by India Kells
Dry mouth, Zoe’s heart hammered in her chest. “And what would that be?”
Lowering himself over her, he waited a beat, his lips hovering over hers. “I love you.”
And he kissed her.
Chapter 25
Planning with Beatrice was like being caught in a whirlwind, and with Lazarus and Archer thrown into the mix, Zoe felt a slight loss of control. In a matter of minutes, Kai and Lance arrived with boxes of electronics. Archer’s rental turned into an improvised headquarters. However, what threw Zoe really off balance was how Archer accepted this new situation. How could he so easily accept blood brothers from a man who was nothing but evil? With his past, she believed he would doubt this more, and push them away.
When Kai arrived, and Lazarus introduced them, Archer shook his hand and smiled. Smiled! And they talked some more, Beatrice being the focal point, the one in charge of making sure she and Archer were under electronic surveillance at all times. Cameras had already been installed and there was only an hour before they left for what would be one of the most elegant soirées of the year. Meanwhile, Beatrice was flying to Lucas, with the firm intention of finding the man following him. Gabrielle would take the lead for Purgatory.
Zoe felt as if she was set in stone, unable to move. She needed to know what was planned, how to react, the contingency plan. They were all around the kitchen island, and Zoe was slightly back, leaning against the wall, feeling gloomy, unable to process the data like she was usually so good at. She had to get ready, that much she knew, but still…
The entire place was filled with people, and it was becoming more and more difficult to breathe. Without a word, Zoe turned around and went back to the guest bedroom she had woken up in, just a few hours ago.
Now everything was in the open, except one thing. Her feelings for Archer. Removing her glasses, she put her forehead against the cool glass of the window. Something was holding her back, and her mind was too unsettled to know what it was. Pushing away, Zoe let herself fall on the bed. Even if she had promised herself not to do it, she got the phone out of her pocket and dialed.
“Hello?”
Zoe quickly swallowed the lump in her throat, forcing cheerfulness in her voice. “Hello buddy! How are you?”
“Zoe! Hey! Cool for you to call. You’re back stateside?”
Again, lying seared her throat. “Just got back.”
“Tired of the desert sand?”
The teasing from her little brother made her smile. “Yeah, you know, sand in my panties is getting on my nerves.”
“Ugghh! Don’t ever refer to your underwear with me!” The teenager made gagging sounds.
“How’s school?”
Gagging turned to endless exasperated sighs as Lucas started describing his lessons and latest scores. Zoe couldn’t focus on the words, but instead let herself be reassured by the sound of his voice. He was alive and well. Beatrice was on her way to protect him and discover who was taking pictures of him. Closing her eyes, tears started to flow. From the moment she had taken custody of him, it hadn’t been easy. Working to pay for his school and board, Zoe would have preferred staying close by, but Lucas understood the situation with a lot more maturity than most boys of his age. For that she was grateful, although it hurt not to see him often.
“When are you coming to see me? I did good enough to skip a few days of school, don’t you think?” The hope in his voice almost broke her in two, and it was a miracle hers sounded steady at all.
“Well, I have a few reports to fill out and once I shake what’s left of the sand, I’ll be on my way to see you.” And with those words, she prayed to be right. “Do you need anything?”
“Just a break on the veg and lots of junk food.”
Zoe snorted. “You’ll have a one-day free pass when I arrive. All you can eat. What about that?”
“Oh yeah! Cool! I miss you, Z.”
“I miss you more. Take care, okay? Study hard.”
Lucas whined a little and laughed as she disconnected the call. He was safe. Safe and sound, unaware of the threat lurking. He had suffered enough in his young life and she prayed that whatever happened next, it would remain untouched.
“Zoe?”
Damn, Archer moved like a ghost! She hadn’t heard him open and close the door, much less kneel before her. The concern on his face almost unraveled her.
Angrily, she wiped her cheeks. “Don’t you ever knock?” Stupid question as this was his place after all.
“You called your brother?” It was an easy guess. “Is everything alright?”
Zoe nodded. “Yeah. He’s acting his usual self which is reassuring.”
