“How wonderful.” That deadpan tone was glorious, really. “I look forward to causing you pain in the future, then.”
He snorted at the sally, but not because he believed her. By now, even a man as self-absorbed and unobservant as him knew the truth.
She wouldn’t hurt him, even if he deserved it.
And at some point, he definitely would. He knew that too.
Casting a sidelong glance at her, he snapped the fingers of his free hand. “Try to get those Smurf legs of yours moving faster, Nanny Clegg. You’re going to make us late for our flight.”
As she stared at him in disbelief, he smiled back at her contentedly.
DAMN, IT FELTgood to be home.
Alex’s virtual PA had arranged for car service from LAX, and after a horrifically long day of travel, the sleek sedan was finally pulling up to his house in Beachwood Canyon.
Lauren raised her head from the plushly cushioned back seat, and her bleary eyes widened. “Is that …”
As soon as the car stopped, she climbed out and stood on his circular driveway, hands fisted on her ample hips.
“You—you have a mini-castle.” Her voice wavered. “With turrets. And a moat.”
Then she threw back her head and laughed.
The joyful sound floated through the evening sky, rich and warm, bright as the smile transforming her features into near-beauty, and—
And he couldn’t seem to look away.
Fuck, he couldn’t seem to look away.
Texts with Marcus: Sunday Afternoon
Alex:Thank fuck, we’re finally at cruising altitude
Alex:So BORED
Alex:Nanny Clegg is sleeping and made me promise not to wake her up except for meals, because she’s cruel and wants me to suffer
Marcus:Maybe she’s just tired?
Alex:SHE’S TIRED ON PURPOSE, TO THWART ME
Marcus:Apart from her malicious napping, how are things going with Lauren?
Alex:…
Marcus:Alex?
Alex:She says GBBO is “okay”
Alex:NADIYA’S SEASON, MARCUS
Alex:How am I supposed to put up with such
Alex:I don’t even know the right word for it, nothing suffices
Marcus:Wrongheadedness?
Alex:Maybe she truly is a harpy
