wrist is fragile and small, breakable; the watch is sturdy, large, and made to last,” she smiled and extricated her wrist from his grip.

“You’re a bold woman, aren’t you?” his eyes sparkled.

Sophia didn’t answer, smiling and saying, “It was a pleasure to meet you, Ethan. Thank you very much for the pleasant flight.” She took a card out of her wallet, but put it back and searched for a different one.

Leonard exchanged looks with Ethan and he chuckled. She was dismissing Ethan.

“Here,” she handed a card to each man and tucked the men’s into her wallet. “Leonard, it was an honor. Call me next week to collect your lunch. I pick the place. Take care.”

With those final words, she turned and walked away.

Ethan stood there, staring at the gentle sway of Sophia’s hips, thinking of the many ways he wanted to have her, of the many places: in the plane, at his office, in his bed. He shifted from one foot to another, trying to ease the discomfort between his legs.

The flight had been a torture. Sitting in front of her, smelling that goddamn sweet scent that wafted from her, wanting to touch, to feel, to taste and not being able to…
Jesus. She’s intelligent, bright, and lovely; I have to give in, she’s not like the others. And most of all, she has fire. I’m sure. It’s just unlit or smothered. But then, I’ve always loved playing with fire
.

“Allenthorp,” said Ethan, slowly shaking his head, trying to dispel the fog of desire that clouded his brain.

“Yes?” answered Leonard, noticing the resolute way the woman marched through the corridors of Geneva Airport. He looked again at the card and murmured to himself, “Strange, the contact is not from Holbrook & Taylor’s.”

“She will return with me. I will see to it,” Ethan decided.

“Wanna bet? A thousand pounds she won’t,” he rolled his eyes, amused.

“Done,” he said, punching his friend’s arm lightly. “Prepare the check.”

Ethan Ashford’s laughter rang in the air of Geneva Airport as heads turned to look at the stunning pair of businessmen, one dark and one fair.

Yes, I love playing with fire
.

Chapter 2

Switzerland, Geneva.

Outside Geneva International Airport.

8.17 a.m.

What a lucky strike of fate that I met Ethan Ashford. If not for him, I wouldn’t have made it today. Next time, I’ll schedule my flights more carefully
. Sophia grinned, happy, and going in the direction of the driver she usually had at her disposal.

“Monsieur Didier,
bonjour
. How are you?” She gave him a bright smile.

“Madame Leibowitz, good morning. It’s a pleasure to see you again.” The elegant, middle-aged man smiled at her. “Let me help you.”

He picked up her Louis Vuitton carry-on and headed to the parking lot toward a parked black Mercedes S600 Pullman Guard. He opened the rear door for her and waited as she settled herself, closing it quietly. Rounding the car, he opened the other door and put her carry-on on the floor beside her, as she liked it.

Sitting behind the steering wheel, he asked. “Where to, madam?

“Well, I’m early for my meeting, so I thought I’d check in first, monsieur.”

“
Bien sur. Domaine de Châteauvieux
, as always?”

“Yes. Do you know if my sister and brother have arrived?”

“They arrived yesterday evening. I picked them up myself at the airport.”

“Great.” She rang her brother’s iPhone.

“Hi, sis.” His mellifluous voice came through to her over the speaker.

“Felipe,” Sophia felt tears well up in her eyes when she heard his voice, “how I’ve missed you. I’ve just arrived. How are you and Valentina? Why didn’t you call me yesterday? Do you like the hotel? Have you already seen the floor plans? And the photos?”

“As always, so many questions,” He laughed. “Yes, we love the hotel; we have seen the floor plans, they’re sensational; we have seen the photos, they’re disgusting. However, Valentina and I are sure we can fix and restore every inch that was redecorated; we didn’t call you because we arrived late and we were quite tired and jet lagged. Have you forgotten how long it takes to fly here from Brazil? Besides, a very demanding client wanted a report for today. You know her perhaps?”

“Sorry, but it’s just that I’m so excited to see you again that I forgot.”

“I think you’re excited to buy your new house,” he teased, chuckling.

“Felipe!” She heard Valentina laughing. “Tell Val that after I sign the deed, we’re going skiing for a couple of hours. Be ready. I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

It seemed eons ago that they had been doing something together like this. Her family lived scattered around the world. It had been so much easier when they were younger.

Sophia relaxed against the comfortable beige seat, enjoying the view. Geneva was one of her favorite places. Its Mediterranean-like atmosphere, its bustling streets, and many shaded squares invited her to stroll. The contrasts of the city, the way it stands unchanged next to the lake, the familiar water jet spouting the beautiful column of water and the possibility of seeing Mont Blanc on a clear day.

I still remember clearly the first time I visited here
. It had been a month after her parents’ death, when her grandparents sent her and her younger sister, Carolina, to a boarding school in Lausanne for a year. Her grandmother Angelica had stayed two weeks in Geneva to buy clothes and all the material the school requested. She’d pampered them and given in to their every whim. They had made many friends and the fierce pain had been smoothened away.