“And I’m sure that promising a junk food fest raised his spirits.”
Zoe sniffed. “We always have one big cheat day. The place where he’s staying is keen on good food, but we agreed that when I come and see him, we have a gorge fest. It’s our thing.”
Still not touching her, Archer smiled. “You’re taking good care of him.”
“Not the best I could. I need to work, and the State Department offers the best salary I could find. Which means I’m away more than I wish.”
“Everything will be back to normal in no time now.”
Zoe shook her head. “I wish I had your confidence.”
“Don’t you trust Beatrice?”
It was easy to answer that. “With my life. However, what astonishes me, is how you can trust any of them implicitly. How can you believe what Lazarus and Beatrice told you?”
“Simple. I trust you. And you trust them. It’s not so surprising. These are dangerous times, and I know from experience that we need to determine friends from foes quickly.”
Zoe gaped. “And Lazarus and Kai?”
“If your question is if I believe who they claim to be, I do. I’m not blind, Zoe. I see the similarities between us all. And I did double check the laboratory results. They are legit. Lazarus told me of other documents that are quite clear. I’m a pragmatic man. Again, I could debate and fight, but this is not the time to do it. Not when your life is at stake.”
“Jamieson Finch is your father...”
“My father died a long time ago, Zoe. Same as my mother. It was a hard life, but it was what it was. When everything is over, I’ll think about the fact that I have half-brothers. As for Jamieson Finch, he needs to be stopped.”
“You made it sound so easy.” Unable to not touch him anymore, Zoe cupped his face. “Don’t underestimate him. I have the bad feeling that he’s a few steps ahead of us and he’s waiting to strike. You could be in the line of fire.”
Frowning, Archer shook his head. “I don’t know if I should be happy or angry that you constantly forget who I am.”
Letting her hands fall on her lap, she pouted. “Forget who you are? You mean the annoying businessman, the short-fused biker, the former gang member, or the sharp-suited billionaire?”
His smile was swift and lethal. “And you better be convinced that all of them will keep you safe.”
“I’m almost convinced.”
“Almost? Really?” A mischievous gleam lit up his face. “I think you are a very stubborn woman, Miss Somersby. And don’t think I didn’t notice you keeping mum earlier when I poured my heart at your feet.”
Gulping, her smile wavered. “How can you trust me? Let alone...”
He arched an eyebrow, mockingly. “Let alone love you? That’s what you were about to say? Miss Somersby, you came into my life like a firestorm. I didn’t stand a chance.”
Chapter 26
The sun was slowly setting when Zoe arrived at the banquet venue. The Adler Planetarium, with its modern shape overlooking Lake Michigan and the amazing skyline of Chicago as a backdrop, it was easy to see why Archer had selected the place. The host had left early to check the final preparations and Gabrielle had arranged for her to be dropped off by one of the private chauffeurs hired by Purgatory for the night. Kai and Lance would be there as close security and Gabrielle was nearby, coordin
ating the rest of the team as well as the video and audio.
As her car arrived in a well-synchronized ballet by the entrance, Zoe felt like a fish out of water. When she started to get ready, Gabrielle brought her a dress that Archer had chosen for the occasion. Scared of the fit for her curvy figure, Zoe was once again stunned by how it fit her body. The midnight blue dress flowed in asymmetrical waves over her legs, with a daring slit revealing her thigh when she walked. The ruched neckline bared her left shoulder. A faint dusting of crystals swirled from under her cleavage and faded into the bottom hem. Gabrielle helped her curl and gather her hair into a messy bun, fitting it with crystal-star pins. Long swirls of delicate stars adorned her ears.
Even if the woman who was fast becoming a friend declared she looked stunning, it was awkward for Zoe, who was more used to camouflage patterns and flack jackets than silk and diamonds. Holding her jeweled clutch like a lifeline, when the chauffeur opened the door, helping her out, she was welcomed with warm evening air over her skin. Everything seemed so bright, so vivid, and she wondered if her contact lenses did that trick.
