Page 49 of From London, With Love

Where the fuck did that come from? Have I completely lost my mind? I don’t think a woman has ever caused me to cross so many boundaries, and yet here I am, ploughing through them like I have nothing to lose.

Her physical response is all that’s needed to tell me this isn’t one-sided. There’s the smallest indication I’m having the same effect on her as she is on me—she draws in a sharp breath, pupils dilating.?

“I’ve always prided myself on my self-control, but you push me closer to the edge than anyone ever has.” She exhales, her breath like a whisper against my skin. It makes me want to crush my mouth to hers, consequences be damned. “The worstpart,” I breathe, struggling to hold on to my sanity, “is the edge has never looked better.”

Lara’s deep blue’s gaze into my own, searching. For what, I can’t be sure.?

“The edge is a dangerous place to be, Carter. I don’t imagine you’re there alone, though, if the papers are anything to go by.”

Christ, this woman knows how to strike with precision. I’m taken aback for a moment, wincing at the knowledge that she’s aware of the tabloids. But she’s right, of course. Each week, the papers and magazines continue to splash what they believe to be “scandalous” pictures of me with beautiful women.

What she doesn’t realise though, is that these pictures were all taken in batches, weeks, and months ago. Not a single one has been taken since that first encounter with Lara. She can never know though. Honestly, I can’t imagine how smug she’d be if she had that information. Not to mention how completely and totally fucked I’d be.

Lara inclines her head ever so slightly. My breath catches; is she about to?—

My train of thought derails faster than a bat out of hell as Lara turns and walks away.

I’m left fucking rattled, positively rocked by the way she continues to break down my control one piece at a time. The sounds of her retreating heels make for a suitable soundtrack as I try to collect the pieces.

“Son.”

Dad hardly ever greets me in any other way; no ‘hello’, no ‘good morning’, just ‘Son’. Come to think of it, it’s not all that often he actually uses my name when speaking to me.

The sound of my father’s muffled voice through the phone fills the otherwise quiet backseat, the rolled-up partition blocking out the sound of Victor’s classical music crescendoing.?

Victor has been working for our family for decades now. He was Dad’s driver for most of those years and became mine when I took over as CEO. He’s more of an unofficial uncle to me than an employee, and we typically have great conversations about bikes while we drive.

“Dad, we need to discuss yesterday’s conversation, please. Are you certain it’s a good idea?”

“Well of course I’m certain,” he responds confidently, as though he can’t imagine how I could be questioning it.

“It’s good for Lara’s personal development within her role and it’s good for your professional relationship with her. It also wouldn't hurt for Mason to meet your new EA in person.”

He pauses, clearly trying to think of additional convincing reasoning.

“If I’m completely honest, I think spending time with a woman like Lara could really benefit you, Son.”

I genuinely sputter at this.What?

“Wh-what on earth do you mean by that?”

There’s silence on the other end of the line. Following this, Dad stutters out the beginning of a few incoherent words before finding his feet.

“What I mean is she’s a lovely young woman, and it wouldn’t kill you to spend more time with someone like that.”

Is he quite serious?That little meddler.I really shouldn’t be surprised, though; only a few months ago he was attempting to set me up with Kate from the cafe. The man means well, butLaraof all people? Naturally he doesn’t know about our history, and she really is quite wonderful, but the last thing Ineed is my father involving himself in our relationship—or lack thereof.

“Is this some sort of ploy then? Your next attempt to find me a wife?”

“I refuse to confirm or deny. However, I will say your mother and I would desperatelyloveanother grandchild to spoil. Or a couple. We aren’t fussy.” I can hear the smile in his voice.?

Typical; the grandchild angle. My parents love Winnie like nothing else. I’m certain they love her more than any of their own children.

All our parents have ever wanted for us is happiness, which is more than many can say for their parents. However, for them, happiness comes from family. They assume I’m enjoying doing my own thing while I’m still young(ish), but one day I’ll settle down with a beautiful and loving wife, have a few children, and enjoy that next chapter. Though, what they don’t realise is that their ‘dream life’ isn’t necessarily for everyone.

I’ve not mentioned this to my parents, but I’m not certain I want children. I think the world of Winnie and would stop at nothing to protect her, but I’m not sure if fatherhood is for me. I could be perfectly happy and fulfilled spending my days with just the love of my life.

Perhaps I’ll change my mind one day, but for now, it’s not on the cards.

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