“I don’t know. I don’t really keep track of days, you know?” As if.
Tavish laughed.
The sound was so dear and alien to Alistair that he decided to indulge his brother, just to hear it once more.
“I don’t believe it,” Tavish said. “How long? Two weeks?”
“Since January, the twenty-second. Fuck, Tavish Uilleam, I even know the day.”
Tavish burst into a fit of laughter that brought tears to his eyes. “You ‘ave been going out with her all this time and you’re still obsessed with her?” he asked and chuckled, wiping his eyes dry. “I don’ believe it. She’s a wonder in bed, no doubt.”
“I wish I knew,” Alistair muttered under his breath.
Tavish’s chin fell. “You ‘aven’t fucked her? After more than a month? Are ya losing your touch?”
I hope not. “Nae. She was…occupied elsewhere.”
“Pardon?”
“She was seeing Ethan Ashford. And when they broke up…” Alistair rubbed a hand over his nape. “Let me tell you the whole story.”
Tavish’s brows were knitted in a line, he was back in his serious mood again. “You’re going to start a relationship without knowing what she thinks about yer…preferences?”
Alistair’s brows shot to his hairline and he tried to appear nonchalant. “My preferences?”
“Oh, please, man! I’m not an idiot. Besides…” He drew in a huge breath and admitted, “Heather made them clear tae me the day she approached me.”
“Heather?” Thunderstruck, Alistair’s anger spiked. “She approached you?”
Tavish looked at his brother and sighed, putting a hand over his brother’s. “Aye, she did. Once. Just before I left for Afghanistan.”
“I wish. She wasn’t. Dead. So I could kill her with my bare hands,” Alistair growled, and downed his whisky in a gulp.
“She is dead. No more chance tae right things, Alistair Connor. At least not with her.”
“So…” Alistair glanced at Tavish. “You know about our…preferences?”
“She hinted, aye.”
“Hinted?”
“It was enough, Alistair Connor. And once, when she was at the pool, I saw the marks.”
Alistair’s mouth dropped open.
“I saw things in my years as a doctor that I don’t want ta see again.” Tavish shook his head at Alistair. “Women hurt, scarred, broken, and bleeding. Badly. Women from the Royal Army, who should hold their own against their husbands, boyfriends, lovers, whatever—but are too mentally impaired tae do it.”
“I’m not like that, Tavish Uilleam. I don’t hurt women.”
“Nae?” Tavish raised an eyebrow. “What do ya call it, then? Is there a limit? What do ya call hurting? And what ‘ave you been doing with all the others after that bitch of a wife?”
“Do you think I would do anything to a woman against her desires?” he breathed out the question, shocked by Tavish’s words. “Aye, there is a limit. Women that enter this kind of relationship usually set boundaries and—” He stared at his brother’s eyes for a moment, green pairing green.
“And?” Tavish gently asked, trying to coach his brother to open up.
“I—Heather—” Fuck. “It’s just a different kind of relationship enjoyed by the partners, if done healthily.” He raked his hand in his long hair. “What do you think I should do? With Sophia, I mean.”
“The young Alistair Connor would know.” Tavish squeezed Alistair’s hand and let it go. “Didn’t you ‘ave enough punishment for a lifetime?”
“Punishment?” Am I a monster in his eyes?
“Does she deserve punishment, Alistair Connor?” Tavish repeated, studying his brother’s face.
“Nae,” he answered hoarsely. “But—”
“You know what tae do,” was Tavish’s quiet answer.
Leibowitz Oil Building, Sophia’s Office
Thursday, March 11, 2010
9:56 a.m.
Sophia’s phone chimed with an incoming message from Alistair.
Hello, Lord I’m-so-handsome-and-I-know-it. Hmm, this nickname is too big. She grinned and quickly fixed Alistair’s alias for just Handsome.
Handsome. 09:56 a.m. - Morning, Beauty.
Sophia. 09:56 a.m. - Humph!
Handsome. 09:56 a.m. - Are you huffing at me?
Sophia. 09:57 a.m. - Yeah! I am.
Handsome. 09:57 a.m. - Oh, Sophia! You shouldn’t!
Handsome. 09:57 a.m. - Why did you turn off your iPhone and not answer even one of my calls?
