Smoke and Sin Page 6

  The barb hurt, but that was her anger talking. Roman let it go. “Then let me show you all over again.”

  He slid a hand behind her neck, giving her precious seconds to oppose him. If she said no, he might be able to walk away. It would kill him, but he’d do it.

  “This won’t change a thing,” she whispered, her face guarded.

  But he saw the anticipation gleaming in her eyes.

  Roman held in his shock. Her reply was not a no. She didn’t hate the thought of him touching her.

  That was all he’d needed to hear. The time for talk was done. Not recognizing those moments in the past had been his mistake. Talking had never been their strong suit, but this… Oh, this had been everything. He could feel her body pressing against his as though she couldn’t quite help herself. As though she felt the same magnetic pull.

  Breath held, he lowered his mouth to hers, ready to taste her for the first time in well over a decade.

  “Roman? Roman, are you in there?”

  Gus stepped back quickly, her face flushed as she turned toward the door that led to the hallway. The French doors opened, and Darcy Hildebrandt strode in.

  The attaché to the prime minister was lovely and young as she smiled his way. She was wearing a perfectly respectable but feminine business suit, her blonde hair artfully styled. She had a charming upper-crust British accent and the worst timing in the world.

  She ignored Gus altogether and strode right to him, hands outstretched in welcome. “There you are. I’ve been looking everywhere for you. Good morning, Roman. You look completely dashing.”

  She moved into his personal space, offering her cheek.

  He tilted his body away, pecking her lightly and wishing he didn’t have to deal with all the European affectations. He had a stupid erection because whenever Augustine was around his dick stood and saluted. “Sorry. I was trying to have a few moments of peace and quiet before the president arrives.”

  She stepped back. “Well, I’m sorry you were interrupted, then.” She finally turned toward Gus. “Is there something I can help you with, Ms. Spencer? Mr. Calder’s job is extremely important. We should give him this time alone so he can be rested when the president needs him.”

  “Wow, did you also earn a master’s of kiss assery while you attended Oxford?” Gus asked.

  Yep. There was the Augustine he knew and admired the hell out of.

  Roman moved into damage repair mode. Darcy was sweet—and no match at all for Gus. Maybe he’d been too relaxed about letting the pretty Brit flirt with him. She’d seemed like a balm to his ego, but he certainly wasn’t going to shift their relationship from professional to personal. “Augustine, you mentioned something about making sure there was tea served in the ladies’ parlor?”

  “Nope. I didn’t mention tea at all,” Gus replied. “But I’ve got a full bar in there. After six hours on a plane with Zack, Liz is going to need a drink. In fact, I think we all are.” She glanced down at her phone. “And they’re pulling in. I’ll go and greet them in the drive. You and Darcy can have the room.”

  She strode out as if she didn’t care whether she saw him again.

  Damn it.

  Darcy frowned up at him, lingering entirely too close for his comfort. “Your tie is all wrong. It’s far more fashionable to wear it a bit shorter now.”

  She started to reach for it, but he caught her hands. “I prefer it as is.”

  He didn’t care, honestly, but Gus had fixed his tie the way she wanted it. He wouldn’t let someone else change it. Not that she was paying any attention to him at the moment. Instead, he turned to see her walking out to the drive.

  “Of course. You look smashing either way. Shall I go and fix the ladies’ parlor, then? It won’t take a moment. I’ve seen to the president’s library myself. You have appetizers and a fully stocked bar. I’ll switch the ladies to a lovely high tea. We wouldn’t want the gossip to get out that the women in the American party are less than ladylike.”

  What the hell did that mean? “I think you should leave the ladies to Augustine. Dear god, don’t take their booze. They’ll come after ours.” He switched topics, letting her know this one was closed. “I’m rethinking tonight’s gathering. Maybe we should have a single greeting party and host it here. All of us together.”

  She wrinkled her nose and put her hand on his arm as he started outside. He suspected Darcy had read one too many Jane Austen novels. She had very Victorian ideas about how women should behave. It wasn’t a representation of most of the British ladies he knew. At first, he’d found her approach rather cultured. Interesting, even. Now it bugged the hell out of him.

