Page 20 of Bearing Secrets
Putting the car in park, he pulled the handle and slowly exited the exotic, admiring the smooth, swooping curves of its build. He’d contemplated not bringing it and taking something a little less…flashy, but his excitement at the prospect of talking to Natalia some more could only be paired properly with the roar the car made as it accelerated.
Her phone call hadn’t surprised him. Whathadcome out of left field was the rush of adrenaline he’d received when she said she wanted to see him again. He had been totally unprepared for that outcome, and even now was wondering if this was a mistake. The whole point was to find someone he wasn’t tied to, that would be of no danger to him. A simple catch and release, so to speak. It just so happened that he was giving Natalia something in return.
That made it easier, truthfully. She needed something from him and wouldn’t be doing it strictly for money. If he needed to, he could manipulate her much more easily given that leverage, though he hoped not to have to do that. He walked up to the house and rapped his fingers on the door promptly, as his watch ticked over to seven-thirty.
Looking at himself in the stained glass that mirrored back his reflection, he adjusted the black tie, ensuring it was properly tight. Then, he shrugged his shoulders slightly, ensuring the suit fell properly. It would, of course, being that it was hand-made for his frame by an expensive tailor out of Italy.
He just wanted to ensure he looked extra sharp for Natalia.
Stop fussing. It doesn’t become you.
He could hear his mother’s voice speaking to him now, while he waited for the door to open. His mother would tell him that he looked smart, having gone with a classic black suit look. The only concession he’d given was that the shirt wasn’t pure white, but a light shade of graphite-gray, just enough to contrast without looking out of place.
Hopefully, Natalia would appreciate the effort. Despite the temporary nature of their arrangement, he wanted it to be enjoyable for both of them; it would be easier to portray their connection that way.
The door yanked open to reveal a young blonde. Definitely not Natalia. She leaned against the open door, giving him a calm once-over. Kirell could immediately tell the woman was trying to fake being disinterested. Her body language gave it away. The fingers gripping too tight on the door, the stiffness to the lean of her body that indicated it was a forced casualness… Then there were the eyes. It was almost impossible to miss the alertness in the way she surveyed him with a protectiveness that did her credit.
“You’re Natalia’s friend from the bar,” he said, placing his memory of the woman.
“How did you know that? Your back was turned to me the entire time.”
Kirell smiled. “Is Natalia here?”
“Maybe. She—”
“I’m right here,” Natalia said, coming around the corner, adjusting the deep purple shawl she had wrapped around her bared shoulders.
It was Kirell’s turn to give his best poker face, though he was positive he did a better job than the blonde. It was hard, however, given the way Natalia looked. The bared, soft skin of her shoulders gave way to a floor-length black dress with twin slits across the hips. It hugged her form tightly, revealing the gentle curve of her waist before falling loosely to the floor in a dazzling display of shiny sparkles that reflected the light in waves as she walked.
“Is this appropriate?’ she asked, stopping and turning from side to side. “I wasn’t sure just how formal to get.” Her eyes roamed over his outfit. “Though it looks like I chose well.”
Recovering his composure, Kirell nodded. “Yes, that is quite acceptable.” It was important that he maintained his cool. Getting too deeply invested in the way the slits of her dress seemed to point directly between her legs was not the way to start the evening. There was no guarantee that she was going to sleep with him either. He’d told her that was optional and at her discretion, and he’d meant it.
But that didn’t stop his mind from wandering. He might have iron control over his external visage, able to stay cool and cold on demand, but inside was another story entirely. Kirell tended to run hot, relying on an ice-like filter to tamp down his emotions before they were shown to the outside world. It rarely failed him, and now was no exception.
“If you’re ready?” he asked as she slipped into a pair of stiletto heels, holding out her arm to her friend for support while she did them up with the other.
“I am. Though I do need to ask where we’re going.” She stood up, flicking her eyes over her shoulder to her friend. “My keeper insists.”
“He’s handsome, but still a stranger. I want details.” The blonde crossed her arms.
“Your friend is a good friend,” he said. “We have a reservation atLeBlancat seven forty-five,” he informed the pair.
“That’s ten minutes from now,” Natalia said, straightening in surprise. “We’ll never make it.”
Kirell winked. “Oh yes, we will. If you please?” He gestured down the walkway to the driveway, stepping aside to reveal how they were going to get there in time. At the same time, he lifted an arm to offer it to Natalia.
To his absolute surprise, she squealed in excitement and practically leapt past him.
“Is that a BugattiChiron?”
“Well I guess you didn’t just dress to impress, now did you?” the blonde muttered from behind him.
Kirell shot her a grin that he hoped would reassure her. “It’s fun.”
“I’m sure it is.” She sounded jealous. Good.
Good? Why the hell do you care if Natalia’s friend is jealous or not? Get a grip on yourself, Kirell; the clock is ticking. You have forty-eight hours, no, forty-six hours to pull this all together. Focus on the mission at hand.
