Page 32 of Suddenly Desired
But some of the looks weren’t admiring. Ellie caught a few sharp, disapproving glances as they stepped on to the pavement, and her stomach twisted. She could practically hear the judgement in their eyes.
How dare she walk with him?
It wasn’t hard to guess what they were thinking. The viral bar video was everywhere, with over a million views when she’d checked that morning. At least some of the people around them must’ve recognised him — or worse, recognised her.
Her grip on her bag strap tightened as a couple of women shot her particularly sour glares. She wasn’t used to being in the spotlight, and she definitely wasn’t used to being on the receiving end of public scorn.
Blake, on the other hand, seemed unfazed. His pace was steady, his focus fixed ahead as though nothing could touch him. That calm confidence was like a shield, and Ellie found herself leaning into it, letting his presence ground her.
Luckily they didn’t have to go far. A few seconds after leaving the building, a huge, shark-like Mercedes-Maybach purred to a halt in front of them. Blake opened the back door and gestured for her to get in. She hesitated for a split second, but the warmth of his small smile reassured her. Climbing inside, she was immediately hit by the rich scent of leather and polish.
The interior was unlike anything she’d ever experienced. It was like stepping into a mobile five-star suite, complete with plush quilted seats, soft ambient lighting, and an air of understated elegance. There were small crystal glasses tucked neatly into holders, a sleek control panel by her armrest, and even a perfectly fluffed cushion on her seat.
She ran her fingers over the buttery leather, marvelling at the attention to detail. She’d flown economy her entire life, and walking past business class on the way to her seat had always been the closest she’d got to this kind of luxury.
“It’s a little much,” said Blake, apologetically. He waited for her to sit down then closed her door, appearing a few seconds later on the other side of the car. A few people on the pavement had worked out who he was and Ellie could hear a few jeers which were abruptly cut off as he shut the door.
“Thanks, Alfie,” Blake said to the young man at the wheel. “Better put your foot down before they start throwing bricks.”
“Yes, sir,” said Alfie, and the car moved off with so much power that Ellie felt her insides tumble.
Just another twist on the roller coaster, she thought.
The driver pulled smoothly into traffic, the city blurring past the tinted windows. Ellie stole a glance at Blake, her heart skipping as he adjusted his glasses and leaned his head back against the seat. Even in this moment of quiet, there was something magnetic about him, an unspoken tension that filled the space between them.
“So, where exactly are we going?” she asked, trying to keep her voice casual.
“To meet someone who can help. Someone I trust.”
Ellie nodded, her curiosity piqued. “A secret mission, then?”
Blake chuckled, the sound low and rich. “Something like that.”
She couldn’t help but smile, the tension easing slightly. Despite everything — the viral scandal, the stares on the street — this felt like an adventure, one she wasn’t entirely sure she was ready for but couldn’t resist joining.
The driver obviously knew where they were going, even if Ellie didn’t. Blake stared at the crowds outside the window. Aftera moment he turned to her. “Thank you for coming,” he said. “I didn’t exactly plan to ask you — it just sort of slipped out.”
Ellie smirked. “You make it sound like I’m doing you a huge favour.”
“Aren’t you?” He tilted his head.
“Maybe,” she teased, leaning back. “But I’m also curious. You’re like a walking mystery novel.”
Blake chuckled. “Glad I’m keeping you entertained.”
“Hey, it beats sitting at home,” she said. “Besides, you’ve got me hooked now. I need to know how this story ends.”
“Hopefully not with me in handcuffs,” he quipped, though there was a shadow of seriousness behind his grin.
Ellie gave him a playful nudge with her elbow. “Well, if that happens, I’ll be the first to smuggle you a file baked into a cake.”
“Good to know I have someone in my corner,” Blake said, his smile lingering as he studied her. “It’s been a while since I’ve felt that.”
She saw something flicker in his eyes — gratitude, maybe? Or relief? It was hard to tell, but whatever it was, it hit her square in the chest.
“Well, you’ve got me,” she said lightly. “Just don’t expect me to do anything illegal. I have my limits.”
“Is smuggling tools into prison in a cake not illegal?” Blake laughed, shaking his head. “But, noted. No criminal activity unless it involves baking, right you are.”
