Page 17 of One Weekend in London

Lounging back in my chair, I rake a hand through my hair, shamelessly appreciating her scantily clad form. She’s made no move to cover herself, and I’m quite enjoying the view.

“I’m no murderer.” I suspect I’d kill for Sadie though. Just as I would’ve for my mum. Without hesitation and in cold blood. “After the undeniable pull between us tonight, did you think I’d let you slip away so easily?”

I pin her with a smouldering look, unwavering in my intent. I don’t wish to frighten her, but my inclination to hide my feelings is non-existent. “After you scarpered from The Opulence without so much as a backwards glance, forgetting your mobile, I might add...”

I hold it up as evidence before placing it back on my desk. “I had my security team do some digging and discovered, among other things, you own a FaceTime equipped MacBook.” I chuckle, impressed with how quickly my team put together a complete file on her. Setting a new record, they exceeded my expectations—in both quality and speed. “Amazing what one can uncover so quickly with the proper incentive.”

Her mouth falls open, incredulity crossing her face. “Well, colour me fifty shades of shocked! With your money, being a fancy hotel owner and all, I assume hopscotching all through my private life wasn’t a hard task.”

Hotel owner? Again, I chuckle.

More like real estate titan.

Evidently, she didn’t take the time to google me upon returning to her room. The realisation pleases me. Mightily. I didn’t peg her as a gold digger; her actions—or lack thereof—combined with her background check, prove me correct.

“So tell me, just how deep did your crew of minions dig?”

I don’t immediately respond.

Instead, I watch as her face shifts from suspicion tinged with annoyance, maybe even a hint of anger, to disappointment. Frowning, she sinks into her chair, too stunned to remember her enticing state of undress. But I absolutely notice, barely keeping my gaze from roving.

“Deep enough to know I’m utterly enchanted,” I answer honestly, refusing to lie. “Thanks to your public social media profiles, I now know all about your small-town roots, your close-knit family, your job at your grandfather’s distillery, and the pet rescue you often volunteer at.”

A substantial cheque will soon be in the post, headed to the States, and made out to Garrison County Animal Sanctuary. The amount should keep them afloat and thriving for the next ten years—at least.

I’ve never owned a pet, but if Sadie wishes for me to—for us to—in the future, I’ll adopt or rescue a hundred. Maybe even more. Old dogs, sick cats, special needs horses, it doesn’t matter. I have the means, and I’ll provide.

For whatever her heart desires.

“I even discovered your guilty pleasure foods, most notably bourbon bread pudding, followed by homemade peach cobbler, and your dozens of mixed-taste Spotify playlists.”

Softening my tone, even as I grit my teeth, fighting to keep the fury that wells in my chest from showing on my face, I add, “I’m also aware of how poorly that wanker, Maxwell, and your former friend, Vanessa, treated you.”

Sadie flinches, her eyes darting away.

Her shoulders curl inward, defeat written all over her. I want to slam my fist into Maxwell’s face at the sight. I may not know the bloke, but I know enough. And what I do know reminds me of my venomous and narcissistic father.

If I ever meet the arse in person...

“Then you’ve probably realised what a disaster I am. Damaged goods, as they say.” Her self-deprecating laugh twists my heart, shredding it from the inside out. “I’m sure you’re rethinking whatever this is between us. Shoot, I wouldn’t blame you for hanging up—”

“Stop right there,” I cut in firmly, leaning closer to the screen. “Look at me, Sadie.”

Slowly, she meets my intent stare, trepidation and fragile hope warring in her downtrodden gaze. I’ll do everything in my power to wipe that look from her face, never once allowing it to return.

“Nothing I’ve learned tonight changes how badly I want you.” Not even close. I don’t give a toss how nonsensical all this may sound or seem. Once more, I know precisely what I desire. And what I desire is Sadie Winslow. Body, heart, and soul. “It only intensifies my need to show you how a true man cherishes a woman.”

Her fingers clench the armrests. “You truly still think you want me? Messy baggage and all?”

“Unequivocally. Now let me prove it. Spend the day with me tomorrow. Allow me to reveal the London delights you’ve yet to experience...” I lower my voice to a dark and heated rumble. “Including how you deserve to be worshipped.”

Teeth sinking into her plump bottom lip, she flushes the most beautiful shade of scarlet before nodding. Surprise and relief swarm me, anticipation following hot on their heels. Her holiday is waning, but I refuse to let her leave before convincing her to stay longer.

With me.

Call me a hopeless, starry-eyed fool, but I know the truth in my bones—in time, Sadie is meant to become mine. The very woman I’d begun to think didn’t exist for me.

“I won’t lie, your timing is kind of perfect, Rhys Kensington.” Pleased with the sound of my name rolling off her tongue, I silently wait for her to continue. “Just minutes ago, I vowed to my family I’d stop letting the past taint my present.” A tiny but utterly beautiful smile curves her lips as she straightens. “It’s high time I quit letting rotten folks turn me sour and get back to living for me.”

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