Before she could decide where to go, she recognized Kai coming to her side, offering his arm. Graciously, she wrapped hers around it, grateful for a friendly face in an unknown crowd. Squeezing her hand, she lifted her gaze to him.
“May I tell you how beautiful you look tonight, Zoe.”
A quick look around, she saw models passing by. “Thank you for the compliment. I don’t think I will ever fit in with this kind of crowd.”
Slowly, the tall bodyguard steered her inside. “With your courage, your heart and aptitude to put yourself in danger, I have to say that you’re worth ten of those Barbie dolls around us. And if you have your superhero underwear on right now, you’re also the most unique of the bunch.”
Being his outrageous self, Kai made her laugh out loud as they entered, gazes turning in their direction. The main event was in the solarium and rooftop of the Planetarium. The place was bustling with the cream of Chicago society. Money flowed, and it was a way for Archer to get Blackwood Energies launched officially in the city.
Kai escorted her to the rooftop area, filled with people already. Waiters were gliding by, serving champagne. Later, they would start offering appetizers and finger food, the best the city had to offer, no doubt. The view was breathtaking as the sky now turned into the most wonderful burst of pinks.
“Zoe, listen well, you are never to be alone, do you hear me? Under no circumstances.” Kai’s voice was low and hard. There was no possibility of discussing it with him. She nodded, and he seemed only partly satisfied by the answer, but let it go. From what she could gather during the day, Zoe wondered if the number of bodyguards, official and in disguise, wouldn’t outnumber the number of guests.
For now, her cell phone was blessedly silent. The only reason it would ring was a call from Finch, or one from Beatrice telling her that Lucas was safe, sound and protected. For the time being, she was still one of Archer’s assistants, and had to act like it. And mingle. Bracing herself, Zoe turned and saw him. Archer. He was near the edge of the rooftop, Chicago at his back, appearing all mighty in his well-tailored tuxedo, and only looking at her. Letting go of Kai, she took one step, then another, and before she realized it her feet were moving toward him. It was magnetic, and in that very instant, she was alone with him. There was no longer any threat or danger, only him.
“Mr. Blackwood.”
The twinkle of the last rays of sunlight played over his face, turning his eyes into molten mercury.
“Miss Somersby, you are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. A vision bringing me to my knees.”
His voice was low and so warm. Although he kept his distance, his energy spoke volumes.
Ignoring her hormones, she turned. “It’s packed out, I think the launch of Blackwood Energies in Chicago is a success.”
Archer encompassed the crowd, rather detached. “We’ll see. Business is treacherous. Clean energies are a gamble here, but if we succeed, we will make a real difference.”
Zoe nodded and, as a waiter passed by, Archer grabbed two flutes of champagne, handing one to her.
“All you need to do is complete the sale, although I suspect it’s already done.”
A rare feat, her words seemed to surprise him. It was but for a second, and because Zoe knew his face a little better. To the outsider, he almost appeared indifferent while talking to her.
“Why would you say that?”
“Well, tell me why you didn’t organize a formal negotiation session with Al-Aamri? And you seemed a bit friendlier, less on guard. Am I wrong?”
Not a single word came from him, but there was no need to. A smile on her lips, she took another sip of champagne and turned to walk away as a man and his wife came to introduce themselves to Archer. Point made!
Her eyes scanned the crowd, and she spotted Anton Vasiliev with a stunning blonde. As Finch was nowhere to be found, she decided to greet him even if it brought mixed emotions inside her.
As soon as he saw her, the Russian’s face split into an immense grin. “Ah, this is the beautiful Miss Somersby.” He took her hand and gave her a quick peck on the cheek. “Such a pleasure to see you tonight.”
Zoe thought he would introduce her to his companion, but by the look of boredom on her inexpressible face, she suspected it wasn’t his wife. He may be afraid of Maria, but he was still taking chances. Ignoring the woman, he turned to Zoe.
“An amazing evening. Archer Blackwood knows how to throw a party with class. I think it’s his sophisticated British side, don’t you think?”
