Page 51 of Undercover Infidel
“In the meantime,” Viper said, “proceed to your secure location as planned. Once we have confirmation, we’ll coordinate a response.”
Dr. McLaren approached me as the meeting ended. “Margot, a word?” Con stepped away to confer with Bennett.
“What is it?” I asked.
“Be careful,” she said, her voice lowered. “Orlov’s work has always pushed ethical boundaries, but what I’ve seen in the intercepts suggests he’s gone beyond even his previous positions. Whatever they’re building now…” She hesitated. “It may be more dangerous than anyone suspects.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” I promised.
“And Margot? Trust your instincts. They’ve always been your greatest strength.”
I gave her a reassuring smile, somewhat puzzled by her emphasis but appreciative, nonetheless.
Con rejoined me. “Ready?” he asked quietly, his hand finding the small of my back.
As we exited Vauxhall Cross and headed toward the waiting helicopter, I couldn’t shake the feeling that we were racing against something far more dangerous than just time. The consortium wasn’t simply relocating their operations—they were preparing to demonstrate Labyrinth’s capabilities in a way that would change everything.
And somehow, I knew we were central to whatever they were planning.
15
CON
Iguided Lex from the lift as it opened directly into the marble foyer of my London residence. The soft whoosh of the doors closing behind us seemed to seal us away from the chaos we’d left at Vauxhall Cross.
“Welcome to what my staff insists on calling ‘Sky Sanctuary,’” I said, pressing my palm against the biometric panel to deactivate the secondary security protocols. “Though I typically refer to it simply as the London flat.”
She stepped farther into the entryway, surveying the sleek lines and modern aesthetic—a stark contrast to Blackmoor’s ancient stones and historical weight.
“This is a flat?” Lex asked, one brow raised as she took in the expansive space before her.
I grinned at her reaction. “Perhaps I should have mentioned it spans the top three floors of One Hyde Park.”
I watched her expression change as she moved toward the floor-to-ceiling windows that dominated themain living area. The afternoon sun bathed the space in natural light, offering a panoramic view of the verdant expanse and the cityscape beyond.
“The glass is electrochromic,” I explained, following her to the window. “It adjusts automatically throughout the day, though you can override it manually if you prefer.”
“Care for a drink?” I asked, moving toward the corner bar nestled beside a double-sided fireplace of smoked glass and blue-veined marble.
“Whiskey, neat,” she replied, running her fingers along the back of the Italian leather sofa as she continued her visual exploration.
I poured us both two fingers of Talisker, the same we’d had at the castle. As I handed her the crystal tumbler, our fingers brushed.
“This penthouse is nothing like Blackmoor,” she observed, accepting the drink.
“Intentionally so,” I explained. “That’s my heritage—this place is purely of my own design. Every system, every material, every view was my choice.”
She took a sip, glancing around at the meticulous details of the space. “It’s very…you.”
“Would you like the complete tour?” I asked, gesturing toward the hallway that continued deeper into the residence.
“Lead the way, Lord Blackmoor,” she teased.
I guided her through the main living space, pausing to point out details I was particularly proud of—the custom Italian furniture in charcoal and navy, the walnut accents that provided warmth against the coolness of marble and glass.
“The kitchen rarely sees much use when I’m here alone,” I confessed as we passed through the sleek cooking space with its matte black cabinetry and brass fixtures.
“It’s beautiful,” Lex said, trailing her fingers along the veined quartzite countertop. “Though I suspect you didn’t design all this just to order takeaway.”
