Page 79 of Knights Game

“You too, you know how to get hold of me if the need arises. I’ll be looking out for you in the chamber, it’s a lot bigger than the older one.”

“Fuck off, Dick.”

I laugh and give him another handshake. “See you around.”

I step away from Owen, with a note to check the finances I’ve been giving him through my legitimate business, and to make sure he has everything he needs. Owen isn’t one to ask if he needs more. Becoming a politician is an expensive journey, and it helps to have friends with money.

For now, though, my attention turns to the woman that has me unhinged.

“I know you’re there.” She glances over her shoulder. “I can feel the daggers piercing my skin.”

“A simple instruction, no?”

“What was dear?” she replies sarcastically.

“Ahh the sarcasm, how I’ve missed it.” I pluck the drink out of her hand knocking it back for her.

“For fuck’s sake, Luca. I’m not your puppet.”

Someone clears their throat to my right, and I smile tightly. “If you’ll excuse me,” Joanna says before leaving.

“Keep your sodding voice down,” I hiss.

“You said stay by your side, and I’m left completely alone within ten minutes of being here.”

I pull back and search her face. “You’re pissed at me.”

“I’m constantly pissed at you, you’re an arsehole.”

“Ahh, you do care.” I grin and she rolls her eyes, going to stand. “Where are you going? I need to go back to John, we need to be seen by the families.”

“You need to do that; I need to find Katy. Where is she?” she asks, looking around at all the faces. “Why does everyone look the same at these events?”

“She’ll be here soon. Calm your knickers.”

“I’m not wearing any knickers.” She struts past me, and the words go straight to my cock.

“Fuck me,” I mutter, looking up to the grand ceiling, breathing through my nose, my jaw clenching.

Give me strength.

“I like her,” Duchess says from my right, startling me. Bloody hell, she came out of nowhere. “She’s spirited.”

“Is spirited another word for a pain in my arse?” I pull out my phone.

“I can see why you’re so taken with her. She’s definitely got the lost sheep feel about her.” Isabella watches Layla cross the floor to the seating arrangement; she sees a waiter walk past and grabs another glass of champagne.

Isabella tilts her head back and laughs.

Fuck’s sake. But I can’t help smiling. “Layla is anything but a lost sheep. Where’s my cousin?”

“With your uncle, talking about something or another.” She waves her hand, unbothered. I take in her low-cut dress, the cream-coloured lace hugging her slim frame.

“You know Levi is using you.”

“What makes you think I’m not using him?” She looks up at me through thick lashes, her large, hooped diamond earrings catching the light.

“I appreciate your concern, Luca.” She rubs my arm. “But I’m not some poor damsel in distress that doesn’t know the world she lives in. That describes Layla perfectly, yes, but not me. Did you see that the Blacks aren’t here tonight?”

---