Page 18 of Scarlet Angel

“I’m headed into the city. Any interest in joining?” There was a time I wouldn’t need to ask, but Dorian’s grown distant. Perhaps we’ve both grown old.

“No thanks. Like I told you, I’ve got meetings in Dorset. Reschedule for another night in London. I’m rarely on this side of the pond.”

It’s true. Last time I saw Dorian Moore was in Telluride. “My meeting’s early evening. I’ll aim to swing back before it’s too late. You sure I can’t persuade you to join me?”

“I’ll hang here. Have some emails to get to. And I want to catch up with Lina. She’s more appealing than you.”

I point a finger at him. “Get it out of your head.”

He smirks.

“Are you still married?”

His wolfish grin counters the quick shake of his head.

“Exactly. To you, Lina’s off-limits.”

“The divorce is final. What remains are technicalities. It’s with the lawyers.” Utter bullshit.

“It bears repeating. She’s my little sister.”

“Fine. Fine.” He sits on the back of the sofa and grins. “Now that Scarlet. She’s…” he puckers his lips, and I hold up a hand.

“Up you go. You’re coming with me to the city.”

“Hmm. Is the ginger off-limits?”

Not happening. I snap my fingers. “Come on. Get your arse moving.”

“I’m just messing with you. I’m wiped. I only got in this morning. After those beers we had this afternoon, I’m done.”

“Come with me and we’ll stay the night at the club. I’ll have you back in time for your meeting.”

He debates it, squirming in his chair. He wants to. What bloke doesn’t?

Leo. Bloody saint, that one. Didn’t appreciate the finer points of life.

“Rain check.”

His shoes are off, his collar’s undone, and his eyes are slightly bloodshot. Looks proper knackered.

“Want me to have your dinner delivered?”

“Room service?”

I lift a shoulder. It’s no sweat off my back.

“You really don’t want me around your sister. Or is it the redhead?”

“Sod off.”

He chuckles. Wanker.

“Chef will be in touch via the landline.” I rap my knuckle against the wall on my way out. “Who did you say you’re meeting with tomorrow?”

“I didn’t.”

Fucking wanker. That sly grin.

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