Risking It All: London Calling Book Three (3 page)

For now, he was focused on another woman and another gift. Natalie had never called or responded to him, so it shouldn’t be a surprise she stonewalled his latest missive. But considering his request for a meeting, he hoped she’d respond. Knowing he’d be out of contact during the flight, he couriered a note asking that she contact him only in the event she needed to reschedule.
 

Dominic’s core confidence didn’t allow for the idea that a woman might not
want
to see him. Quite simply, it never occurred to him.

So, with a broad smile, he exited the taxi outside the doors of their favorite café. They stumbled upon the place when they were sneaking around, trying to hide their involvement from both Bennett and Devon. It was a fair distance west of the City of London, but easy enough to reach by cab. After one visit, it became their favorite place for flaky pastries and strong espressos.
 

A familiar employee greeted him soon after he walked into the airy shop. High ceilings showcased old woodwork that was painted a soothing off-white. The wood floor creaked underfoot and he immediately smelled the mingled scents of croissants, quiches, and coffee.
 

Dominic waved, unsure whether the barista would remember him. As he approached the counter, the young man smiled, clearly recognizing him.

“Hey mate, haven’t seen you in a long while.”

The familiarity of the place, along with the other man’s friendliness, made Dominic feel at home. “How goes it?”

“Can’t complain. The usual?”
 

Dominic nodded and the barista set about brewing a triple espresso. With a perfect crema layered on top, Dominic’s mouth watered in anticipation. The younger man placed the demitasse cup on a saucer with a tiny packet of sugar and a miniature spoon. To finish, he filled a small glass with sparkling water. Positioning everything on a tray, he added Dominic’s favorite pain au chocolat on a small plate to the side.
 

“Will your friend be joining you today?”
 

“Yeah, we’re meeting.” The bell above the door tinkled as Natalie stepped inside, unwrapping a scarf from around her neck. Dominic hurriedly set his tray on a nearby table, drinking in the sight of her. She was the same yet different. Desire whipped through him, stunning him with its intensity. But it was more than that. He felt a deep yearning, a craving to be near her. He moved closer.
 

She looked up to place her order and saw him. The color leached from her skin so fast he thought she might pass out.

“Nat, what is it?”

Even her lips were pale. “
You
. What are
you
doing here?”

Dominic tilted his head. “Meeting you. Like my note said.” Puzzled, he watched as she gingerly pulled out a chair and sat down. Looking over, he ordered her usual. “Double latte with a croissant, please. She needs to eat.” She’d grown thinner since their time apart. Her cheekbones were sharper, angling above hollowed cheeks. She was definitely more fragile, but still exquisite. Her beauty took his breath away.

Natalie’s head shot up from where she’d lowered it onto one hand. Her eyes glowed like sapphires, spitting rage and something deadlier at Dominic. “Go to hell.” She started to get up, but Dominic pressed a hand to her shoulder, keeping her seated.

Meanwhile, the barista looked perplexed. Dominic exhaled loudly, tapping his foot. As the young man snapped to attention, Dominic continued, his tone sharp. “Please get Natalie’s usual. She isn’t well.”

He was unprepared for the pointed toe of her shoe to connect with his shin. “Ouch.” Releasing her, he bent over to rub at the spot. “What the hell was that for?”

“I am
fine
, except for seeing you. Why are you here?”

Dominic’s brows shot up. “I’m here to meet you, Nat. As arranged.”

“I would agree to meet with Satan and all his minions before you, Dominic Martin. What on earth are you talking about?”

Clearly, they had their wires crossed. Dominic spoke slowly. “I sent you a note, with the toffee, to meet here. Today.” At her confused look, he continued. “This morning.”

“I didn’t read your stupid note.”

Hurt, Dominic snagged on the irrelevant. “You got the toffee? And the reference? You know, toffee for Toff.” He smiled tentatively, worried Natalie didn’t seem her usual smart, quick-thinking self.

Clearly, unemployment had dulled her.

“No. I didn’t eat your damned toffee. Just like I didn’t keep any of your worthless gifts.” She tugged at one sleeve of her jacket, pulling it down until it nearly covered her hand. She left the other slightly pushed up.
 

Dominic had only seen Natalie utterly composed. Even when his lies were exposed, she’d thrown him out of her life with icy calmness. This Natalie, the nervy fidgeting woman before him, was a mystery.

“Okay…” He drew the word out, trying for reassurance. “But why are you here if it’s not to meet me?”

She stared, a rosy flush suffusing her cheeks as her mouth dropped open. Her head jerked around as the employee brought over another tray populated with the same espresso and chocolate croissant as the other.
 

“Your usual.”
 

If possible, Natalie turned redder still. She grabbed the tray and marched it back over to the young man, who’d resumed his position behind the counter. “I’d like this to go.” She softened her tone. “Please.”

She turned back to face Dominic, who was utterly confused by now.
 

“Natalie, you just got here, and we haven’t had a chance to talk. Why are you leaving?”

Her color had returned, but her eyes still shot fire. “I am not here to meet you, Dominic.” She paused as he stared back at her. “This is all some kind of sick joke the universe decided to play on me.”

“But—”

“No, let me finish. You wanted to talk, so here it is. I would never agree to a meeting with you. There is nothing you could say that I possibly have any interest in.”

“Well, hear me out—”

“I’ve heard all I want to hear out of you in this lifetime, Dom. I meant what I said a year ago, but I’ll repeat it now since you didn’t seem to understand.”

It was Dominic’s turn to feel the blood drain out of his face.

“I never, ever want to see you again. Now leave me be.”

She walked straight and dignified out the door, leaving her breakfast order behind.
 

Dominic watched the door slam then looked at the other man. He seemed as baffled as Dominic felt.

