Her smile fell. “I promise.”
Once inside, he and Faith were taken to the conference room. He waited just outside, to give everyone time to make up what was most likely a wrong impression about the black sheep of the Montgomery’s.
“Should I take notes?” she asked softly.
“No. I’ll take my own. Just sit there and look impressed when it sounds like I know what I’m talking about.”
She made a sound, a sort of a cross between a snort and a giggle. “You’re impossible.”
“That’s what they tell me,” he said and opened the door. “Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. The first thing I’d like to address is the backdoor I found in the Sentinel program, which is otherwise a fantastic security wall.”
CONNOR WALKED, NO HE strutted to the waiting car, with Faith by his side. The executive board had taken him seriously from the get-go because he’d established up front that he had a personal interest in what they were developing and that he knew what the hell he was talking about.
“You were amazing in there,” Faith said, grabbing his hand for a quick squeeze. “I don’t know how they didn’t cheer at the end, because I totally wanted to.”
“Thank you.”
The driver tipped his hat to Connor, opening the door. “Sir.”
“Why don’t you take the rest of the day off, with pay, so I can take my wife on a tour of London?” he said.
“Don’t have to ask me twice. Cheers.”
Connor turned to Faith. Her pretty blue eyes were full of excitement. She shivered and smiled wider, but he could see the goosebumps on her exposed skin. “Don’t move.” He pulled the light grey coat in tighter and fastened the buttons to the top. “I don’t want you to freeze to death on your first visit.”
“I’m fine,” she said, but he noticed that she held perfectly still for him as he tightened the belt at the waist. He liked this look on her, all buttoned up with her bright yellow heels. “But can we get a snack before you give me the grand tour? And, I need to buy different shoes because my feet are cold.”
“As you wish, Buttercup.” He laced his hands with hers. “Food’s right ahead. Shoes as soon as you’re done eating. If we had more time, I’d take you to Scotland.”
“To see your brother’s castle?”
He made a face. “No. I have my own property there. Besides, I’m not sleeping in the same bed he said he made his kid in.”
“Oh ew. Why would he tell you that?” she asked.
“To ensure I’d get my own place.”
She burst out laughing. “He didn’t think a more direct, hey buy your own castle would work?”
“Nah, I’d stay there out of spite.”
“Brotherly love,” she said with a sign. “Are we there yet?”
He gestured to a small store with a bay window showcasing its wares tucked between two larger buildings. Painted bright green and trimmed in white, it looked like a cottage. “Right ahead. Anyway, when we have more time, I’ll make arrangements for us to take a private train to my property.”
“The entire train will be for us?” she asked, then shook her head. “I don’t know why I question you anymore. That sounds like a lot of fun.”
Connor opened the door to the shop. “You really shouldn’t question me. I’m always right.”
“Except when you’re wrong.”
“I’m never wrong. After you.” Connor ignored the murderous look in Faith’s eyes as she edged past in and was rewarded a second later when Faith turned in slow circles, her mouth open in shock.
Floor to ceiling shelves were packed with books. The tables were covered in white tablecloths and had vases of cornflowers set atop each one—a nod to Faith’s pretty eyes. A fireplace in the corner gave off warmth as the logs snapped and cracked in the flames.
“This is so beautiful.”
The owners of the shop hung back, waiting for them to make their selections. Their smiles were real as they watched Faith’s reaction. Hell, they probably expected them to be jaded and snooty, unappreciative of the small and large touches that had been made at his request.
He dipped down, bring his mouth to her ear. “They make every kind of chocolate confection imaginable... and it can all be yours.”
“Are they closed?” she asked in a whisper. “It’s empty.”
“Not for us.”
Faith blinked. “That’s a little much, don’t you think?”
“Nah. A little much would be to arrange for us to sleep at Buckingham Palace tonight.”
“Har. Har.”
“You laugh, fakely, at me, but I’m dead serious.”
“Okay.” Faith shook her head, muttering, “There is no way he talked the queen into letting us stay there.”
“Flag’s not up. She’s in residence at Balmoral Castle right now. Also, she thinks I’m a charming scamp.”
Faith glanced over her shoulder at him. “Stop teasing and let me pick something out to eat.”
He rocked back on his heels, holding up his hands in surrender. “Save some for me.”
She stuck her tongue out at him. “Only if you’re lucky.”
He didn’t respond, just watched her as she explored the tiny shop and talked with the owners about their desserts, as well as how they got started. She was so damn good with people. Everyone who got to know Faith ended up loving her... but not as much as he did.
While they got glimpses of her heart, she’d shown him her soul each and every time he needed to be rescued from his destructive ways.
But what had been her reward for that, but to be ostracized at work. To move to a new town where she knew no one but him and since he monopolized her time, she never had any time of her own to spread her wings.
His gaze zeroed in on the necklace she wore. He could just see the pendant where it rested in the hollow of her neck.
