I couldn’t help but think I was making a mistake.
The last thing on earth I’d wanted to do was involve her. But our plan required two people, or it wasn’t going to work.
And the sooner we were rid of Van Linsted, the sooner she’d be safe.
I knew I was on shaky ground. I was definitely bullshitting about this trip being work-related, and I should have told her the truth. But I was protecting her and knew the truth would make her less safe, so I rationalized that it was better if she stayed in the dark.
The things you tell yourself.
“Are you sure about this?”
She gave me a courageous nod. “Yeah, I’ve got this. I’ll keep Van Linsted distracted. You talk to the client or whoever it is you need to see.”
“You make it sound so simple.” Fuck, I didn’t want this for her. But here we were. “If he makes any move toward Rowan and me, what are you going to do?”
She grinned at me and reached for her skirt.
My gaze automatically scanned over the long slender expanse of her legs. Jesus. I swallowed hard and dragged my gaze away. “What are you doing?”
Suddenly, I heard three taps in my com device.
She grinned at me then lifted the hem of her skirt a little higher. “Look what I did.”
I frowned. “You put it there?”
“Well, my hair is up, so this is more covert. He would be able to see the device in my ear, so I just placed it under here. I used double-sided tape.”
I placed my hand on her bare knee like a rookie. God her skin was so satiny soft. Touching her was a mistake. Letting my index finger trace the silky patch under her knee. I stared at her legs, trying not to picture them wrapped around my waist as I fucked her. I forced myself to swallow before I started drooling. “Uh, you certainly thought of everything.” She was right. Bram might see her communication device in her ear, which could make it extra dangerous for her.
Just thinking about that possibility made my stomach coil and sent a bolt of fury through my blood. My fingers gripped her knee a little too tightly, so much so that she winced.
“Ow.”
“Sorry. I’m sorry.” I immediately released her.
She blinked then licked her bottom lip, and yep, I couldn’t help but stare. “You’re staring at me.”
I swallowed. “You look nice.”
She grinned. “You think?”
With most women, I’d assume a fishing-for-compliments situation, but she was being real. Just as guileless as usual. “Yeah, I think. Remember, just engage in a conversation and get out. Don’t be extra.”
“I don’t know what you mean by ‘extra.’”
“Don’t do anything else. Don’t try to get him to confess to anything. Don’t record anything. Just talk to him and keep him the hell away from Downs for a little bit, okay?”
“I got this. Don’t worry.”
“I’m not worried. I believe in you.”
She grinned. “And I believe in you.”
“Do you have to be so cheery all the time?”
“It’s my most lovable trait.”
The use of the word love made my heart squeeze. Did she know I was falling for her? That she was on my mind at all times.
Know what, you twat?
Jesus. I started to sweat without even realizing it. I wanted her more than I’d ever wanted anyone.
Let’s not forget she knows nothing about you.
I kept trying to shove that piece of information out of my head. The reason she wouldn’t be with me, the reason I couldn’t have her. The secrets I was keeping.
Not to forget what you know about her boyfriend. Ex? Christ, I hoped he was her ex.
I could tell her. Claim her. Make her mine and never think about it. But the way she was looking at me and smiling… I didn’t want to hurt her.
And you’re scared.
If she was going to me mine, I’d rather she chose me on her own.
All right, suit yourself. Don’t tell her. Suffer.
I shoved all those thoughts out of my head. I had a job to do, and it was going to get done. “All right. If you’re ready...”
“I’ve never been more ready in my life. Let’s go, James Bond.”
I shook my head. “You’re a loon.”
“Possibly. Also, another reason you think I’m brilliant.”
I swallowed as her words found their mark.
22
Ben
The limo pulled up to the auction at Toussaint Ballroom. When the chauffeur opened the door, Olivia grinned at me, giddiness written all over her face. The peek of a dimple was almost too much. I nearly caved and leaned forward to kiss it. As it was, my fingertips dusted her shoulder, and the way her eyes dipped to the slight touch... I could feel it, the tension between us. The pull and push of need and attraction. But she couldn’t act it on, and I wouldn’t ask her to.
Even if you have something that would free her.
I wasn’t going to use it. I didn’t want to see her hurt. Not on my watch. When she moved to get out, I stopped her. “I’ll help you out.”
I exited and went over to her side, opening the door for her. She placed her hand in mine. I had to grit my teeth against the charge of electricity. This time, she couldn’t hide her response from me. She gasped and tried to remove her hand, but I shook my head at her. “We’re friends, remember?”
She blinked up at me and nodded. “Yup. Friends.” She dragged in a shivering breath and released it slowly. Well, it was nice to know I wasn’t the only one.
I ignored the photographers and headed straight inside. “Do you remember what Van Linsted looks like?”
“Oh yeah, I remember.” She tapped her temple.
Despite myself, I wanted to laugh. “God, just be cool.”
“I am being cool. And let’s not forget, I’m your badass operations director and master distracter.”
“That’s not a thing. You’re also a complete goof.”
“I’m not a goof. I’m efficient. I mean, I talk a lot, a mile a minute, but I know what I’m doing. Relax.”
“Fine. Stay out of trouble. If anything happens, you come find me and we’ll get the hell out of here, okay?”
“Got it.”
I proffered my arm. “Okay. Show time.”
We walked in together, playing the part of a couple besotted. Nodding at familiar faces here and there. Once well into the ballroom with champagne in our hands, I pointed out her mark. She grinned at me and then stood on tiptoes and dusted my cheek with her lips.
Circuit. Fucking. Overload.
I couldn’t form a coherent thought. I could only stand there and stare at her.
“You okay?”
I shook my head to try to loosen her effect. “Yep. After you.”
She sauntered off, hips sashaying through the crowd. I wasn’t the only one watching either. Several men turned to watch her as she glided forward with the elegance of a swan. I couldn’t talk. I couldn’t fucking think. Why was I there again? What was I doing? God, one touch from that woman and I was a completely useless piece of shit.
Focus. Get in the goddamn game. Downs, he is your concern.