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Well, at least I have some peace and quiet, until lunch, anyway. I finish up my breakfast, and then head back upstairs to test out the gym set-up in my room. I set the treadmill to run at a punishing pace, getting in a good workout as I think over my plans.
Lunch is a good sign. Sebastian is bringing me to meet clients, which means he wants to show me off—or have me see him in his element as the power broker. Another step closer, gaining access to his life. I’ll have to make sure I’m an asset, so I can see more of his work and corporate world. Wolfe Capital is his pride and joy, after all—the reason he can wield so much power.
Which makes it a perfect target for me.
What else? Lulu could be a great ally, I decide, pushing my pace faster on the treadmill. She’s in the media, curious, and has ambitions of her own. Plus, she’s actually fun to be around.
Fun. I give a hollow laugh, trying to remember the last time I had any. Things have been crazy in my life for a long time, even since before I learned about Miles. Nero’s been battling rival gangs all year, and only recently came to a détente—thanks to his new wife, Lily. So, my stress levels were already through the roof, even before…
Before I found the love of my life, hanging from a beam in his apartment.
I finally stop the treadmill, panting hard. My heart is pounding, but in a good way. I feel focused, and clear in my task, and ready to take on my enemy.
Even if he doesn’t know it yet.
After my workout,I shower and dress, taking my time to select a demure, pretty outfit and blow-dry my hair into a sleek, wavy style. Last night’s show of temper might have slid by under Sebastian’s radar, but I know, I can’t keep fighting with him, pushing back against his arrogance.
No, I need to be the innocent again, so he’ll underestimate me.
I pick out a cream colored tweed dress with a matching jacket, and patent leather pumps. I keep my make up light and natural: just some pink blush, mascara, and lip gloss. I’m starting to get used to this look on me. I no longer see a stranger when I look in the mirror.
I’m not sure what to make of that. It’s as if this experience is already changing me in ways I never anticipated.
The driver is waiting and whisks me through London without a word. He drops me off at a stylish restaurant, done up in a Scandinavian look, all bleached wood and airy windows. It’s no surprise when I find Sebastian sitting at the best table in the place.
And he’s not alone.
He’s sitting beside an older man with salt and pepper hair and laugh lines around his eyes. There’s a woman of around the same age at the table as well, and they all are in the middle of a conversation as I approach.
“Avery, I’m glad you could make it,” Seb says when he sees me, all smiles as he stands and pulls me into a warm hug. I blink in surprise, thrown by his friendly attitude.
Sebastian, warm?
He pulls of the empty chair beside him for me, and I sit, my mind racing. “This is Alistair Dunleavey and his wife, Emma,” he continues, introducing his lunch guests.
“Nice to meet you,” Alistair says, with a Northern brogue to his accent. Up close, he has weathered skin, and a plain cashmere sweater on, and right away I like his down-to-earth vibe. “Seb tells us you’re visiting him from the States?”
“Umm, yes,” I say, still caught off-guard by meeting someone so friendly. That’s not exactly something I’ve experienced with Sebastian or his associates. “Just for a few weeks.”
“Although, I’m trying to convince her to stay longer, isn’t that right, darling?” Sebastian gives me a smile and brings my hand to his lips to kiss my knuckles.
And there it is. He wants to play the loving, attentive partner to impress these nice people. Probably, because they’d run for the hills if they knew what a heartless bastard he was.
Oh, this is going to be fun.
I smile back at him, batting my eyelashes. “You’ll just have to convince me harder, Pumpkin,” I coo, enjoying the way he clenches his jaw at the nickname. I give the others a grin. “Seb is so diligent, I’m sure he’ll think of something.”
Alistair chuckles.
“Well, I hope you’re enjoying your visit to London,” Emma adds, looking delighted. “I’m from Wales myself, but I’ve lived here for the past twenty-five years.”
“I’m loving it,” I exclaim. “And Seb has been the best tour guide. He’s taken me everywhere, even up on one of those double-decker busses to go around town, with a big ‘I heart London’ sweatshirt on. He lost a bet,” I add with a wink.
Alistair blinks. “I can’t imagine that,” he says slowly.
“I know! He’s just the best. And you’re in business together?” I ask casually.
Alistair pauses. “I wouldn’t say that.”
