Page 28 of When You're Alone

He studied her elegant posture, the way she radiated confidence among these men. She seemed entirely comfortable, which told him she was indeed used to commanding this domain—even if it was nominally a “gentleman’s” club.

She caught him watching her. “You still look surprised to find me here tonight?”

“Surprised but glad,” Finn said, flashing a partial grin. “I suppose I expected the place to be full of stern older men, no women in sight. But apparently I’m delightfully wrong.”

She leaned back, letting her gaze roam over his face. “Life is more interesting when the unexpected happens, don’t you think?”

He returned a playful grin. “I’ve built a career on the unexpected.”

Another low laugh from her. “I hear you’re settling in the UK. That must be quite the move. My ‘little spies’ said you have big business plans?”

Finn gave a vague shrug. “I have a potential merger with a major London tech firm. Thought I should oversee it personally.” He tried to keep his voice casual, as though used to big deals.

“Which firm, if I may ask?”

“That,” he said, tapping the side of his nose conspiratorially, “would be telling. Let me keep a few secrets, Lady Pembroke.”

Her eyes lit with amusement. “I do love an American who holds his cards close to his chest.”

At that, Finn quipped, “I’m partial to a good card game.” The remark felt like fishing for more details about The Monarch’s rumored poker nights, but she simply gave him a knowing smile.

Lady Pembroke stubbed out her cigar in a nearby ashtray, letting out a contented sigh of satisfaction. “You, Devlin, are going to fit right in here… provided you choose the right circles, of course.”

Curiosity piqued, he asked, “What circles are those?”

She smirked mischievously. “The ones that enjoy letting their hair down, if you will. All this quiet sitting and smoking can be so… boring, after a time.”

He nodded, playing along with her flirtatious tone. “So, what do people do for excitement around here? I can’t imagine this is all you do—read, smoke, occasionally chat?”

She slid a sidelong glance at him. “A man after my own heart.” Then, with a teasing purr, she said, “I’m sure many menare after my heart, but fewer catch my interest. Perhaps you might.”

He arched a brow. “I’m honored.”

She smiled, features bright with a hint of wickedness. “If I were ten years younger, I’d eat you up, Devlin Foster.” She rose, smoothing her dress. “For now, I’ll simply offer an invitation: be my guest tonight… after midnight.”

Finn’s heart fluttered at the possibility of an invite to a more private part of the club. “I’d be delighted. It’s been a tad dull since I arrived. Where are we going?”

She leaned closer, eyes sparkling. “Meet me in the library at five to midnight. Bring plenty of money. You’ll need it.”

He forced another grin, feigning casual arrogance. “Money is the one thing I have in abundance. But, the library? I'm not sure reading is my idea of a party.”

She chuckled softly, stepping back. “The library is just the threshold. I must go now—there’s someone else here I need to speak to. But don’t keep me waiting.” Then, with a final, lingering glance, she walked away.

Finn watched her go, feeling that pleasant mix of intrigue and caution. The library door again—the one Rutherford tried to hide. So that’s where the real after-hours might happen. Perfect. He touched a hand to his ear, his hidden earpiece picking up Amelia’s voice as a faint hiss.

“I heard all that,” Amelia whispered. “Don’t flirt too much, Devlin.”

He stifled a laugh. “You know my real flirting skills are reserved for you, Winters.”

Her tone was dry. “Funny. Just make sure you stay safe,Devlin. Also, you have several hours before midnight. You want to meet me and Rob outside? We’re still digging into Wardlow’s gambling.”

He looked around. The sitting room was settling back into subdued quiet, a couple of members eyeing him with distant curiosity. “Sounds good. If I hang around all day, I’ll look too eager. I’ll slip out. See you soon.”

He stood, flicked the remainder of his cigar into the ashtray, and made for the corridor. As he did, James Rutherford appeared, offering a quick hello to Lady Pembroke, then pausing to lock eyes with Finn. The membership secretary's suspicion was palpable. He greeted them both with a civil nod, but his gaze lingered. Then James continued on, disappearing into the lounge.

Finn let out a slow breath of relief. He turned away, guiding Lady Pembroke toward the corridor—where they parted ways—then he meandered alone toward the library. The corridor was quiet, footsteps echoing faintly. His reason for going there was simple: to give Lady Pembroke the impression he was leaving in a normal, unhurried fashion. He peeked again at thatornate door, half remembering Lady Pembroke’s invitation.Five to midnight,he reminded himself, glancing at his watch.

He traced his route through the corridors, eventually reaching the building’s side exit. The doorman tipped his hat but didn’t question his departure. Outside, evening had deepened, the sky blanketed with faint stars, and a chill night breeze fluttered along the club’s steps.

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