Page 29 of Donovan Blake: Passion

“Take a deep breath,” he murmured, placing his lips against her ear.

“I can’t s-stop shaking.”

“It will pass, and you were brilliant. When we get in the car and I start talking just follow my lead. It’s possible Koslov was able to plant a bug in it overnight.”

“Okay.”

As they settled into their seats he could see she was still trying to calm herself. Reaching across the console, he took her hand and kissed it, then started up and pulled into the street.

“I have no idea where Peter has hidden that portrait,” he began. “God only knows how I’ll convince him to part with it, but I’ll do whatever it takes. If it comes down to a choice between you and that damn painting there’s absolutely no contest. If Peter doesn’t see that, then…”

“Then what?”

“I don’t know yet but I’ll think of something. I’ll make sure Alexi gets his portrait, then we can put this behind us and go home.”

Turning the corner, he drove the short distance to the hotel but past the valet parking. It was one of the few places in the upscale community that offered an underground garage, though it was small and only available for VIP guests and suite owners. Pulling into his assigned space, they climbed out and he removed their suitcases.

“Time for a long hot shower,” he declared, as they headed towards the elevator.

“And a drink,” she added, then whispered. “I can’t remember ever being so scared. Did you feel the evil in him?”

“Felt it and saw it. I’ve been around some ruthless people, but no-one like him,” he whispered back.

Only a few minutes later they were in the suite, and he was scanning their suitcases with a bug detector. Finding nothing, he canvassed the suite while Phoebe poured herself a shot of vodka, following it with a second.

“I didn’t find anything,” he said solemnly, walking over to her and bringing her into his arms. “I’m so sorry you had to go through that.”

“The night we met in that storm was violent and crazy, but being in the presence of that man…it was worse. I kept thinking he would transform into an ugly, horrible monster right before my eyes.”

“You were seeing who he really is. People don’t often unnerve me, but he came close.”

“Donovan, it just struck me…I bet he feels the same way about you,” she remarked, pulling back and staring up at him. “You didn’t flinch, not for a second. I’m sure he’s not used to that.”

“Maybe, but he has black ice in his veins. I can’t imagine anything fazing him.”

“So…where do we go from here? What will you tell Peter?”

“First things first. I need to call Sam,” he replied, stepping back and lifting out his phone. “Can you do me a favor and make some coffee?”

“Sure. That vodka is starting to work but it might also make me sleepy. I could use some too.”

Moving across to the window as he called Sam, Donovan studied the city stretched out in front of him. It seemed never-ending, and the slate gray sky suggested the rain for which London was famous.

“Donovan, I’m very relieved to hear from you,” Sam said as he answered.

“And I’m relieved to be calling you. Being in the lion’s den was an experience, but before I tell you about the ultimatum I was given, I need a new car, and make sure your guys check out the one I was driving with a fine tooth comb. It was parked outside Koslov’s house all night. There’s no telling what he might have done.”

“I had the same thought. I’ve arranged a new vehicle for you and you’ll be picked up in the garage by a town car with tinted windows. No-one will see you leave. If you’re ready to go back to Hawthorne Hall you should bring your luggage. So…where are we? What’s this ultimatum?”

As Donovan gave him a full report, Phoebe brought over a mug of steaming coffee and placed it on the side table next to the couch.

“Do you know where Peter hid the painting?” Sam asked. “Do you think he’d part with it—even temporarily?”

“Yes, I know where it is, but I have an idea and I wish I’d thought of it sooner, though I don’t know if Peter has what we need. If he doesn’t I’m not sure we can pull it off in two days. Regardless, what do you think about this?”

* * *

At Hawthorne Hall Peter was welcoming the security team Donovan had arranged. Six muscled men had arrived in gun metal gray SUV’s. When they began unloading aluminum suitcases and trunks, Peter experienced a ripple of reassurance.

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