“Fuck,” he said under his breath. Drew was right. His own father was right. He was treating Faith like that damned crow—not giving her the space or time to be her own person because he was afraid she’d leave him. Even when he stayed away this last time, he didn’t give her space. He had to talk with her everyday, had to email or text.
Hell, maybe her father was right and he was addicted to her.
Only he never planned on quitting Faith.
26
FAITH
FAITH’S APPOINTMENT at the Musée de la Technologie did not end with the design book miraculously appearing. Heart heavy, she made her way down the front stairs, trying not to let the lack of design book ruin what had been the best trip she’d ever taken with Connor.
Only, it wasn’t so easy.
She sighed.
Her phone buzzed.
Checking her phone, she found a text from Connor that made her smile.
Take a right out of the museum and that will lead you to the bridge. Take a left and that will lead you to food.
Faith went with option number one, in hopes that she could catch a rogue lock of love. The city had removed them a few years back and religiously enforced their ban in order to preserve the bridge... which meant that her chances were slim to none.
In a matter of minutes, she found the bridge. A single padlock hung there, lonely and forgotten. Her heart flipped in her chest at the sight.
No, it wasn’t lonely and forgotten. It was a testament. A reminder of how enduring love can be when everything seems to be going wrong.
Would she ever have the courage to tell Connor how she really felt about him? Yes, they were friends and she’d always loved him like one, and felt that sort of love from him as well.
It felt a little silly to be standing in what she considered one of the most romantic cities in the world and worrying about love.
Maybe she should have sent the book to Greece. The ancient Greeks had been so smart to divide love into seven distinct categories. Too bad that part of their culture hadn’t endured.
She loved Connor, truly loved him more than life itself, and always had. Only, she
couldn’t bring herself to say the words because she was such a coward.
“Thought I’d find you here. Did you find a lock of love?” he asked.
Faith turned to find Connor at her side. She’d been so lost in her thoughts that she hadn’t noticed him at all. He smiled, his hazel eyes crinkling slightly at the corners. He wore a dark overcoat over the bespoke grey suit that fit him perfectly. His dark, soft hair was mussed, like he’d been running his hands through it while he worked today.
He never did like being still, or complacent, for that matter.
“Yes, but they’re removing it now.”
“That is a shame.”
She eyed him. “One of the city workers told me that some rich bloke had fastened it a few minutes before I arrived. Know any rich blokes?”
“Can’t say that I do.”
“You suck at lying.”
“But I excel at making you happy.”
She couldn’t argue with that, because it was true. “You win.”
“I take it that you don’t have good news?”
“The director insists the book was shipped to the New York office. He even showed me footage of it being packed. They take theft very seriously here.”
“We’ll go to the New York office tomorrow.” He pulled a familiar looking card out of his coat pocket and handed it to her. It was the very same one that the shorter guy in the bad guy duo had given her, which she, in turn, had given to Connor. “This is taken care of permanently.”
Her shoulders slumped. “I hate that you had to take care of my dad’s... issues with money.”
“While I hate that you think you have to keep a balance sheet when it comes to who does what.” He leaned against the railing, so breathtakingly handsome that she couldn’t believe he was real. Or that he was hers. “But if you want to keep score, you’ve saved my life too many times to count and there is no way I’ll ever be able to properly repay you, so for the love of God, allow me to do this for you, free from guilt.”
Love surged inside of her, washing over her bones and invading her soul. “When you put that way...”
“And I am right.”
Smiling, she leaned against him. “I don’t mind you being right, it’s just what you’re right about that hurts my heart.”
“You’ve seen my worst Faith. Why can’t I help you when I’m at my best?” he asked.
“I don’t know, but I do promise to start seeing things your way.”
He gazed at her tenderly, then straightened and grabbed her hand. “Let’s go home so you can eat.”
“I am hungry.”
“Knew you’d pick the bridge over the cafes,” he said smugly.
“Only because you know me so well.”
He kissed her softly on the lips. “Isn’t that the point?”
27
FAITH
FAITH HUMMED WHILE she made lunch, chopping up carrots and celery into small sticks. Connor would be home later, but he assured her that she would be well taken care of while he installed and taught the others how to use the Sentinel program for the Paris office.
She ate a slice of turkey, then slathered mayo on a fresh slice of sourdough bread before adding cucumbers, lettuce, and of course, more turkey.
The fine hair on the back of her neck rose.
Cautiously, she turned around, holding out the butter knife, only to find her brother-in-law standing there with one of his signature frowns.
“You can put it down,” he said.
She tossed it in the sink, where it clanged a couple of times against the dishes that hadn’t been washed as of it. “Can I help you?”
“Actually, I have a proposition for you.”
“No, thank you.” She grabbed a plate and slammed the sandwich on it. “Want one?”
“Already ate.”
“Darn,” she said in a monotone voice. “Guess I’ll see you later.”
“This has to do with your dad.”
She snorted. “You can’t attack me with that. We’re not on good terms anymore, and I refuse to let his choices have any power over me.” She set the plate down on the counter. “Try again.”
