Page 36 of Donovan Blake: Passion

Hawthorne Hall was at least another thirty-minutes away, probably forty given Donovan’s slow speed. Following the SUV off the motorway, it occurred to him Phoebe might want a drink or a bathroom break, but he was suspicious. If Donovan tried to pull anything, he’d be sorry.

As he continued his pursuit his concern grew. The SUV was on a winding road moving towards a hill, and the area was becoming surprisingly sparse. There were green fields and plenty of trees, but little else. Deciding he’d better call Alexi with an update, he glanced at the car’s phone screen.

There was no signal.

His pulse ticked up.

He was suddenly in the middle of nowhere and Donovan Blake was definitely not heading to Hawthorne Hall. Reaching across to the glove compartment he pulled out his gun, but as he straightened up a drone abruptly appeared in front of his windshield blocking his view. He tried to look around it, but it was joined by a second and a third. Suddenly he was off the road and bouncing over a field.

Then he heard it.

The unmistakable sound of an approaching helicopter.

“Stop your vehicle.”

Even if he hadn’t heard the command he had no choice. He’d hit a deep pothole, or ditch, or something, and his car wasn’t going anywhere.

“Exit the vehicle, hands in the air.”

Still gripping the gun he stepped out, only to find six black SUV’s in a perfect circle driving towards him. There was nowhere to run or hide. Tossing his revolver on the ground, he dropped to his knees and placed his hands behind his head.

* * *

Donovan, Phoebe and Lord Hawthorne were walking into the dining room for lunch when Donovan’s phone signaled a text. Opening it up and reading the message he broke into a wide smile.

Ari has been apprehended. Will keep you posted.

“Good news?” Peter asked.

“It certainly is. There’s one less bad guy to worry about. I’ll give you the details after we eat.”

CHAPTER TWENTY

When Donovan, Phoebe and Peter walked into the dining room they found Trevor and Jane already seated. Donovan immediately noticed the glint in Trevor’s eye. He also saw the familiar pink blush on Jane’s face. It never failed to appear when a woman was with a man who understood her needs…sometimes better than she understood them herself. But Trevor had only just arrived, and Dominic was surprised he and Jane had connected so quickly.

“John, good to see you,” Peter exclaimed, walking over and shaking Trevor’s hand.

“Dad, he goes by Trevor now,” Jane interjected.

“Hello, sir,” Trevor replied, standing up. “It’s very good to see you too, and if you’re more comfortable with John it makes no difference to me.”

“Since everyone else will be calling you Trevor I’ll stick with that.”

“I’m glad you and Jane are here,” Donovan said as he settled into his chair. “I was going to ask one of the staff to find you. We have a great deal to discuss.”

“Is this about the portrait?” Jane asked excitedly. “Please tell us. What’s the latest?”

“Yes, it’s about the portrait, but I can’t go into details, not yet. We’ll have our lunch, then go into the library and I’ll bring you all up to speed.”

“Why can’t you do that now?” she pressed as two maids entered, one carrying a salad bowl and another a basket of bread rolls.

“Jane, if Donovan needs to wait until after lunch I’m sure he has his reasons,” Trevor said firmly. “Have patience.”

“Yes, of course, sorry, Donovan.”

“It’s perfectly all right, Jane. I understand why you’re anxious. We all are.”

She smiled back at him, but as she turned her attention to the bowls being placed on the table Donovan and Trevor shared a look. The unspoken message was clear. Trevor had already exerted his authority. Delighted things were working out with Trevor and Jane as he’d hoped they would, Donovan flashed back to the moment in the car when Phoebe had her hand on his leg. She’d been testing him. His smile widened as he imagined her bent over and waiting to feel the sting of the cane for the first time. But his phone chimed, breaking into his salacious thoughts. Lifting it from his pocket and seeing Sam’s name on the screen he immediately excused himself and hurried into the hall.

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