Big Ben (See No Evil Trilogy #1) - Nana Malone Page 0,6
son to one of London’s most elite families.
Who the hell was this Viking guy that he didn’t fear the wrath of the Van Linsted family? To hear it told, if everything went the right way, Bram would be prime minister in a decade or so. That would be enough time to make his foray into politics.
I shook my head and searched the crowd for Dexter, the only man I should be concerned with. But as usual, he was MIA. He loved a party. Me, not so much.
Did he ditch you?
I swallowed my annoyance. Before leaving our flat, we’d made a deal. He was to lay off the booze and not overindulge.
I couldn’t find him, though. The Viking caught my eyes again as security engaged him. Who the hell was he? And what did he have against Bram Van Linsted? More importantly, what the hell had he been doing in the closet?
“I will say, it’s never a dull occasion when the Van Linsteds are involved,” a voice whispered from behind me.
With a shudder of disgust chasing away my curiosity, I stepped back. “Mr. Mills. Have you seen Dexter? I can’t find him anywhere.”
He grinned at me broadly and leaned into my personal space. “You are all right, aren’t you? Not injured at all? I was worried as I watched you walk into that fray.” He reached out an arm to wrap around me, but I ducked just out of reach as I searched the crowd again.
“You know Dexter. Working the crowd. He’s really made himself an invaluable asset at the firm.”
I gave him a wan smile. Dex loved his job. All he wanted to do was make partner. I’d ruined his first shot, so I had to play nice, no matter how badly Fenton Mills made my skin crawl. “His career is so important to him. And he has my full support.”
He stepped closer, not quite touching me but standing so close that the gin and tobacco on his breath were mostly what I smelled. “Not everyone has someone as supportive as you. I know Emily doesn’t always understand my drive. My need.”
I forced myself to swallow the bile that surged in the back of my throat. The last thing I wanted to hear about was his need. “Well, it’s a very demanding career. If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to text Dexter and head back into London. I’ve got a hell of a migraine looming.”
His brows furrowed as his gaze searched mine for any hint of falsehood. He wasn’t going to find any because I was done. Ready to bolt.
His frown eased, and he nodded. “I’ll send you in my car. As a matter of fact, I can join you.”
Oh hell no. Not happening. “So kind of you, but what about Emily? I know she said she had to travel in the morning, and she can’t very well ride the shuttle if you send the car with me.”
His lips pressed together in annoyance. He knew I was right. He couldn’t leave his wife behind. “Of course, you’re right. Remember, I count you as part of the Mills family and will do anything to look after you.”
“Uh, thank you, sir.” I eased back, plastering a smile on my face that I hoped seemed genuine but aloof. He gave off strong level-five creeper vibes, and the less time spent in his presence the better.
Thankfully, the security line was almost empty, and I handed my clutch to a guard while I was patted down. The guard was so busy staring at his monitor and talking to someone on his walkie about how cameras in a sector were down that he barely looked at me. “Have a good night, miss.”
Once outside, I dragged in all that blessed fresh air, crisp and clear, and I felt like I could finally breathe for the first time all night. The estate was located in the village of Virginia Water, close to the city, and it sat on an acreage of sparkling green. Automatically I glanced around, hoping I’d catch a glimpse of the Viking, but he was already gone. And you were going to, what? Interrogate him about what he was doing with you in the closet? Get real.
I didn’t know him. He didn’t owe me anything. Except a new pin. And I had a boyfriend. One who abandoned you at the party, knowing full well crowds make you crazy.
I squashed the voice of discontent. It wasn’t useful right now. My social anxiety had gotten worse since