Page 67 of The Agreement


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He draws in a breath. "I’m not sure, to be honest. We’ve both been incredibly busy of late, and every time we’re together, the press can’t stop hounding us. It’s like they want to infiltrate our lives and track every move."

"That’s rough, man."

"It’s not easy. Not on a fledgling relationship, especially."

"So, when are you seeing her next?"

His features turn inscrutable. "She’s on a tour of the US. Fifty cities in five months.”

I whistle. "That’s insane."

"I told her to slow down. But the woman won’t listen. In a way, I understand how it is to find success for your art. You’re scared you’re a one-hit wonder. You want to make the most of it when you think your fans love you. You want to capitalize on your track record and keep upping the benchmark. You want more of it. The adulation, the success, the validation of the confidence you had in yourself. Hell, I’m the same way, so I can’t blame her."

"But one of you needs to give in, if you want to have any common meeting ground." I walk into the locker and begin to strip out of my sweaty workout gear.

"Unfortunately, that can’t be me. I need to travel for my shoots. I need to keep churning out the films while I’m still in demand, know what I mean?"

Declan follows me into the showers. After we’re both dressed and on our way out of the club, he turns to me. "Sorry, didn’t mean to download all that emo stuff on you."

"I hope it helped. Besides, we’re the only two bachelors left standing—considering the Seven and the Sovranos are hitched, not to mention, JJ, Liam and now, Hunter."

"Hunter and Zara. Did not see that one coming." Declan shakes his head.

"In the space of a year, he became the Prime Minister of the country, got married and had a child. That’s a fuck-load of stuff to deal with." I walk down the steps and toward the exit.

"To see him, you wouldn’t know." Declan laughs. "The man dotes on his son, and with Zara by his side, he seems far happier than I’ve ever seen him before."

Good for Hunter.To fulfill his dream and find the love of his life is special. More power to him. Although, it doesn’t explain the strange burning sensation in my chest.I’m not envious of him. Nope. It’s not like I want to marry and settle down.

My own career is ascendant. I just signed up with a new sponsor, and I have the tour of the subcontinent coming up with my team. Hell, I’m the most successful captain of the English cricket team ever. Just one of the many records I aimed to break during my career. And then, there are the businesses I’m investing in, which help me multiply my money faster, while helping me grow my power and influence even more.

Nope, I’m right on track. And no curvy woman with big green eyes and skin like the softest satin is going to make me veer me off course.I’ve done my duty to ensure she’ll stay close, so I can keep an eye on her. It’s for her safety—so Knight won’t have any reason to worry about her.I have no interest in her beyond that. Nope.

My phone buzzes with a notification. I pull up the security app and watch as the green dot which is Abby’s phone heads up her street and toward the tube station.What the devil? What is she up to now?I dropped her home earlier and felt sure she’d stay there until I pick her up tomorrow.So, where the hell is she going at— I glance at the time on my watch—nine p.m.? Is she going to a club? Or to meet a secret lover, maybe?Either way, I’m going to make sure she’s okay. It’s not safe for her to be wandering around late like this.

"You alright?" Declan’s voice cuts through my thoughts.

"Eh? What?" I glance up at him. "Of course, I am. Something’s come up though; gotta dash."

27

Abby

"OMG, you’re on fire, girl!" Isla exclaims.

I push out my arse and bump and grind and lower myself to the floor and back up again. I’m not much of a dancer, but the shot of tequila I downed earlier helped lower my inhibitions somewhat. I’m at a nightclub in Soho. It’s Friday night and the place is heaving.

Unable to focus on work—I was writing up handover notes on a few client accounts for Zara’s company—I wandered around the apartment, not sure what to do with myself. When Isla texted that she was in town and asked if I wanted to meet up with her and Amelie at a club, I jumped at the opportunity. I also invited Mira, my friend from the train, to join us. We met at the bar and downed a few drinks before we ventured onto the dance floor.

"Hey, girls!" Amelie shoulders her way through the crowd and draws abreast with us. With her, there’s a very pretty, petite girl who smiles at Isla.

"Ava!" Isla squeals and throws her arm about the girl. "How wonderful to see you. It’s been ages."

"I know, Baron refuses to let me out of his sight, but I managed to slip away for this evening." She laughs.

"That husband of yours sure is possessive," Isla scoffs.

"No more than Liam." Ava looks her up and down. "Speaking of... What are you doing in Blighty? Thought you two preferred the sunnier climes of your island."

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