Page 69 of The Passion

Taking my time walking back, the moment I sit down it feels like Fulton is ready to leave and hands me my glass that I could swear has less scotch in it than when I left.

“I have told them to send a bottle of Dewars up to the room for you, so there is no need to worry about finishing this drink down here.” He looks at me with that swoony look that would have made me feel something last time, but not tonight.

“Oh, someone is in a hurry now. Don’t you know you should never rush a lady?” I’m trying everything to stall him just a few moments longer.

“I think you are playing with me tonight, my darling. It’s time to take this to where we can really start playing.” Standing, he holds his hand out to take mine.

In my head I’m screaming,“Hurry up, Harper, SOS, SOS.”And like she is reading my thoughts, my bag starts vibrating, and I almost drop my phone trying to get it out so fast.

“Excuse me, sorry, I need to take this. Yes, Harper?” My breathing must be a little rapid.

“Fuck, I can hear you breathing. Are you okay?” Harper is whispering down the phone so no one can hear our conversation.

“Oh no, that sounds awful. Of course I can come. I’ll be there as quick as I can.”

“You better be because I want to know everything. Message when you are safe in the car.” Harper sounds concerned, and I’ve never been more thankful to hear her voice.

“Of course, it’s no trouble, don’t be silly.” I take a breath like she is talking, and then I pretend to interrupt her. “No, no, don’t be silly. Fulton will be fine for us to reschedule. I’m leaving now. Just lie down until I get there.”

“You should have been an actress with that bullshit.” Harper giggles so quietly.

Hanging up the call, I stand next to Fulton. “I’m so sorry, Fulton, I have to leave. My friend is very ill and needs me. She didn’t have anyone else to call and is so weak she shouldn’t be alone. I knew you would understand.”

“I will take you there, and then once she is settled and feeling better, we can continue with our night.”

For fuck’s sake, take the hint, man, tonight is over.

“Oh, that’s not necessary, my driver is here and will take me. I think I will need to stay the night with her. I’m so sorry, but I’ll be in contact to reschedule.” I try to look like I’m messaging my driver and being ever so polite.

“I will see you tomorrow night. I’m not finished with you, my darling. We have a lot to talk about, including seeing each other on a more permanent basis.” He takes my face in his hands and is closing in to kiss me on the lips, but using all my strength, I manage to move so his lips land on my face next to my mouth. Flynn will never forgive a lip kiss. The cheek ones will be hard enough for him to swallow.

I don’t even acknowledge what he said because no way in hell is that happening, but it’s not a conversation I want to have face to face with him or in public.

“Good night,” is all I say, pulling away from him and making my way to the door before he has time to follow me.

My heels click on the floor from the almost stomping I’m doing hurrying to the door. But as I’m approaching the edge of the foyer nearing the front doors, a man in a suit approaches me from the side.

“Mr. Taylor is waiting for you in the black limousine outside the door. He requests that you join him.” He then continues to walk toward the doors but apart from me now.

This can’t be good.

Was Flynn inside?

Did he see me?

Oh, please let the answer be no.

But he obviously had that guy watching me, and although I want to be angry at him, part of me instead is starting to understand how much he does care for me.

If the tables were turned tonight, I can’t say I would have acted any differently.

“Have a good night, Lady Kentwall,” the doorman happily says as I walk to the car, and the valet opens the door for me to get in. I can see Imala and my car pulling in behind the limo, but I just give her a subtle shake of the head and touch my right ear which is our sign that lets her know that I’m okay. She then scratches her nose to let me know she understands and then pulls back out and drives off.

Although I can’t see him, I hear his voice, and he’s not happy.

“Get in the car now.”

Not waiting another minute just in case someone sees us together, I slide into the car, ready to face the firing squad, and the door closes behind me.

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