Hawk & the Lady - Elizabeth Stevens Page 0,33

harsh,” Anna semi-chastised and I half-conceded. “But who knows. They certainly seem…content.”

“I’m kinda looking for more than contentment, though.”

She pointed her biscuit at me. “I thought you weren’t looking for anything?”

“I’m not. Now. It’s not like I’m against the idea of marriage. I’m just…”

“You’re just not ready to settle down.” There was no judgement in her tone. If anything, it told me that was perfectly all right. I appreciated the sentiment, but it was only partly true.

“I’m just severely lacking in the finding worthy men department.”

Anna grinned. “What’s wrong with Patrick, then?”

I shrugged, suddenly feeling a little coy. “Nothing, really. Although, I’m pretty sure he’s the not ready for a relationship type.”

Anna nodded sagely. “Because he’s a prostitute.”

“Pfft. No, I think he’s just like me.”

“Avoiding anything real by pretending he’s not ready?”

“No one’s pretending.”

“Of course they’re not. You just find any reason to not be with a guy.”

“Is it my fault that every single guy I meet is too immature or too clingy? And forgive me for not jumping at all the taken ones.”

Anna pointed at me thoughtfully. “There’d be very little risk of commitment if you did,” she joked. At least, I was almost certain it was a joke.

“Are you saying I’m not desirable enough for a man to leave his partner for?” I sassed.

“I’m saying you wouldn’t give him a reason to. Taken people are lazy. We’re not leaving our partner just for a dip in a foreign pond, it’s too much effort,” she said as though she was well-versed in being unfaithful to her husband, but those two were far too loved up to even consider it a possibility.

“So, I’m a pond now?” I asked as the doorbell rang.

Anna got up to answer it. “Like a Frog Princess.”

I scowled at her. “Then you should treat me as befitting royalty.”

“Sure, your majesty,” she snickered as she walked out.

I stole a mini custard tart as I heard her open the door. It was definitely not to steady my nerves, because I was in no way excited to see him again after only seeing him two nights earlier.

“Hello, darling,” he said as he walked in and Anna snorted a laugh. Patrick looked at me, understandably slightly confused, but in a humoured sort of way.

I waved away any concerns he might have had. “She knows.”

He looked between us. “She knows?”

Anna nodded. “I know all about Leah’s utterly mad scheme to piss off Mother, and your part in it. Brave of you, I thought.”

“Patrick, my sister Anna,” I said with a smile.

Patrick was looking at Anna like he wasn’t quite sure what to do or say next. “Good to meet you.” He looked at me. “Pleasure’s too formal, hey? And nice is just…well, nice?”

Anna spluttered another laugh, “Oh, yeah. This is going to go so well. I’m almost disappointed I won’t get to witness you introducing him.”

“That is sort of the point, thank you,” I reminded her.

“Oh, I know. Hence my disappointment.”

“You don’t think we can pull it off?” Patrick asked her.

Anna levelled one of her best concentrated looks on him. “On the contrary. I think the two of you have the ability to pull it off scarily well. Mother’s going to hear the words ‘works in security’ and have a fit. Add that to you coming in like that,” she indicated his clothes, “and the cat’s in the bag.” Anna looked to me. “You’ve informed him she’ll employ sabotage at every opportunity?”

I nodded. “I have.”

“I heard she might even offer me money,” Patrick added.

Anna huffed a laugh. “That’s one of her last resorts. If she offers you money, then you know she’s desperate. Mostly she’ll just make life really difficult for you and be super rude–”

“But not the kind you can call her out on,” I said.

Anna nodded to me in agreement. “She’s a worthy foe.”

“And what happens if none of this happens?” Patrick asked.

“What do you mean?” Anna asked.

“What if she doesn’t do any of that stuff?”

“Then you’re boned,” Anna said matter-of-fact.

“That will mean she’s so deep in denial she’s just waiting for it to bite me in the arse and come to its inevitable end.”

“And what do we do then?”

Anna shrugged. “Hope the point’s been made.”

“Oh. So, easy then,” Patrick said.

Anna and I shared a laugh.

“Oh, definitely.” Anna nodded. “Shouldn’t you two be going?”

I sighed. “Yep. Into the breach we go. Advice?”

Anna held her hands up and shook her head. “Nope. I’ve told you I think this is nuts. From here on out, you two are on your own.”

“Probably