There was no debating his need to keep her safe. It was vital to his peace of mind. Like his secret Bond Street home and the bank accounts no one knew about. Those things allowed him to sleep at night.
He finished up with the last stack. “That’s all of it.” He came to his feet. “This concludes our visit, Whip. I hope you’ve enjoyed it as much as I have.”
Without speaking, the young man stood and started for the door. Jack held up a hand and Cooper instantly blocked Whip’s path. Jack strolled forward, drew closer, until he was in Whip’s space. He clasped him on the shoulder and lowered his voice. “Tell O’Shaughnessy this had better never happen again.”
Whip tensed but didn’t respond. Just as Jack released him, the door flew open and bounced into Cooper’s back. A feminine voice said, “Oh, goodness. I apologize. I didn’t realize anyone was standing there.”
Justine.
What was she doing here? More importantly, how had she arrived at his office unannounced?
Cooper stepped aside and Justine entered. She took in the room. “Good afternoon,” she said politely to Whip. Instead of answering, Whip darted through the cracked door and disappeared into the corridor. After a quick look from Jack, Cooper followed O’Shaughnessy’s man. They didn’t need the enemy lingering, especially with Justine on the premises.
“Find out who is on the front door,” Jack said to Rye with a meaningful glance.
“Is that because of me?” Justine’s eyes darted between them. “If so, I came in through the kitchens.”
Jack frowned. That was worse. “I’ll see to it,” Rye said, noting Jack’s expression and hurrying out.
Now alone, Jack gave his full concentration to her. The brown skirt and white shirtwaist were boring and serviceable, but she still appeared delectable to his eyes. “Not that I am unhappy to see you, but why the kitchens? Did you think you’d be refused at the door?”
“I didn’t wish for the entire world to know I was here.” She stared at the floor, not meeting his eyes. The skin of her neck had turned a delightful pink.
What was happening?
If he didn’t know better, he’d say she was embarrassed. And, why did she wish to keep her presence at the club a secret?
Then it hit him. Was she here for the afternoon pleasure they’d discussed? Lust rolled through him to settle in his groin. He hadn’t expected this so soon but he was absolutely ready and willing.
Coming closer, he slid a hand onto her hip and pulled her into him. She fit perfectly, all sweet softness and feminine curves. Everything inside him quieted, settled. His mind calmed, no longer going full speed with worries and dollars and things to do. He focused solely on her, from the pulse jumping wildly in her neck to the silky strands of hair falling to frame her lovely face. Bringing his mouth to hover above hers, he whispered, “Shall we go to Bond Street, cara? Where I may spread you out on my bed and feast on your pussy until sundown.”
“Yes,” she breathed, then seemed to shake herself. “I mean no.”
“No?”
“No, that isn’t why I’m here.” She pushed away from him. “I mean, perhaps it could be why I’m here—but later. After we’ve talked.”
“What is it we need to discuss?”
“Should we sit, or . . . ?”
This was a new tentative side of her. He was missing something, clearly. “Of course. Would you care for a drink?”
“Whatever you’re having.” She lowered herself into an armchair and fussed with her skirts.
Also unusual. She was normally confident, telling him exactly what he’d be doing and when. He poured them two lagers and set the cold glasses on his desk. “There you are.” He dropped into the armchair beside her. “Try it. This is one of the beers I hope to sell across the country.”
Justine brought the glass to her mouth. Foam coated the sweet bow of her upper lip after she drank, which she licked with the tip of her tongue. Oh, that tongue. How I’ve missed it. “It’s good,” she said. “Normally I do not care for beer.”
Grinning, Jack took a sip from his own glass. Her reaction was precisely how he knew this beer would make them all very rich. “Now tell me. To what do I owe the pleasure of your company this afternoon?”
She set her glass down. Clasped her hands in her lap. “I need a favor.”
Sweet Jesus, those words. The extraordinary amount of delight he experienced at hearing them come out of her mouth