He rests back in his chair. ‘I have a certain fondness for beautiful things, and Hunt has a bad habit of acquiring the beautiful things that I want.’
I nod thoughtfully, warily, wondering whether Becker makes a point of acquiring things Brent wants. It wouldn’t surprise me. He’s a dirty player. I can attest to that myself, and now I’m wondering if he’s the same in business. You can’t be the best without being a little ruthless. ‘What is it that you want?’
He smirks. ‘Are we talking business or pleasure?’
‘Business,’ I confirm without hesitation. Becker has a habit of obtaining things that Brent wants? Is that why Brent invited me to dinner? Am I a tool for revenge? I close my eyes, sigh, and rise from the table. Oh my days, I’m so stupid. I’m a piece of meat. A pawn. I’m not getting involved in their pissing contest. I’m worth more than these arseholes deserve. I need to keep my head down and do my job. ‘Thank you for a lovely evening,’ I say, tucking my chair under the table and collecting my phone and bag.
Brent stands swiftly, his forehead wrinkled in confusion. ‘You’re leaving?’
I can’t believe what I’m about to say and, worst of all, that I genuinely mean it. ‘I need to be at work for eight.’ I’m not giving Becker any reason to mark my card, no matter how much it physically pains me.
‘Oh.’ He seems to deflate before my eyes, but whether this is because he’s genuinely disappointed, or because he’s down a point to Becker Hunt, I don’t know. I’m Becker’s employee, after all, and Brent’s date has not only been hijacked by someone he clearly holds in contempt, but has also been cut short. ‘One more drink can’t hurt, surely?’ he asks hopefully.
‘No, really. But thank you.’ I step away from the table, keen to escape and slap myself all over Piccadilly in disgrace.
‘Another time, perhaps?’
‘Perhaps,’ I murmur, before turning on my heels and fleeing, hating the feeling of despondency that’s beginning to wash over me.
I’ve been sucked in and played. Been made a fool of.
By both men.
This isn’t what I came to London for. I’m not a toy, and I refuse to be treated like one.
The game is over.
Chapter 11
I don’t arrive at The Haven in the morning at eight. No, I arrive at seven thirty after a crap night’s sleep. I navigate the dark alley with ease, and even predict the exact moment the lights spring to life. It brings a smile to my face, and once I emerge into the lush surroundings of the courtyard, I remember why I love it here. I spot Mrs Potts watering the colourful beds around the fountain.
‘Your working hours are nine to five,’ she says, placing the watering can down and dusting off her hands on her apron.
‘Mr Hunt has a meeting at Christie’s at nine. I need to get him the file on the Spanish tapestry before he leaves.’
‘And he couldn’t get it himself?’
I just shrug, with a lack of anything else to do or say.
Mrs Potts sighs. ‘I apologise, dear. The man is a menace.’
‘It’s okay. I couldn’t sleep, anyway.’
She raises curious grey eyebrows at me, reminding me that Mrs Potts knows I had a date last night. ‘Oh, I see.’ A slight blush creeps across her cheeks.
‘Oh, no.’ I laugh, quick to put her right. ‘I was home by nine thirty, tucked up in bed.’
Her blush recedes, being replaced with curiosity. God, what would she say if she knew what happened last night? Come to think of it, what would she say if she knew my date was Brent Wilson? I decide it’s best not to tell. Besides, it’s done. No more dates.
‘I’ll be in the library.’
‘That’s fine, dear. Help yourself to tea in the kitchen.’ I hold up my empty Starbucks cup, showing I have no need for tea, and she smiles. ‘I need to get Donald up and at ’em.’ Mrs Potts moseys off across the courtyard, and I head for the Grand Hall, navigating my way through the masses of antiques, my focus set firmly on getting to the library. I very nearly make it to the other side of the giant room, feeling my eyes tugging upward to the glass box that floats above the space, but I defiantly resist looking up, knowing it will only distract me again.
I’m nearly at the door.
Not far to go.
I lift my hand, armed with my card, ready to swipe the moment