  “Perhaps we should discuss that at length,” she argued. “Oh, and you asked for theater tickets. I reserved a box at one of the West End’s most historic theaters. It’s good publicity. There will be six of us. The prime minster and his wife, the president and his date, and you. I’ll come along to ensure everything runs properly and to handle the press on our end. I know them quite well. I thought that since you don’t have a date, my idea would be most logical. The arrangement would be all work, of course, but leaving that seat open seemed a bit sad.”

  He shook his head. “I’ll let Gabe and his wife go.”

  “Oh, no. I’ve let everyone know to expect Roman Calder. You must go.”

  Damn it. One of the reasons he had insisted that the other couples come along was to give him some cover. And for a visit. It had also been an awfully long time since they’d all been together for more than a few hours.

  Roman opened the door, holding it for her like a gentleman. “I’m sure the prime minister will find Gabe and Everly charming.”

  She looked back at him, tears glimmering in her eyes. “I promised him you would come.” She stopped and visibly shook off her sadness, discreetly wiping her eyes. “But I’m sure it will be all right. He can be a demanding man, but I’ll make him see reason.”

  Or the PM might fire her because she’d vowed to deliver time with the president and his right hand. The last thing he needed to deal with from Darcy was an anxiety attack. “All right. I’ll go.”

  Her smile turned brilliant and she reached for his arm again as they strolled into the anemic London sunlight. “Excellent. We’ll have a lovely time. I’ve got the prettiest dress. I’ll ring Mimi to make certain we won’t clash. We can’t have that when we’re arm candy for two of the most powerful men in the world.”

  “Mimi? The British model?” Gus asked. “The one who’s far too skinny to even manage carrying a last name? That’s who Zack’s dating now?”

  If Darcy heard the sarcasm in Gus’s voice, she didn’t show it. She simply smiled and squeezed his arm. “Yes, she’s quite lovely. She and the president will make the most stunning couple. But Roman and I won’t be far behind. I’ll go and talk to the housekeeper now, darling. Don’t worry. I’ll make certain everything is exactly the way you like it.”

  She turned on her heels and hurried away.

  Gus stared at him, looking all but ready to roll her eyes.

  “It’s not a date.”

  Her gaze slid away as the big black SUV pulled up. Suddenly they were surrounded by men in black suits. The Secret Service was damn good at keeping a low profile until the moment they were needed. Every square inch of the big manor home they were staying in had been checked and rechecked, security on high alert for this visit.

  Flashes began flaring the moment the door opened. As a second SUV stopped behind the first, Zack stepped out, buttoning his suit coat and waving at the crowd. He looked cool and collected, nodding toward the reporters even as he completely ignored their shouted questions. Surprisingly, he moved around the SUV and stood stoically as Liz emerged, his hand outstretched to help her down.

  “What is he doing?” They’d talked about this. Liz was supposed to ride in the second SUV, staying as inconspicuous and removed from the president as possible. Gabe and Connor were meant to occupy the lead car with Zack.

  Gus’s l
ips turned up in a smile. “Something right for once in his life.”

  Zack helped Liz down, one hand steadying hers and the other on the small of her back. She tried to pull away the second she stood on solid ground.

  What the hell was going on? Gabe and Connor were smiling and waving to the crowd, obviously providing cover. But why?

  Liz started up the stairs and stumbled. Zack caught her, helping her back up and whispering something in her ear. Liz’s whole body stiffened but she allowed Zack to hustle her inside the house.

  Roman looked over at Gus. Her face didn’t show it exactly but he knew her well enough to realize she was as surprised as he felt. In silent answer, she shook her head. She had no damn idea what was going on either. As they followed the party, Roman gave her a little shrug, holding the door open for her.

  “Don’t touch me again.” Liz turned on Zack, her normally perfect blonde hair mussed.

  Zack’s face was a mask of frustration as he faced her down. “If you don’t want me to touch you, then how about you stay away from the vodka, baby?”

  Zack was always calm. Always cool. Holy shit.

