Page 63 of Cross My Heart
Holy shit!
I take another drink of my mimosa, trying not to let my reaction show, but inside, I feel a stab of victory. Is Annabelle trying to send me a message, or just confirm what she thinks I already know?
Either way, I have it now: The first solid confirmation that this secret society exists. And that Annabelle, Max, and the rest of them are members.
“Anyway, you won’t believe the trouble I’ve gone to in order to find trained doves for the ceremony….”
Just like that, we’re back to talking about her wedding, as if nothing happened.
After lunch,Annabelle walks me back to the Ambrose Foundation office, before smothering me with air-kisses and insisting we ‘simply must’ do a girly spa day ASAP. I can’t help but be charmed by her. We have exactly nothing in common, but she’s right: she doesn’t take no for an answer, and it’s impossible to withstand her avalanche of enthusiasm—and hot gossip.
I make my way back to my desk, my roommates’ warning echoing in my ears. Are Saint and his friends just toying with me as their latest amusement? I don’t for a moment believe that Annabelle would seek me out for friendship, or Hugh would suddenly call me up and offer me my dream job if I wasn’t showing up at events on Saint’s arm. But still, I have to admit, I like being included like this, and having a window on their glamorous, fun world. After a long, lonely year of grief and rage, mourning Wren, it’s a relief to just be swept up in simple, normal things like gossiping over lunch, or planning a social media outreach campaign for a good cause.
Although, there’s not much ‘normal’ about Lady Annabelle, or the future Duke of Ashford.
Arriving back at the desk I’ve been using, I stop. The workstation is covered with an extravagant bouquet of roses, and not just the simple red drugstore kind. No, these are blush-pink antique roses, dozens of them, rich with fragrance, in a stunning arrangement.
I inhale the incredible scent as I check the card.
‘Congratulations on your new job - Saint.’
I smile. Maybe I’ve played it cool for long enough…
I call him, and he answers on the first ring.
“A lesser man would be feeling deeply insecure about your silent treatment,” he says, picking up.
“Hello to you, too.” I trace the velvety petals of the roses. “The flowers are beautiful, thank you. But I haven’t agreed to take any job.”
“You will. It’s perfect for you, and Hugh says you’ve already hit the ground running.”
“Did he?” I ask, looking around. Hugh is in a meeting, talking enthusiastically with his team. “Well… I don’t know. It’s been hard enough keeping my head above water with all my academic work. Especially with all the distractions I’ve had…”
Saint chuckles, wicked. “Are you calling me a distraction?”
“You’re certainly not helping me focus on my studies,Professor.” I mock-scold him. “Whisking me out of Oxford, recommending me for extracurricular gigs…”
“You’re having fun, aren’t you?”
I pause, biting my lip. “I am,” I admit.
That’s the dangerous thing.
“So, about this dinner you owe me,” Saint says, and I can hear the filthy promise in his voice. “I’ve waited long enough. I’m taking you out, tonight.”
“I’m in London,” I point out, even though my pulse kicks at the thought of getting him alone again.
“How convenient, so am I,” he replies. “I have a place here, so you don’t even need to worry about that train.”
“Because I can sleep in your guest room?” I ask meaningfully.
He chuckles. “If that’s what you choose. Meet me after you’re done at work? Don’t make a grown man beg,” he adds, and I can’t help feeling bold.
“I don’t know…” I muse softly, feeling a shiver of anticipation. “I rather like you on your knees.”
And then I hang up, before he can reply.
Chapter18