Page 71 of The Devil's Pawn

“It’s Alexander,” he grits out.

“Bit of a mouthful, but okay.”

I almost gasp, then I catch Emma’s eye and figure out what she’s up to. She’s aggravating him on purpose,probably thinking it’ll help move my master plan along, and if that nerve beating in his jaw is anything to go by, she’s nailed it. A second later, though, he’s collected himself, and he smiles at Emma. Actually smiles.

“I’m due to travel to London today on business. Would you like to come? Perhaps you and Imogen could do a little shopping while I conduct my business.”

I’m so speechless by his offer that if a breeze came through the window, it’d knock me on my ass.

“London? You’re letting me come to London?”

“With security, of course. You’re not a prisoner, Imogen.” He smiles at me this time, but it’s different to the one he gave Emma. It’s cunning, like he’s planning something. Right now, though, I don’t care. I get to go to London with my best friend, and that’s worth whatever secret shit he’s up to.

Twenty minutes later, we’re situated in the back of the car, with Alexander and Richard sitting in front of us, on our way to London. Within seconds, Emma and I fall into easy conversation like we always have. When Alexander huffs loudly, then presses a screen that separates us from him and Richard, Emma winks at me.

“This thing soundproofed?”

I listen intently. “Guess so. Can’t hear them talking. Why?”

“The eyebrow thing?” She lowers her voice in spite of what I just told her. “Fucking epic.”

“Wanna know what he did to pay me back?”

She shifts closer. “Always.”

“He locked me in a panic room for seven hours.”

Her eyes flash wide. “Fuck, Immy.” She grimaces. “Not as easy as you thought, then?”

“Nowherenear. I’m beginning to lose hope.”

She wags her finger. “Stop that right now. We have four days together. I’m sure we can cook up a master plan to force his hand.”

“I hope so, because everything I’ve tried so far has epically failed, and I’m so lonely, Em. The staff are stuffy as hell, his sister who I’d hoped would become a friend is always away on business, and Alexander only talks to me when it suits his agenda. I’m rattling around that stupid house, and I don’t think I can take much more.”

She squeezes my hand. “I got you. We’re going to figure this out.” She angles her head. “At least he’s easy on the eye.”

I sigh. “He’s the most confusing man I’ve ever met. One minute, we’re at each other’s throats, the next, he’s being nice to me, or I find out he’s done something wonderful for a member of his staff, and I see him in a different light.”

She studies me for a few moments. “Has he screwed you yet?”

I shake my head. “He’s kissed me a couple of times, and…” I trail off, heat rushing to my cheeks at what we did in the stable block. “We’ve done other stuff. But he’s shown no interest in taking things further.”

“Hmm, interesting.” She taps her finger against her bottom lip, then nods. “Okay… hear me out. You like this guy?”

“I like certain versions of him. Others make me want to put itching powder in his boxers.”

“Let’s make a note of that one.” She grins. “What if you could work for Zenith and stay married to this guy. Would you?”

“It’s a moot point. I already asked him about working, and he said no.”

“When was that? Have you asked him again?”

“What’s the point?”

“The point is that people change their minds. For all you know he could have changed his.”

“He won’t.”

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