  “Holy shit,” Gus said under her breath.

  Yes, they always had been in sync.

  Liz bent over, pulling off her high heels. “I’m not drunk, you asshole. You try walking around in five-inch heels!”

  Liz drew her hand back and Gus went into action.

  “Nope, we’re not taking our frustration out on the Louboutins. They are innocent.” Gus looked back at Zack. “Unlike you.”

  Zack seemed to deflate. “Gus, I…”

  She was already turning her boss toward the east wing where she’d set up the ladies’ parlor, one palm held in his direction. “Talk to the hand, Mr. President.”

  Yep, there was his Augustine. Proper when she needed to be…but otherwise quick to send a guy her proverbial middle finger.

  Once the two ladies were gone, Roman turned to Zack. “What the fuck?”

  Zack held up his hands. “You do not want to know. Where is the Scotch?”

  The door opened again and the rest of the party streamed in.

  “She had no right to say those things,” Gabe muttered.

  “Oh, really?” Everly faced off with her husband. “After everything he’s done? Screw you, Gabe.”

  When she turned and flounced out of the room after Gus and Liz, Gabe shook his head, looking incredulous. “I don’t get why she’s so angry. Everly knows why Zack has to distance himself from Liz.”

  Lara stood next to Connor, her eyes wide. She looked down the long hall as the other women walked away.

  Zack turned to the only remaining female in the room. “Lara, you talked to Liz. Could you please tell me what’s going through her head? And Gus. I know Gus is planning something.”

  Lara’s lips formed a stubborn line.

  Connor put a hand on his wife’s hair. “Princess, it’s okay. You’re helping your friends by talking to us. We simply want to make sure they’re all right.”

  Connor was high if he thought that woman was going to talk.

  Lara broke away. “I’m so sorry, babe. Down with the patriarchy!”

  Lara turned and jogged after her friends.

  “I told you. Augustine is a terrible influence,” Roman reminded. “We’re damn lucky Dax took Holland on a honeymoon to that bed and breakfast in Maui or she would be right there with the other women. Lara’s lost to the dark side now. Accept it and move on, buddy. No one’s getting any tonight.” He put a hand on Zack’s shoulder. “Let’s get you a drink and catch you up. I think we’ll be safe in the study.”

  “Call it what it really is. The doghouse. We’re all sharing it,” Zack pointed out. “I’m the most powerful man in the freaking world and one blonde can still make me tuck my tail between my legs.”

  Roman leaned in. “Well, you wanted to know what it’s like when a woman knocks you on your ass. This is it.”

  Zack marched to the study, holding up his middle finger and muttering how badly he needed a drink.

  Roman sighed and prayed they would all survive the next few days.

  CHAPTER THREE

  Two hours later, Gus hugged Everly as she and Lara prepared to return to their rooms—and their husbands.

  “Why don’t you come to the dinner thing tonight?” Everly asked. “Gabe would love to spend time with you.”

  And then she would have to watch Darcy the Ever Perky plaster herself to Roman’s side. No, thanks. “Liz and I need to finish some work tonight. I’ve got details for a morning meeting to prep and review with her. But tell Gabe I expect some time with the two of you.”

  Everly glanced back to the cluster of comfortable chairs where Liz and Lara were talking with hand gestures and frowns. “Is she all right?”

  Gus doubted that very much. Oh, Liz put on a big smile because they hadn’t been alone, but she rather thought her friend was running on pure Southern charm and old-fashioned gumption. “She’s a professional.”

  “Zack is…” Everly began, then stopped and her jaw tightened. “Well, he’s being a stubborn ass, but I’m sure Zack thinks he’s doing the right thing by not letting her quit.”

  Gus agreed since no reasonable man would want to keep an angry woman around. Normally, she’d snoop until she could confirm her suspicion, but she couldn’t call Holland and ask her sister-in-law to break trust with her brother, especially during their honeymoon. She hated to ask Lara for roughly the same reason. Her affection for the quirky girl had grown over the last few days, so she hated to put Lara in a position that might threaten her marriage. Everly understood something else was going on behind the scenes, but she wasn’t talking. Gus gave Gabe’s wife the side eye. She might be able to break Everly, massage and maneuver her into coughing up whatever information she had. Maybe. But she didn’t try. Not only was she getting soft, Gus was beginning to wonder if she could live with the answers.

