Page 30 of Loving London

I sigh. “Because I was desperate.”

“For those who are strong, a desperate situation is followed by a brave act. You are a strong woman, London. I can see it in you.”

I don’t know what to say to follow his comment, so instead, I bring my wine glass to my lips and let the rest of the crimson liquid slide down my throat in one long gulp.

Damn it.

As Brad moves to refill my glass, I hold my hand out to indicate that I don’t need any more wine. “Really, I have to work tomorrow. I’m all set.” The last thing I need to do is get wasted in front of my new boss.

“All right.” The corners of his mouth tilt up, and he finishes filling my glass.

I’m not drinking it, I promise myself.

I lead the conversation toward safer topics and enjoy an incredible crème brûlée for dessert. We mix business and pleasure, laughing over some of Paige and my escapades and talking about some news stories slotted for this week. Overall, it’s a great time, and I feel happy.

Before I know it, Brad is pulling up to the front of my hotel. The valet approaches Brad’s car and opens the door to let me out.

“Thank you for dinner, boss. See you tomorrow.” I grin.

“You’re most welcome.” He smiles back.

I stand and exit his car, shutting the door.

The passenger window rolls down. “Oh, London?” he calls from within.

“Yeah?” I bend down and peer into his vehicle.

His intense gaze grabs ahold of me and does all sorts of crazy things to my insides.

Damnyou, Brad Pitt!

“I just thought you should know that, although I didn’t ask you to, it doesn’t mean that it won’t be happening.”

I tilt my head in question, and then my eyes widen with understanding.

Brad gives me a cocky grin, and before I can respond, he and his fancy sports car peel out onto the road.

I watch, my mouth agape, as his car fades into the distance, and I wonder what the hell I have gotten myself into.

Loïc

“For me, life is simply about survival.”

—Loïc Berkeley

The loud boom comes out of nowhere. My heart leaps into my throat as I dive toward the nearest cover I can find, which happens to be a light pole. Leaning my back against the pole, I slide down until I’m sitting on the grass. My arms wrap around my head that’s burrowed against my knees.

I cower, my body in a tight ball of fear. Adrenaline and a heavy dose of panic course through my veins as my brain tries to make sense of my surroundings. I take in breaths, pulling the air deep into my lungs, willing my body to stop shaking.

And I see it all again…

The grenade.

Cooper’s face, full of determination and regret. But not regret for his actions. No, he would never be sorry for those. He would save his brothers again, if given the choice. No, in his face, I see sorrow for all those who, in that split-second decision, he was saying good-bye to. I see the grief as he accepted his fate and that of his loved ones.

The explosion.

My screams.

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