Page 69 of The Lawyer
Time passes by like that, just the two of us in a Parisian taxi driving through streets and around corners. No meetings for a while. No phone calls to deal with or family to contend with. Just her looking at me and me looking at her.
“I thought you were here to see Paris,” I eventually say. “Whilst I’m clearly more attractive than it is, I assumed you’d want to look at it, not me.”
“I don’t know what’s more attractive yet. I’ll let you know when I’ve tallied up the points.”
“Points?”
“Yes. Gentlemanly behaviour versus Paris and its attractions.”
“You’re going to rate me?”
“Yep.”
“Well, I better get my game on then. Paris has a few charms to compete with. One of which is my sister.”
“Your sister? We’re going to see your sister?”
“Yes, and I should warn you, her partner is attractive. Don’t infuriate me by gushing all over him. I will not take it well in the slightest.” The taxi pulls up to the hotel the moment I’ve let that out of my mouth, apparent pre-emptive jealousy fuelling me. “In fact, I might kill him for it. I feel like doing that anyway.”
She gets out of the car and looks up at the Plaza Athénée, waiting for me to arrive by the side of her. “Is he six foot plus with blond hair and a sharp tongue?”
“No. Dark, brooding, and irritating.”
“Unlikely I’ll be interested at all then. But I do have this rating system going on, so you never know. Might be worth you investing some serious thought in that romance word.” She points at the building. “This is a very good start.”
I smile and watch as the concierge grabs our bags. “Mmm. Separate rooms, I’m afraid.”
“Shame.”
“I know, but the only reason you’re here is to take the minutes on the meeting I have with Pierre Heroux. If I can walk away as part owner in the new French fashion channel by the end of this weekend, maybe we can discuss room arrangements next time.”
“You assume there will be a next time.”
My head leans in. “I. Don’t. Lose. Anything.”
“That, Mr Broderick, remains to be seen.”
Chuckling, I walk away from her and into the foyer to check us in. I’m damn close to dragging her into one of our rooms to deal with the ache in my trousers, but then the thought of Persephone and her happiness springs to mind. She seemed so pleased when I called, excited. The fact that she doesn’t know Willow will be with me yet shouldn’t be a problem, considering how good she is at keeping secrets of her own. Foxton, however, I’m not sure of.
I end up walking us both out into the sun again, eyes scanning the surrounding area for the café we’re supposed to meet at in half an hour. We eventually find it after ambling around a few streets, and I talk to the waiter about a booking either Persephone or Scott have made.
“Landon!”
The overly excited scream of delight shocks me, and I turn, only to be ambushed by Persephone in full flight. She lands hard against my chest, her arms going around my neck in what can only be described as sibling love. The feeling makes me chuckle a little, unsure when the last time we even did this was.
“It’s really you!”
“Happy Birthday, Persephone.”
“I can't believe you remembered or that you've come all the way here just for me.” I didn't, not entirely, but the timing was good for varying reasons.
Stepping back, I reach into my pocket and pull out the slim blue box and give it to her.
"Tiffany's? You shouldn't have."
Yes, I should. Whatever we've been through, she's the youngest one of us, the one I need to protect most. I watch as she opens it, pleased with the smile that breaks across her face again, and equally as pleased with the next launch of her limbs at me.
Still too absorbed in the feeling of her or the sense of familiarity now consuming me, I barely notice Scott’s approach until he’s beside us. He nods and looks at me, attempting to peel Persephone off, his hand cautiously outstretched. He’s right to be cautious. I’m still damn close to beating the crap out of him. Again.