  It was precisely why she held back from everyone except Liz. She couldn’t risk them, couldn’t ask those women to choose between her investigation and their husbands.

  She was fairly certain Roman wouldn’t give an inch. He’d press whomever until he got exactly what he wanted, but she’d decided a long time ago that she would never sell her damn soul the way he had.

  After a pause, she gave Everly her blandest smile. “I’m sure that’s exactly what Zack thinks. Of course you know that’s not true, right? Liz has offers from some of the best PR firms in the country, so holding her back is actually hurting her bottom line, and I don’t understand what possible reasoning he could have.”

  She studied Everly, watching the way the redhead tensed. Everly was good, but she was also emotionally invested. She squeezed Gus’s hand in a way that told Gus she hated being less than honest. But Everly, Lara, and even Holland knew something she and Liz didn’t. Gus had been certain of that for months, and it probably had everything to do with the men they were married to.

  The Perfect Gentlemen loved to keep their secrets.

  “There might be a lot going on behind the scenes you don’t understand,” Everly hedged.

  Yes, there obviously was. “But it’s nothing you can talk about. I understand and I’m not going to ask any of you to break trust with your husband. But Liz and I aren’t married to a man from the inner circle. I know everyone would love for us to have blind faith, but I’ve been burned by one of them before. Tell Zack it would be better for everyone if he let Liz go. I don’t know what he’s up to, but all his caveman power play will accomplish is to crush her, and I won’t stand for that. Tell him he can deal with Liz fairly or he’ll be dealing with me.”

  Everly cursed under her breath. “If I hadn’t promised…”

  Gus held up a hand. “I know. Believe me, I do.”

  Everly and Lara left the parlor to get ready for dinner. And perhaps to yell at a couple of men.

  Gus handed Liz her Grey Goose gimlet and started to pour one for herself. She was damn happy she was a p
lanner because she wasn’t sure what she would do if she had to mix the drinks herself right now.

  Even hours after her encounter with Roman her hands were still shaking, her body still hot. What the hell had almost happened? She could still feel the heat from his big form brushing hers, making her nipples hard and aching. He’d come so close to meshing their mouths together again after so many long, empty years. Even after she’d promised herself that she’d never let him close again.

  But had she pushed him away? No. She’d stood there and almost let him kiss her.

  Nope. She wasn’t going to lie to herself. If Darcy hadn’t barged in, she would have welcomed him. Her brain had switched off in that moment, and all that had mattered was being close to him once more. The years had melted away and she hadn’t cared that he was an ass of massive proportions who didn’t deserve her.

  Ugh, her female parts had no sense when it came to that ruthless, disgusting, no-good, dickless bastard. Well, that wasn’t exactly true. She’d felt the brush of his cock against her earlier and had never quite forgotten what he could do to her with it… But the rest of her assessment? Spot on. Roman Calder hadn’t changed one bit. He still had the whole Madonna/whore view of women. He wanted the whore in his bed, tucked away from prying eyes. That would be her role. And he’d obviously selected the annoying, way-too-perky Darcy as the perfect arm candy to show off to the world.

  Fucker.

  “I hate him,” Liz said, staring into her glass.

  “I do, too.” Both of them. Normally she adored Zack, but Roman was finally proving to be a terrible influence on him. His chief of staff and bestie had taught him how to take something good, crap all over it, set it on fire, then have the gall to wonder what the hell had gone wrong.

  “I didn’t drink too much on the plane.” Liz sighed and sat back. “Oh, I have now and I’m sure I’ll pay for it tomorrow, but I had one vodka on the flight right before we landed. He decided that was some kind of sign that he couldn’t let me out of his sight. He forced me into his car and gave me the most ridiculous lecture about being professional and…let’s just say the man is not professional. He’s insane and he can’t keep doing this to me. I quit.”