Page 101 of Love Thief

“No. They are right about that, she won’t want me now. I know I never had sex with them, or anyone, but they’ll spin some shit and she’ll think I’m trying to get out of it on a technicality. Would I like it if she had turned to Kasey Becker for comfort? No, I would fucking hate it. So, Xan, you go if you have to, but I can’t.”

He throws his hand up in desperation.

“You’re a fucking idiot at times, Marcus. You would forgive her, just like she will forgive you.”

But he stays. We go out, pick up a few models, stumble out of a nightclub and get photographed. Back to normal, standard MO.

Chapter

Thirty-One

EVIE

Ihear on the grapevine Grace and Lauren are back in London. I chuckle to myself, even I knew they would not reign long with Kell and co. The women were always totally deluding themselves. They actually thought they could satisfy them, him. Barking mad. I’ve seen the pictures. Every day a new woman, shiny, shiny. Looks like they’re back to their old ways.

I don't have much time to consider anyone else’s actions as I’m running between jobs in London. Tommy accompanies me. Well, when I say running, it’s more a cross between a waddle and a stroll. Tommy carries my bags and has been so attentive. Making sure I eat, making me finish work at a reasonable time. I even heard him on the phone to Lori, my assistant, about where and how she books my appointments, making sure I have time between them to get up and move around. He’s always staring at my ankles. Checking for fluid. I’ve even spotted a pregnancy book in the glove box of the car.

When I ask him about it, he just smiles and states, “I need to be prepared for any eventuality, and now you have an extra two for me to take care of. I need to be triple prepared.”

The sun beats down and the city is so hot and humid. I’m shedding layers on a daily basis. I’ll be in my underwear around town soon. Heels have been consigned to the depths of my wardrobe, and I practically give an orgasmic sigh as I push my feet into my comfiest trainers at the start of the day.

“I could go for a jog now,” I joke with Tommy as we head to our next destination. I’m meeting my designer, Carrie, for coffee and a cake. She’s got lots to tell me about her exploits in Italy. She’s been in and out of Europe since the spring. The bonus for me, she has lots more contacts for materials and some amazing art works.

Tommy raises his eyes to the heavens as Carrie screams when she sees me, drawing every eye in the packed coffee shop.

“Marcus fucking Russell, Evie? You, my love, are the darkest of horses.”

Carrie is a few years older than me, in her early forties, but I know she’s harmless when it comes to Kellen. He’s not really her type. And I'm sure she has a huge crush on Tommy.

She looks at him now and states, “Actually, I take that back. He is the darkest of horses.” She smiles coyly at him.

Tommy just shakes his head and sighs out, “I’ll stay towards the back, Evie. Yell if you need me.”

Before I can accept his suggestion, Carrie pipes up, “Don’t you worry, Tommy, I’ll be the first to grab you if we need you. Can I get you something sweet?” She flashes him a brilliant smile and may even bat her eyelashes a bit.

I feel a bit scared for Tommy, and by the looks of Tommy’s face, so is he.

“No, it’s fine. You grab that table, I’ll fetch your drinks. Sit, Evie. You’ve been on the go since ten this morning. Get her to eat, Carrie.”

“You know I like to be in charge, Tommy. I'll sort her out.”

She then practically picks me up, hugging me again. “I’ve missed you so much. You’ve turned into a jet-setter since you got married and knocked up by a fucking rock star.” She’s shouting again. “Marcus fucking Russell. No wonder James is the most glorious looking kid ever. And now these two.” She puts her hands onto my stomach.

Another one with wandering hands. The onslaught of handsy people. I roll my eyes, but grin. Her enthusiasm for anything is infectious. I love working with her, and going out with her. But she’s always so busy, jetting all over the world, finding gems for people's interiors.

We settle in the corner of the coffee shop. Carrie likes to be near the windows, but on a hot day, I’ll be baking alive. So I drag her into the cool shadows.

The tables are full around us, people on laptops, reading. Two girls are chatting about a man one of them is involved with, who clearly, by the sound of him, is a total douche.

I love the vibe in this coffee house. They never move people on. You can stay and relax, as long as you don’t take the piss, and buy one coffee for the day. And I totally love the lemon muffins. My citrus craving has taken hold, and I’m sating it with a healthy number of lemon muffins. I’m sure it’s at least four of my ‘five a day’ fruit and veg recommendations.

Tommy is helping me in this endeavour and drops our drinks and muffins (plural) for me on the table. I grin up at him. “Thanks, Tommy. One is just not enough these days.”

He grins and takes a solitary stool near the door and under an air con machine. I’m a bit envious.

Carrie takes a quick sip of her iced chai latte then starts to talk. I learn all about Leo. Tall, dark, handsome—every cliché, she has it at her fingertips. She only just drops her voice to a normal level when she starts in on all the exciting positions he twisted her into.

I see Tommy wincing across the room. Good thing about Carrie, she likes to talk about herself. And I’m glad to give her the room to do so. I definitely don’t want her shouting my story out to the coffee shop crowd. I have to endure a few cringe moments when she won’t let it go about his piercing until I confirm or deny it. She claps her hands in glee when I nod.

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