Sophia. 09:58 a.m. - I don’t like neurotic men.
Handsome. 09:58 a.m. - Are you calling me neurotic?
Sophia. 09:59 a.m. - Oh, please. Where is your sense of humor? It’s too early to start fighting.
Handsome. 09:59 a.m. - Humph!
Sophia. 10:00 a.m. - Really? Call me when you’re in a better mood.
Handsome. 10:00 a.m. - Sophia, DON’T turn your mobile off.
Sophia. 10:01 a.m. - I’ll think about it.
Handsome. 10:01 a.m. - Sophia. I’m warning YOU.
Sophia. 10:02 a.m. - I’m not afraid of your threats.
Handsome. 10:03 a.m. - You should be.
Sophia. 10:03 a.m. - Go see a shrink.
Chapter 30
Scotland, Edinburgh
The City of London Bank
3:45 p.m.
“Fuck,” Alistair swore loudly and banged his fist on the table. He rose from the chair and strolled to the window, watching the cars pass on the street below. “Why did Douglas give this extensive credit line to such a small firm?”
“I think we should call them tae a meeting, today or tomorrow,” Tavish suggested, “and demand some guaranties.”
Alistair sighed heavily and turned to look at his brother, “Aye. Do it. Not after one o’clock tomorrow, though. I need to be in London before four.”
“I did some research, Alistair Connor. And I ‘ave talked to Douglas. I knew he wouldn’t be so careless. There is a solid family-run distillery behind this firm. The father will probably vouch for his son. I’ll set a meeting with both.”
“The sooner, the better. I want to get back to London.” He fished his iPhone from his trouser pocket and speed-dialed Sophia’s number.
“Brother, this woman is turning you head over heels. I just hope she really is different.” Tavish shook his head at Alistair and left his brother’s office, a worried look on his face.
“Sophia, it’s me, Alistair Connor,” he huffed.
“Hi, Handsome. What time are you arriving?”
He exhaled loudly. “Thing is, Sophia, I probably can’t get back today. I wish I could, but I’ve just found out that the Edinburgh branch granted a substantial loan without any collateral or guaranties. Tavish Uilleam is trying to schedule a meeting for later today or tomorrow morning.”
“Oh. But is everything okay?”
“I hope so. I still have some minor problems to see to but that’s the worst. I’m sorry. I can’t return today.” There was a longing in his voice. “You were right when you said we would be apart a long time. I wish you were here with me.”
“Tomorrow, Handsome. It’s just a few hours. They’ll fly by.”
“They won’t,” he complained, “they’ll crawl.”
Sophia smiled. “Are you pouting?”
“It seems so.” He frowned at his childish reaction. Stop this, Alistair Connor. Man up. “So, what are you going to do tonight?”
“I’m going to dream about you.” She sighed.
“So will I.” Alistair’s face split into a broad, devious smile. “Naughty dreams, Sophia? The kind that leave you horny and wet?”
Sophia felt giddy. “Yes.”
“And do you seek release? Do you touch yourself?”
“Alistair Connor!”
His sexy laughter echoed through his office. “Such a prude, Beauty. I can’t wait to debauch you.”
“You deviant.”
“What I’ll do to you, Sophia, you can’t even
start to imagine,” he whispered sensuously.
“Alistair Connor, is this a booty call?”
“Aye, consider it so. I can send the G6 for you. Now.”
“I have to work, Alistair Connor. Stop tempting me.”
“Never, Sophia, never. I have an agenda to achieve.”
“And what’s that supposed to mean?”
“You. In my bed.”
She inhaled deeply. Again. “I see.”
“And?” he breathed.
“And what?”
“Will you help me fulfill it?”
“Alistair Connor, I will consider your kind request.”
“Who said it was a request?” He laughed quietly. “Look at it more as a warning, Sophia.”
“Careful, Handsome. It can have the opposite effect.”
“Beauty, I’m a master strategist. I never lose. You will fall. It’s just a matter of time.”
“If I fall, I’ll take you with me, Alistair Connor,” she purred.
“I live in hope, Sophia. Believe me. I do.”
Leibowitz Oil Building
3:20 p.m.
