Page 27 of Dauntless

She started to cry. “No. I want to stay.”

Dane picked her up and spun her around a couple of times, and she laughed and giggled. He then kissed her cheeks cuddled her, and she snuggled in. “I’ll see you tomorrow, little one. Now be good with Nella and take your nap too.”

She nodded, then went over to me and gave me a hug before she ran over to Nella. Her expression was tight, and after having spoken with her, I knew what she was thinking.

Angel should be here.

They went out the door with Jaclyn.

I glanced over at Dane who was putting on a brave face. I didn’t want her to go away either. He walked them out, and I started tidying the toys away when a housekeeper came in and took over.

I turned to find Dane staring at me by the archway. The handsome, strong features of his angular face held sensuality. He had an innately captivating powerful presence that was an attractive combination of relaxation and self-command. It was alluring. I was fixated. His stare was just as intense. It took a distraction somewhere else in the house to break the spell. I moved, walking the length of the room, my arms gesturing wide. “This place is a masterpiece. I feel like I should be dressed in a formal gown in here.”

“This house was my mother’s,” he said proudly. “It has been in the Westbrook family for decades. I kept most of the original pieces. I do love the Georgian architecture.” He took me from room to room, pointing out his favorite touches, including the decorative pediments over the double sash windows and explained the restoring of some original and custom-made ornamental furnishings of velvet and satin. It was awe-inspiring.

He walked me into the formal dining room, which had two place settings. “My next assignment will be in Prague next month. I love it there. Have you ever been?”

“Briefly,” I answered, admiring the beautifully woven damask silk curtains. “But wish I could’ve stayed longer. It’s one of the most beautiful cities in the world.”

He glanced at me and beamed. “It is. I took some inspiration from there when I was restoring the place. Angel loved this place too. When she comes to New York, maybe she’ll agree to come and stay here in time. I’m sure it will make her feel better.” He shook his head and sighed. “Here I go again. I had told myself I would spend time rediscovering my life.”

“I’ll need to do that too,” I murmured and cleared my throat. “Now that I won’t be at Perfetto every day. I don’t know what to do with myself.”

His hand trailed down the side of my face. “Good time to find out.”

I shrugged. “Maybe after the case.”

“Speaking of the case,” Dane said with a lift to his voice. “Elliott sent word that they have some leads on the leaks. They will be searching the homes and businesses of Vincent and Marco, and The Agency’s offices, some they just discovered. The maid that worked for them had also provided more information. They’re making progress.”

I exhaled long. “That’s great news.”

“They will be including your friend, Liz, in the search,” he added cautiously.

I lifted my chin. “You know, I would’ve helped her, and will still if she needs me, but right now I’m too angry to even speak with her, especially after she sent that video. If she’s continuing to allow herself to be used as a pawn, she might end up in trouble along with The Agency.”

Dane didn’t respond or maybe he didn’t want to get in the middle of our friendship. I appreciated it and talked about something else.

Running my hand over the intricate woodwork of one of the armchairs, I asked, “Is your mother in New York?”

“No,” he answered. “She left New York and everything behind after my father stole from all their friends. She’s in Cayman Islands and rarely leaves now, but the house is here for her if she ever decides to come back.”

I squeezed his hand. “Well, she has a beautiful place to come back to when she’s ready.”

“At one time I had wanted her to,” he said. “I understand her now. It would have been the end of her to be shunned from society.”

I hunched my shoulders and rubbed over my arms. “I know the feeling.” His housekeeper announced lunch was ready and we walked into the dining room and sat down at the table. I wasn’t hungry but agreed to a tomato bisque and light salad.

“It’s hard right now, but it won’t always be,” Dane assured. “Nothing stops you. You found a way to make things work for Perfetto already. I admire that about you and so much more.”

I smiled. My heart skipped a beat at his praise. “I don’t see it. I gave in.”

“You stepped back,” he corrected. “For things to settle down and for the company and employees. That’s bigger than running and hiding.” His jaw tightened. “I don’t blame my mother; I blame my father. He cheated on her. He never gave her a reason to stay. He was so arrogant about what he had done. He refused to back down and help her.”

“I’m sorry. Is your father still here? I don’t hear much about him now,” I asked gently.

“Never left,” he grumbled, then poured me a half glass of wine. “When he didn’t have to go to jail for stealing from those that invested in his business and not paying contractors, he took revenge on anyone that went against him. Anyone that’s around him now is there more out of fear than genuine friendship. I won’t have anything to do with him.” His pain was still raw. In fact, there was so much pain for Dane in his life that I wanted to make it better.

“You fought and built a life despite him,” I said. “You’re a big success in your own right, and now you have Melinda who is crazy about you.”

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