“If you’ll quietly divorce my brother and don’t petition the courts for your half of his assets, I’ll give you three million dollars.” He pulled a piece of paper out of his suit coat pocket and opened it, then flipped it over to show her that he’d already filled it out. “If you don’t take it, I’ll not only fire you, but make it so you won’t be able to get a job as a librarian ever again.”
“Connor said that you can’t fire me because your dad hired me. Sooo, pass.”
“He would say that.” Drew set the check on the island in the kitchen. “I suggest you take my offer. I know what’s best for everyone, and what’s best for you is to not get more involved with my brother. You’re the kind of woman who wants forever, and he’s the kind of man who only wants a good time. Moreover, he only married you because it was his way of paying you back for all the years you rescued him.”
Her heart pinched, but she pushed the doubt away. “Maybe so, but at least he offered me something that was priceless—himself. Your money and your opinion have no value to me. They never will.”
Drew smirked. “I have to give you credit, you are a fighter, but once my brother sees that a check in that amount, with your name on it clears our system, he’ll start doubt you. He’ll start to wonder why you never said anything to him.”
“Why wouldn’t I say anything to him?” she crossed her arms over her chest.
“Because you don’t want to alienate him further from his family. It’s just not in you to take a risk like that.” Drew rapped his knuckles against the granite countertop. “Don’t worry about filling out an exit interview. I think our talk today is sufficient.”
She uncrossed her arms, pointing to her left. “Get out.”
He smiled blandly, moving to the front door. “Let me know if you need the name of a good lawyer to help you out of this temporary marriage.”
“I don’t need anything from you.” Faith marched to the front door, opening it. “You really should think more highly of your brother. If I had one, there wouldn’t be anything I wouldn’t do for him.”
Drew paused. “Why do you think I’m here?”
“To continue to be the world’s biggest asshole.” She slammed the door in his rather shocked face and wiped off her hands. “Temporary relationship my tail.”
Faith moved to the living room, plopping down on the extra comfortable sofa, and leaned back. She was hungry, but she felt the need to do something. To prove once and for all that this marriage, that how she felt about Connor would never change.
She tapped her fingernail against the pendant around her neck, then shot to her feet. She would get a matching tattoo.
Her heart raced at the thought.
Yes, needles scared the bejeesus out of her, but she could do this. She was Connor Montgomery’s wife, and his wife was fearless... well, when she needed to be she was fearless.
She grabbed her phone, searching for the tattoo shop Connor had said inked his back. “Yes!” she crowed when she found it.
Then she put on her shoes, grabbed her purse, the stupid check from Drew, and all but ran out of his apartment. She couldn’t wait to see his reaction when he got home today... and she’d tell him about his brother’s visit.
28
CONNOR
AS SOON AS CONNOR WALKED inside the apartment, Faith threw herself into his arms. “I’m so glad you’re home.”
“I’m happy to be home.” He wriggled his eyebrows at her. “What kind of trouble did you get into today while I was gone?”
Her blue eyes widened, and suddenly, she burst into tears.
What the hell. “Why are you crying?” He framed her face with his hands, kissing away her tears. “Are you hurt?”
“Not like that.”
Her answer made no sense to him, so he pressed on. “Did you watch something that made you sad—I said to s
top watching the stray dog videos.”
“I didn’t. Well, I didn’t today.”
Well, fuck. That left only one other reason. “Did I make you cry somehow?”
“No! Never.”
“Then what?”
She shook her head. “I don’t want to say.”
“You can tell me anything.”
She sniffed. “Don’t be mad.” Slowly turning, she bared her shoulder to him. “I got this done today.”
Carefully, he removed the bandage, his heart kicking against his chest. There, against her gorgeous skin was almost an exact replica of the tattoo he’d gotten. “Holy shit, sweetness. I can’t believe you did this.” He swallowed hard. “Why didn’t you wait for me?”
“Because I had to prove that... I’m here for you. Forever.”
He spun her around, his gaze searching her face. His brow creased. “You didn’t have to do something that scared you in order to prove it.”
She nodded, trembling as tears fell. “Yes, I did because otherwise, you might not believe me.”
“I will always believe you.” He kissed her softly. “And I love that we have matching tattoos.”
“I’m so glad but...” She sniffed. “Your brother came by here today at lunch, not to eat though. He offered me money to leave you. He said that he could make sure that my dad never gambled again. Never went back to jail... that my life would be perfect. All I would have to do is take the money, divorce you, and agree to move away.”
Furious at his brother, but careful not to upset Faith more, he asked, “Then what happened?”
“I told him you’d already taken care of it and that all the money in the world wouldn’t sway me. I also told him to shove the check up his ass.” She reached in the pocket of her pants, pulling out a check that was tearstained and crumpled. “He gave me a check anyway and said that it was proof enough for you to not believe me when he showed it as cleared in MI’s system. Then he said I was fired because I’d lost the design book.”
“You’re not fired.”
“He said you’d say that.”
Seducing the Billionaire's Brother Page 13