The intercom buzzed, interrupting Sophia’s thoughts. “Yes, Sarah?”
“Mrs. L, it’s Mr. Ashford on your private line. It’s his second call. He insists on talking to you.”
Sophia blew out an irritated breath. “Transfer it, Sarah. And call Edward for me, will you? Tell him to come in without knocking. I’ll leave the door open.”
A few minutes later, Edward entered Sophia’s office quietly and looked around.
She stood by the windows looking at the River Thames, talking on the phone. “No, I’m sorry. I can’t,” she said softly but firmly.
He paused in the middle of the room and admired Sophia’s elegant and lean body delineated against the gray London sky. He cleared his throat, catching her attention.
Sophia turned with a smile on her face and rolled her eyes heavenward, making a face at the phone. She mouthed to Edward, ‘Ethan.’
He smiled back, walked up to her and kissed her brow.
“I didn’t promise that, Ethan. Maybe we can schedule a lunch next week, but I’m busy this weekend.” She listened and replied to him, “Okay. I’ll make time for it next week and let you know, all right? I really have to go. I’ll send you an e-mail as soon as I make the reservations.”
Edward sternly shook his head at her.
She waved his scowl away. “Yes, okay. Do it and e-mail me. Take care. Until next week.”
“Sophia, I don’t like this.” Edward frowned at her. “He’s being very insistent. It’s obvious that he still has feelings for you.”
“Please, Edward. We’ve talked about it. He’s just a friend. Nothing more.”
“You feel guilty. I don’t understand why. But I bet that is why you keep answering his calls. It’s not healthy. You should talk with Dr. Kent about this.”
“I will, I will. But really, I don’t see any harm in going out for a lunch. He’s a gentleman. And I have so few friends here.”
“Hmm. Just promise me you won’t encourage—”
“Edward! I don’t encourage anything. I’d never play with Ethan’s feelings. He understands that we are just friends now. We had a lengthy talk over a lunch last Tuesday.”
Edward gaped at her.
“What?”
“You went out with him again,” he whispered.
“Oh, please, Edward. I didn’t go to bed with him. We had a quick lunch together. That’s it. I owed it to him.”
“You owed him nothing. The guy hurt you. You should have gone to the police and pressed charges.” Edward’s temper spiked and he bristled. “I don’t believe what I’m hearing and I don’t believe I have to convince you of this. It’s your specialty. You worked on those kinds of cases in Brazil. How, tell me, how can you forgive an abuser like Ethan? He’s a violent man. You have to stop seeing him, Sophia.”
“You’re making a mountain out of a molehill, Edward. I’m involved with Alistair, and what happened with Ethan is in the past.”
“So leave it in the past. Don’t answer his calls and don’t go out with him anymore. If you meet him, be polite, but from afar.”
Sophia studied Edward’s face. “Okay, all right. Maybe I’m being too lenient with Ethan. Maybe your view of the facts is correct.”
“Sometimes your inexperience in these sexual matters baffles me, you know?” He shook his head. “There is no maybe here, Sophia. Listen to my advice. I know what I’m talking about.”
“Yes, Papa, I’ll obey your orders.” Sophia kissed his cheek and walked to her chair.
He smiled at her tease and sat in one of the armchairs by her desk. “So, what did you call me for?”
Atwood House
10:49 p.m.
Sophia’s cell phone pinged, stopping the music for a second. She picked up her iPhone, programmed the music separately on the Wi-Fi, and searched for the message.
Handsome. 10:49 p.m. - Are you sleeping?
Sophia. 10:49 p.m. - If I were, I’d have gladly awoken.
Handsome. 10:49 p.m. - I’m at a boring dinner. Another one. The same blah-blah-blah. What are you wearing?
Sophia. 10:50 p.m. - Ha-ha!
Handsome. 10:50 p.m. - Indulge me. I’m hundreds of miles away.
Sophia. 10:51 p.m. - Pay attention to your dinner partners.
Handsome. 10:51 p.m. - I can only think of you.
Sophia smiled naughtily and texted.
Sophia. 10:52 p.m. - Nothing.
Handsome. 10: 52 p.m. - Nothing, what?
Sophia. 10:53 p.m. - I’m naked. I sleep naked.