“I wouldn’t know. It’s my first event with Blackwood Corporation. It’s a little bit over the top.”
Vasiliev laughed. “You’ll get used to it. This is our world, after all.”
Zoe’s eyes found Archer in the crowd. Many people surrounded him, and he looked so at ease. While she stood there, like a stranger in the crowd. The thought made her heart drop. Archer’s ambitions needed one of those socialites by his side. One who could organize this type of event. He had come from the darkest part of Britain, but he had battled and risen to amazing heights. People might think that it was due to his late wife’s money, but Zoe knew better. He could have thrown it all away, gone back to the criminal side, but instead, he had honored her memory.
Vasiliev started talking to people greeting him, allowing Zoe to slowly inch away. Music started floating from a small band. Naturally, people started dancing. Night had fallen, but the evening was in full swing. As she debated going inside the solarium, Zoe noticed Ellen standing to the side with a cocktail in her hand. She was dressed to the nines in a black sequined dress and her platinum blond slicked back.
“Ellen!”
Immediately, a smile illuminated her face and she opened her arms. Zoe hugged her, but the woman winced.
“How are you, Ellen? I heard you were attacked! That’s awful, are you alright?”
“Yes, my dear. Don’t worry about me. I was lucky. I only have some bumps and bruises.” She gingerly touched her eye. Makeup perfectly hid what was left of her black eye. Apart from a little bruise, nothing showed.
“Did the police find anything? Do they have any suspects?”
Ellen sighed heavily and shrugged. “If only I could have given them a description. But it happened so fast. I only thought about what happened to poor Cynthia and I was scared to death.”
Zoe took her hand. “You’re safe now. Archer made sure everybody was protected tonight. And I see Kai and Lance standing nearby.” She tried to put a little humor into the situation. “And now your body is guarded by two of the most handsome men in Chicago.”
And as she expected, a smile bloomed on her face. “Well, that’s a way of finding the positive in this situation. Once this nightmare stops, I hope to have my whipped cream fantasy come to life. With more champagne, I might have the courage to ask!”
Zoe giggled as Ellen finished her drink. “I’ll get anot
her one. And I’ll try to convince Lance to follow me. After a few more, I might feel more like a... what do you Yanks say... a cougar. Yes! I might feel like a cougar.”
Winking at Zoe, she swayed toward the bar. Ellen was a strong woman to say the least. Zoe wasn’t sure she would have been able to mingle or attend social functions so soon after her ordeal. However, wasn’t that what she was doing herself? Life had to go on…
Music changed to Frank Sinatra. Couples swayed under the stars, as people laughed and talked all around her.
“You look ravishing tonight, Miss Somersby.”
Sam Sarkhan, tall and elegant, slightly bowed to her, a charming smile on his handsome face. He took her hand and kissed her knuckles in a very gallant way.
“Mr. Sarkhan. It’s a pleasure to see you tonight. Aren’t you working? I haven’t had the chance to greet Mr. Al-Aamri. Is he here?”
“I always work. My employer is inside with other security personnel. I only have to coordinate things tonight.”
“A promotion, good for you.”
He smiled at her sarcasm. “And to celebrate it, I will invite a gorgeous woman to dance.”
He took her into his arms and made her twirl onto the dance floor. Zoe gasped as she’d never learned how to dance, but Sam led her like a maestro among the other couples. The man not only moved like a dream, but also made her feel as if she had danced all her life.
Once she settled into the rhythm and was following the steps, Zoe grinned. She had the perfect chance to confront the man. “A man of many talents. Is that because of your education, your money, or because you’re one of Archer’s brothers?”?
His step slowed, and his hold tightened a little. “You are full of surprises, Miss Somersby. Or you have very well-informed friends.”
“Let’s say all of the above. But you didn’t disguise the very unique trait common to you and your brothers.”
A smile slowly returned. “I’m not much about contacts. My mistake.”
“Not if you wanted to be discovered. How difficult was it for you to get the job of protecting Udi Al-Aamri when you learned about the possibility of Finch being there and possibly threatening Archer?”
