After we were dressed, I met with the head of security downstairs to input all my information, along with my iris and fingerprint scans. Declan then introduced me to a few of the employees that I would be seeing on a daily basis before we returned to the apartment. It wasn’t but a few minutes later that the woman who works for the butler service arrived with groceries we requested earlier in the morning.
And now I sit in the living room, reading “A Tourist’s Guide to London” that I asked Lachlan to bring over from his hotel. He dropped it off earlier along with a new cell phone that Declan insisted on me having instead of the cheap disposable one I was using since I left Nina’s phone back in the States. Lachlan input his number along with all of Declan’s before heading back out to run a few errands for us. But it’s now inching closer to one o’clock, and I’m growing hungry.
I rifle through the fridge, looking for something easy, and decide on a simple grilled cheese. It’s practically all I know how to cook, but it’s comforting and reminds me of my brother.
“Is the fire extinguisher handy?” Declan jokes when he walks into the room.
I flip the sandwich with the spatula and then flip him the middle finger.
“What a lovely gesture. If we’re done with the pleasantries, I’d like to make a request.”
Turning the burner off, I slide my grilled cheese onto a plate and walk over to the island bar to sit next to Declan. He hands over an invitation engraved on heavy linen paper with an embossed gold seal at the top.
“What’s the Caledonian Club?” I ask, setting the invitation down on the cold soapstone countertop.
“A private Members’ Club I’ve been associated with my whole life. Both my father and grandfather were members.”
“Is this one of those male-only chauvinist clubs where you all stand around, smoke cigars, and compete with each other to prove who has the biggest dick?” I badger and then take a bite of my food.
“Something like that, but luckily for you, they started to allow women to accompany members at the social events a few years ago.”
“How progressive of them.”
“Yes, well, if you’re done being stabby, I’ve RSVP’d our pleasured acceptance,” he informs me with an appeasing smirk.
“When is it?”
“This evening.”
“Tonight?” I blurt in surprise. “Declan, I don’t have anything to wear. All my formal attire is back in Chicago.”
“Harrods is right across the street,” he tells me. “Lachlan can take you.”
I drop my sandwich onto the plate, huffing in mild irritation. “Lachlan? Really? So, I’m not allowed to walk across the street by myself, something a child is capable of doing?”
“I thought I made my concerns clear before we came.”
“You did, but I didn’t think he’d be at my side at all times.”
He cups my cheek as he stands, saying, “Must you fight me on everything?”
“Fine,” I exhaust. “I’ll see it your way this time, but you know he’s going to be pissed at you when he finds out you’re forcing him to do this particular errand.”
“That old man is always pissed at me. I can handle him.”
I laugh under my breath, enjoying the lightness of our exchange, and then ask, “What’s the attire?”
“Black tie.” He then gives me a kiss and starts heading back to his office when he calls out over his shoulder, “I’ll call for Lachlan.”
“Where is he taking me again?”
“Harrods,” he shouts from his office.
I grab my tourist book, flip to the shopping section, and read while I finish my lunch. I don’t have to wait long for Lachlan to arrive.
He’s slightly distracted—quiet—as the day moves forward, but I don’t push him to talk. Instead, I gather gowns to try on. I’m not sure what Declan’s preferences are the way I knew Bennett’s. I had more time to learn about Bennett, to study him. So I spend a good amount of time pulling gowns, second-guessing, and shoving them back on the rack.
Thank God for patient sales associates.
Lachlan sits outside the fitting room as I try on the various dresses. One by one, until I finally make my choice when I slip on the Givenchy in kombu green. I decide to take a step out and show Lachlan, but when I do, he’s not there. I walk past the empty chair and then hear his hushed voice.
Peeking around the corner, I spot him a few racks down on his cell and quickly retreat when I see him look my way. I strain to hear what he’s saying, hoping that it has something to do with my dad, but when I hear his harsh tone barking, “Calm down, Camilla,” under his breath, my mind begins to spin.
Camilla?
I step back into the fitting room and wonder why that name sounds so familiar. I trace back and it finally clicks.
Cal’s girlfriend.
I met her a few months ago when I accompanied Bennett on a trip to New York City. It was the night Declan showed up unexpectedly at his father’s house. But why the hell is Lachlan talking to her? Whatever the reason, he clearly doesn’t want me to know. Declan would have his ass if he knew Lachlan left me alone, so whatever he’s talking to her about must outweigh the risk.
After I make my purchases, he walks me back home and leaves after I’m safely inside the building.