Page 131 of The Chase
“How do you do that?”
“Whatever it takes.” Tobias pulled out his phone and texted away. “Don’t worry, no one gets hurt—” he arched a brow “—too much.”
That didn’t sound sinister at all.
I peered out. “Where are we going?”
“Kensington.” Tobias raised his gaze to hold mine. “You’ll be the most exquisite creature there.”
I swooned at his words and sat back to admire this dark and dangerous enigma.
Tobias tucked his phone away and reached for my hand. “Usual protocol for us too, Zara.”
“What’s our protocol?”
“Don’t let go of my hand.”
24
The Tudor period had left all the eclectic touches of medieval England wrapped up in countryside charm. The dark wooden furnishings, colorful lattice windows and remarkable tapestries all evidence that the English aristocracy continued to thrive.
And should there be any doubt, one merely had to look around at the high-class guests at Hatwood House, one of the largest estates in Knightsbridge.
Those tailored tuxedos worn by suave-looking guests complemented the array of runway gowns draped over their pretty women. Discreet staff offered up endless trays of hors d’oeuvres and a constant offering of all sorts of booze.
I didn’t belong here...
I loved every second of being with Tobias, but these last two days were overwhelming. I was regretting not getting to any of the work I’d lined up for Huntly Pierre. Instead of delving into my notes and preparing for the week ahead, I was fast heading into another late night.
With everything Tobias offered there was this sense of being swept along and continuously spoiled. It wasn’t that I wasn’t grateful but this was not my world and these were not my people.
Tobias turned to me. “You okay?” He’d sensed my reticence.
We’d spent too long getting ready for me to let him down and retreat. He leaned into me and whispered, “It’ll be worth it. I promise.”
It was no surprise that he attracted looks of admiration. Guests now and again stopped to introduce themselves, and the clipped accents and highbrow conversations proved my theory, these were moneyed visitors who could hold their own amongst London’s elite.
We strolled from the foyer to the living room and onward into the luxury dining room.
There, lying on a central mahogany table was a scantily clad young woman. She looked no older than twenty. Upon her abdomen was a row of small plates lined from her chest to her groin, all containing small edible sweet delicacies.
Guests were helping themselves to her treats.
Tobias stared at her. “Are those DeLafée chocolate truffles?” He pointed to the plate between her breasts.
I scrunched up my nose in amusement.
“You know you want one.” He led me toward the table.
Tobias leaned over her and picked up two chocolates. He threw her a smile of gratitude and she flushed brightly in response. She looked so vulnerable lying there, and with those tuxedo-wearing lions prowling around her it crossed my mind to sweep her up and get her out of there.
Tobias held a chocolate truffle to my lips. “Bite.”
My mouth watered as the cocoa melted on my tongue.
He popped a chocolate into his mouth and let out an erotic groan. “Still not as delicious as you, Leighton.”
I felt more daring than I ever had. “When will I get the privilege of tasting you? Tonight?”
