Big Ben (See No Evil Trilogy #1) - Nana Malone Page 0,77
“Yeah, I think. Remember, just engage in a conversation and get out. Don’t be extra.”
“I don’t know what you mean by ‘extra.’”
“Don’t do anything else. Don’t try to get him to confess to anything. Don’t record anything. Just talk to him and keep him the hell away from Downs for a little bit, okay?”
“I got this. Don’t worry.”
“I’m not worried. I believe in you.”
She grinned. “And I believe in you.”
“Do you have to be so cheery all the time?”
“It’s my most lovable trait.”
The use of the word love made my heart squeeze. Did she know I was falling for her? That she was on my mind at all times.
Know what, you twat?
Jesus. I started to sweat without even realizing it. I wanted her more than I’d ever wanted anyone.
Let’s not forget she knows nothing about you.
I kept trying to shove that piece of information out of my head. The reason she wouldn’t be with me, the reason I couldn’t have her. The secrets I was keeping.
Not to forget what you know about her boyfriend. Ex? Christ, I hoped he was her ex.
I could tell her. Claim her. Make her mine and never think about it. But the way she was looking at me and smiling… I didn’t want to hurt her.
And you’re scared.
If she was going to me mine, I’d rather she chose me on her own.
All right, suit yourself. Don’t tell her. Suffer.
I shoved all those thoughts out of my head. I had a job to do, and it was going to get done. “All right. If you’re ready...”
“I’ve never been more ready in my life. Let’s go, James Bond.”
I shook my head. “You’re a loon.”
“Possibly. Also, another reason you think I’m brilliant.”
I swallowed as her words found their mark.
22
Ben
The limo pulled up to the auction at Toussaint Ballroom. When the chauffeur opened the door, Olivia grinned at me, giddiness written all over her face. The peek of a dimple was almost too much. I nearly caved and leaned forward to kiss it. As it was, my fingertips dusted her shoulder, and the way her eyes dipped to the slight touch... I could feel it, the tension between us. The pull and push of need and attraction. But she couldn’t act it on, and I wouldn’t ask her to.
Even if you have something that would free her.
I wasn’t going to use it. I didn’t want to see her hurt. Not on my watch. When she moved to get out, I stopped her. “I’ll help you out.”
I exited and went over to her side, opening the door for her. She placed her hand in mine. I had to grit my teeth against the charge of electricity. This time, she couldn’t hide her response from me. She gasped and tried to remove her hand, but I shook my head at her. “We’re friends, remember?”
She blinked up at me and nodded. “Yup. Friends.” She dragged in a shivering breath and released it slowly. Well, it was nice to know I wasn’t the only one.
I ignored the photographers and headed straight inside. “Do you remember what Van Linsted looks like?”
“Oh yeah, I remember.” She tapped her temple.
Despite myself, I wanted to laugh. “God, just be cool.”
“I am being cool. And let’s not forget, I’m your badass operations director and master distracter.”
“That’s not a thing. You’re also a complete goof.”
“I’m not a goof. I’m efficient. I mean, I talk a lot, a mile a minute, but I know what I’m doing. Relax.”
“Fine. Stay out of trouble. If anything happens, you come find me and we’ll get the hell out of here, okay?”
“Got it.”
I proffered my arm. “Okay. Show time.”
We walked in together, playing the part of a couple besotted. Nodding at familiar faces here and there. Once well into the ballroom with champagne in our hands, I pointed out her mark. She grinned at me and then stood on tiptoes and dusted my cheek with her lips.
Circuit. Fucking. Overload.
I couldn’t form a coherent thought. I could only stand there and stare at her.
“You okay?”
I shook my head to try to loosen her effect. “Yep. After you.”
She sauntered off, hips sashaying through the crowd. I wasn’t the only one watching either. Several men turned to watch her as she glided forward with the elegance of a swan. I couldn’t talk. I couldn’t fucking think. Why was I there again? What was I doing? God, one touch from that woman and I was a completely useless piece of shit.