Is she telling me that Dylan Fox killed her son and might do the same to Blake?
The shock must have shown, because she added, “I’m sorry, love, to sound so bleak, but you’re the only friend Blake’s ever brought here. I need to know someone’s looking out for my boy.” She placed her finger before her mouth. “It’s our secret.”
Blake strode back in, and a smile instantly chased away my frown.
He sat down and said, “Do you feel like a walk?”
Milly replied, “No. Tell me all about how you met. Make it as romantic as possible. Exaggerate even.”
I looked at Blake and smiled.
29
* * *
BLAKE
I LOUNGED BACK IN my favorite armchair at the club. There was something about that worn leather smell that conjured up images of powerful men making momentous decisions.
“I’m in love,” said James.
I’d known James for a long time and he’d never uttered those words before. He’d admitted to being in lust, yes, but not in love.
“That’s nice,” I said.
He looked at me. “You’re not going to ask with whom?”
“Lilly.”
He smiled brightly. “We’ve been together every night this week.”
“That’s serious.”
“I’ve asked her to the masked ball.”
I thought of Penelope, who I’d invited to the ball. Looking stunned, she’d asked, “What will I wear?”
“A gown,” I answered. Penelope’s somewhat quirky approach to wardrobe, which I generally admired, came to mind, so I suggested a stylist.
Her face scrunched at that suggestion. “Can’t I choose my own?”
I acquiesced. She had me agreeing to all kinds of things, even introducing her to Milly, which was out of character for me. But the joy on Milly’s face had been worth it, despite Penelope’s questions about Raven Abbey on our return.
I looked at James. “Have you seen where they live?”
“No. She doesn’t want me to know. I imagine it’s in a poor area. I don’t care. She’s so beautiful and nothing like all the others. Lilly appreciates the smaller things. I’m over self-entitled rich girls, even though the family is on my back to marry well.” He raised an eyebrow.
“Marry? I don’t think I’ve ever heard you utter that word without following it with a sneer.”
He laughed. “I’m still not hooked on the idea. But I have to admit, Lilly’s doing things to me that I’d never thought myself capable of.”
I shared that with James. Penelope had taken possession. She’d brought out deep emotions that I’d never experienced before. I’d even agreed to therapy for my nightmares.
“There’s an issue,” he said. “Lilly is being stalked by that fucker who bought her.”
My sources had connected the Russian to Dylan Fox.
“That’s an ugly scene, as is the scum running it.”
“Dylan Fox,” said James. “That’s right. You two go way back. I suppose that set up is legal. The oldest profession, as they say.”
“They traffic underage girls,” I said.
“Then it should be shut down.” James shifted in his seat.
“Who told you about the Cherry Orchard?”
He took a while to answer me, which I thought odd. “Tommy told me about it. You remember Tommy? He’s the comedian slash bad boy. An earl, no less. But he likes them young and with cherry intact.” His eyebrows lifted. “But not that young.”
I nodded.
“That Vlad the Impaler had better keep away from Lilly. She’s terrorized by him,” he added.
“I’ve got someone keeping an eye on things. That said, it would be prudent to hire a couple of bodyguards. Make sure you source them from a reputable firm.” I thought of Tatiana and how she’d mysteriously disappeared from the shelter even with two men guarding her.
James nodded slowly. “Lilly’s staying with me.”
“That’s radical.”
“I’m crazy about her. She’s so sweet. And she cooks delicious meals. That’s a novelty. At home, we always had cooks or dined out, as one does.” He grinned. “It’s nice seeing her in the kitchen. It’s a serious turn-on.”
“You need to keep her safe. I’ll talk to my man if you like.”
“So, you’re going all caped crusader?” he asked.
I sniffed. “Even if I wanted to, there aren’t any telephone booths left for changing into tights.”
He laughed. “You’ve got the footballer’s thighs for it.” He finished his drink and looked up at the waiter for a refill. “The ball, then. Next week. Are you taking Penelope?”
“I am.”
“Well, well. The society girls will be gutted. Blake Sinclair taken.”
I rolled my eyes and shook my head. “That sounds like I’m owned.”
“You are somewhat.” He smirked. “You get this look whenever Penelope’s name is mentioned.”
I pulled my head back. “How?”
“You seem happier in general. And your eyes twinkle.”
“I didn’t realize I was that transparent.”
* * *
AFTER I LEFT JAMES, Patrick dropped me off at a café to meet Penelope, who insisted on making her own way there. Her stubborn independence played havoc with my need for control.
As it was, she arrived late. With her hair in plaits, she wore a purple velvet skirt over brown boots.
“Hey. I’m sorry,” she panted. Her beautiful face had a healthy, rosy glow, reminding me of how she looked after an orgasm.
I pulled out the chair for her.
“I’ll abstain from giving you a lecture on how selfish it is to make someone wait.”
She leaned in and kissed my lips. “I’m sorry. I’ll make up for it.” She licked her finger and held it up.
“I’ll hold you up to that.”
She grinned.
“Have you eaten? Or do you just want coffee?” I glanced down at my watch.
“Are you in a hurry?” she asked.
“I have a few pressing matters to deal with and then…”
She tilted her head. “Then…?”
“I’ve got an appointment with a therapist.” I tensed my shoulders. The thought of a stranger’s interrogation twisted a nerve.
“Oh, that’s fantastic news.” She smiled sadly. “I know it’s a difficult thing for you. Thank you.”
I smiled faintly and cast my eyes down. Her caring tenderness was like sun in my eyes, even though her softness massaged my soul.
“Do you wish to order something?” I asked.
“Take-away coffee and maybe a sandwich. We’re going somewhere, you said.”
I beckoned the waiter over and let Penelope make her order. I didn’t need anything except perhaps a Scotch, but because it was only two o’clock in the afternoon, I abstained.
We left the café and jumped into the Bentley.
I leaned forward toward Patrick. “Back to Duke Street, where we were earlier.”