Sophia arrived at the hotel, an old vineyard farmhouse transformed into a palace of elegance. Sophia’s mouth watered just thinking of the wondrous food she would taste at dinner prepared by Monsieur Chevrier, the owner and superb chef.

When she exited the car, one of her gorgeous twin sisters ran outside to embrace her.

No one could have guessed that Valentina and Sophia were sisters. Sophia was dark haired and of average height, while Valentina was blonde, blue eyed, slender, petite, and an exact copy of their mother.

“Sophia, how I’ve missed you. How are you?” She kissed her and stood back to look at her. “You’re looking much better. You looked like a hag last time.”

“Great to know your thoughts, my dear sister.” Her sarcasm not lost on Valentina.

“Sorry, darling.” She smiled and shrugged. “What can I do if the truth hurts?”

Sophia smiled back. Valentina never was diplomatic. “Come on, let’s get inside. It’s freezing.” They locked arms and entered the hotel, chattering.

“Felipe told me that you liked the floor plans and that you think you can repair the house.”

“Yes,” she brimmed, “I’m going to love working on this project, Sophia. Your house will be my calling card. I have to show you our first ideas.”

“Where is Felipe?”

“In your suite. It has a big dining table. We have been working there since yesterday evening.”

Sophia stopped Valentina with a hand on her arm and asked seriously, “How is he?”

Valentina frowned. “He doesn’t speak of her anymore, Sophia, but he is tortured, haunted by her. You, better than anyone, know how it feels to lose someone you love. I think his case is similar to yours.”

“He still blames himself?”

“How could he not?”

“Val! He wasn’t guilty!” The way her sister treated such a serious matter shocked Sophia.

“And you were?”

Sophia looked at her hands and bit her lip. “It’s different. They confessed they didn’t want Gabriel; that they wanted me. He died because of me.” She blinked to whisk away the tears that gathered in her eyes. “There was no way Felipe could have prevented her death. The truck hit on her side. The guy slept at the wheel. Felipe wasn’t guilty, Val.”

“I know, I know,” she shrugged. “But he doesn’t. Her photos are still all over the flat. Worse, Renata’s family calls him all the time.” Valentina shook her head. “I guess it’s hard to overcome something when it keeps turning up.”

“Even if it doesn’t.” Sophia’s eyes saddened. “Believe me.”

Felipe, who was absorbed in making notes on the floor plans spread over the dining table, didn’t notice his sisters enter the room.

Sophia paused at the door, using the moment to look at her beloved brother. Felipe could have been her twin if not for the age difference, exactly six years, and the big shock of white hair that marred his silky, raven hair. She remembered how shaken she had been when that lock had started to grow, days after the car crash. The accident left a thin scar on the left side of his forehead, starting at the hairline slashing down to his eyebrow, giving his too handsome face the appearance of a pirate. He was six feet four and had a spectacular body.

When younger and single, he had his fair share of women. They used to fall at his feet. As a widower now, they still did, but he wasn’t as interested anymore.

When she stepped in the room, he looked up from the plans. His beautiful honeyed eyes twinkled with joy.

“Sophia.” He opened his arms and she threw herself in them, hugging him tightly. “How are you, sis?”

So filled with emotion, Sophia couldn’t speak. She nodded, head on his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. He was her favorite sibling, her closest friend. The one she trusted most. He was calm and kind.. Nothing seemed to unsettle him, but Sophia knew better. He had learned to disguise his emotions very well since their parents died. Too well for his own good. After Renata died, he donned a mask and only took it off occasionally, with Sophia.

“Hey, everything okay?” He looked down at her, worried.

With one final hug, she let him go. “I miss you so much. We don’t even talk on the phone anymore.” Tears rimmed her eyes.
Oh, hell
.

“Hush. Let me look at you.” Felipe accessed Sophia, his thumbs drying away her tears. “Hmm… Much better!”

“Told you so!” Valentina said from behind her.

Sophia rolled her eyes.
Yes, I look better on the outside
.

“Gabriela sends you kisses and hugs.” She tried to turn the issue away from her.

Felipe, as always, read her thoughts. “How have you been doing? The truth, please.”

She shrugged and stepped away. “Better, I think. It helps to be away from Rio. Out of sight, out of mind, you know?”

“Indeed.” The pain that shadowed his life flickered briefly on his face. It disappeared after a second.

“And you?” She cleared her throat. “How are
you
?”

“I’m fine. Working a lot. Fabio has signed a new contract with a health insurance company. We’re going to refurbish four hospitals and two laboratories for them. I miss your lawyer skills. They were very handy when I had a contract like that to analyze.”

She stared into his eyes and knew she wasn’t going to receive the answer she wanted. If another person was in the room, even one of their sisters or grandmother, he never spoke about his feelings. “You can always send them to me by e-mail. You know it’s always a pleasure to help you.”