Handsome. 10:53 p.m. - Jesus, Mary, and Joseph!
Sophia. 10:53 p.m. - N-A-K-E-D!
Handsome. 10:54 p.m. - Please, God, have mercy.
Sophia. 10:54 p.m. - Everything all right UP there?
Handsome. 10:54 p.m. - NO. I don’t think I’ll be able to stand up.
Sophia thought for a second and her malicious smile turned into giggle. She shoved the sheets away and rolled on the bed, resting on her stomach, supporting herself on her forearms.
Sophia. 10:56 p.m. - Want a blow job?
Handsome. 10:57 p.m. - JESUS CHRIST! You’re going to kill me from afar.
Sophia. 10:58 p.m. - No? Something lighter then. Hmm.
Handsome. 10:58 p.m. - You’re too distracting.
Sophia. 11:00 p.m. – My hand is in your tailored trousers looking for something hard.
Handsome. 11:01 p.m. - ENOUGH. See you tomorrow.
Sophia laughed harder and sent her last message.
Sophia. 11:01 p.m. - Tomorrow, Handsome. Sweet dreams…if you can sleep.
Leibowitz Oil Building
Friday, March 12, 2010
4:00 p.m.
Sophia sat still for several minutes looking at the pulsing cursor on the blank page of her e-mail.
Standing up, she blew an irritated sigh that made a lock of her midnight-black hair fall over her eye. Irritated, she pushed it aside. She’d never had any trouble figuring out how to solve Leibowitz’s problems before. Since lunchtime, she hadn’t managed a decent thought and now the day was ending. I can’t call Edward again. He’s going to tell me to fuck off. Literally.
Alistair kept popping into her head. He hadn’t been able to return yesterday as he predicted and she missed him. A lot.
What shall I do? Am I prepared to plunge into another relationship so soon? She went to the window and placed her hands on the glass, not really looking at the astonishing view of the river. Oh, damn! Who am I fooling? I’m already in it. Deep.
She flexed her shoulder muscles, and as she remembered her chat with Felipe the day before, a daring smile formed. She returned to her table and picked up her iPhone to call Alice. Ariadne answered the phone.
“Hi, little princess. How are you?”
“Hello, Sophia. I’m fine. I miss you.”
“I miss you too, darling. Is your mother home?”
“Yes, hold on,?
?? Ariadne shouted, “Mummy, Sophia’s on the phone.” Returning to the speaker she said, “She’s coming. How is Gabriela?”
“She’s okay. Planning our next trip.” Sophia chuckled. “She’s always plotting against me.”
“Can I come with you? Can I?” Ariadne begged.
“Sure, darling. Well, I mean, if your parents allow it.”
Sophia heard Alice’s voice, “Let me talk to Sophia, Ari. Go finish your homework.”
“Bye, Sophia. Don’t forget me.”
“As if I could, dear.” Ariadne had won a special place in her heart. In truth, the whole family had.
“Hello, Sophia. How are you?”
“Hi, Alice. I’m fine. Thanks. How are you?”
“I’m fine, dear. But I bet you’re better. There’s something different in your voice today. I’d say, uh, that you’re happier. Am I wrong?”
Sophia’s laugh tinkled in her office. “No. You’re right. I’ll confide in you, since I need your help. But you have to give me your word that you’ll keep this a secret until I, uh, tell you that it’s not a secret anymore, all right?”
“Oh! I love secrets!” Alice answered in a whisper.
“Look, I haven’t decided yet because I haven’t talked to—Well, before I let know you know what I’m planning,” she said nervously, “I need to know if Gabriela can stay with you tonight?”
Sophia heard Alice catch her breath on the other side of the line. “I don’t believe it,” she gushed. “You— Alistair— You decided to…”
The whole idea so excited Sophia that she laughed huskily at Alice’s attempt to phrase her thoughts. “How do you know we haven’t already done it?”
“Oh, come on, Sophia. I know my brother. In fact, I think everyone can feel his tension when you’re near him. You’ve been giving Alistair a hard time.”
“It wasn’t my intention but I’m going to end his suffering.” She laughed again. “Alice…what do you think?”
“Sophia, you’re the best thing that could’ve happened to Alistair. I’ve never seen him happier than he is now.”