After a short, awkward silence, the young man brought over Natalie’s espresso and pastry. He set them down then pulled out a chair to join Dominic.

“Mate, that was harsh.” The barista sipped the coffee then took a bite of Natalie’s croissant.
 

All the while, Dominic looked from one tray to the other, noting that sometime in the past year she changed her preferences to match his.

He slapped his palm down on the table, startling the other man. Deep laughter rumbled up from his chest. “No, see?” He waved to indicate the identical orders. “She’s crazy about me.”

CHAPTER TWO

D
OMINIC
STRODE
UP
the stairs leading to Bennett’s Notting Hill townhouse and paused at the elegant black-lacquered door. He gave the brass lion’s head knocker two sharp raps before stepping back to wait.

He was late, again. But after his less than satisfactory meeting with Natalie, he needed time to clear his head. After checking into his hotel, he took a long walk along the Thames before hopping on the Tube and heading to Bennett’s. Dominic could well afford taxis, or even his own driver. In fact, Bennett insisted on introducing him to Frank, a Sterling family friend and former chauffeur to Bennett’s grandfather, Charles. For today, however, he preferred public transportation. It had the benefit of allowing him to mingle with masses of people while still retaining his anonymity.

His phone buzzed just as the door opened to reveal Devon. His best friend and surrogate sister looked at him blankly for two seconds before letting out a whoop and pulling him to her.
 

Determinedly pushing away his lingering guilt, Dom hugged her back, hard. It was so good to see her, and he hadn’t realized how acutely he’d missed her warmth and acceptance. Maybe she had forgiven, like she’d told him.

“I take it Bennett didn’t tell you I was coming?” They walked arm in arm down the hallway toward the kitchen area. Dominic was as eager as she to catch up and spend some time together.

“No, he didn’t,” she exclaimed. “Unfortunately, he’s been called away to work, so you’re stuck with me. And Charles, of course.” She waved her arm to include the white-haired man standing behind the kitchen island. He had a dark blue apron tied around his trim frame. “Have you two met?”

Dominic moved forward to shake Charles’ outstretched hand. “No, I haven’t had the pleasure,” he murmured. “But it’s very good to meet you now, sir. I’ve heard a lot about you from both Bennett and Dev.”

“It’s Charles, and I’m likewise glad to finally meet you. You’re practically a legend as one of the few people with the guts and intellectual guns to outsmart my grandson.” Charles smiled then good-naturedly slapped Dominic on the shoulder.
 

Resigned to the infamy of his own actions, Dominic returned his smile before turning back to Devon. She was tying on a similar apron to the one Charles wore, but light blue in color. Horrified, he stared.

“You’re not cooking are you, Devvie?”
 

“I am! Charles has taken on the daunting task of teaching me. Right?” She looked at the older man with an adopted air of innocence, but Dominic saw one side of her mouth quirk up.

Charles nodded, lips clamped tightly together before he turned away to the refrigerator. Dominic was certain he heard a muffled snort as Charles bent down to remove vegetables and steaks, moving them to the counter. Glancing over, he saw Devon biting her lip in an effort to control her merriment.

Intervention was necessary.

“Charles, I don’t wish to be rude, but would you mind terribly if I stole Devvie away from your cooking lesson?”
 

“No, no,” the other man said loudly. Moderating his tone, he repeated himself. “Not at all, you two go on. I know it’s been ages since you’ve seen each other.” Dominic detected a hint of desperation behind Charles’ agreeability.

“Are you sure, Charles? Because our last lesson was so much fun.” Devon smiled, but Dominic clearly saw the devilry behind her misty gray eyes. Turning to Dominic, she elaborated further. “We made quiche. What kind was it again, Charles?”

Charles mumbled something that Dominic was sure contained the word
pain
. He stifled a laugh and decided to play along.
 

“I’m sorry, sir, what was that?”

Charles cleared his throat. Ruefully, he said, “Lorraine. Devon made quiche lorraine.” He couldn’t quite suppress a grimace.
 

Devon was earnest. “I thought it turned out rather well, didn’t you? I mean the crust was a bit underdone. And I didn’t realize I should crisp the bacon before mixing it all together.” She turned to face Dominic. “But other than that, a triumph.”
 

Devon’s eyes were silver with unholy glee. Dominic saw the older man’s eyes widen then narrow.
 

The gig was up.

“A triumph,” Charles agreed. “In fact, I should leave you to fix Dom this nice lunch we’ve planned. I realize I’m in the mood for some fish and chips from that little place around the corner.” He quickly untied his apron and flung it toward Dominic. “Don’t worry, Devon knows exactly what to do. Bon appétit!”

Bennett’s grandfather took his leave, chuckling all the way down the hallway before releasing a loud guffaw as the door latched shut behind him. Dominic and Devon swiveled to look at each other before bursting into gales of laughter.

Wiping a tear from under her eye, Devon said, “I’m not sure who’s been had.” She waved at the ingredients laid out on the counter. Devon and Dominic had grown up with easy food and restaurant takeout after both their mothers were gone. “At least Charles gets a decent lunch, damn him.”

Dominic gathered up the ingredients into both arms. He nodded toward the refrigerator, and Devon hurried to open the doors. After piling everything back inside, he stuck a hand in his pocket and came out with a stack of British pound notes.

“Any other good places around here for fish and chips?”
 

Devon snatched the money from his hand and walked to the front door. Tossing her head at him, she said, “Come on. I know just the place.”

Dominic strode alongside his oldest friend, relieved they were back in sync. The last year had tested their family’s love and friendship. But Devon moved on, and he learned a hard lesson.
 

He wanted to be one of the good guys.

His phone buzzed, reminding him he hadn’t checked the last text. Swiping the screen, he saw both messages were from Moneypenny.

The first was a request for him to call.

The second closer to a demand.