Page 22 of Lovers' Dance: Vol. 2

“Immediately.” Matt replied, running a hand through his unkempt hair. “How long will it take for him to return to England?”

“Approximately seven hours, Mr Bradley. Once he’s arrived, I’ll personally brief him on his new position.”

“Good.” Matt said, hiding the relief he felt behind a cool voice. “And remember, Jonas, he must remain in the background at all times. She must remain unaware of his presence, this is imperative. If anything changes I will let you know.”

“Of course, Mr Bradley. Is there anything else?”

“No. I appreciate you handling this personally, Jonas. You’ve always ensured the safety of my family and we’ve never had any reason to complain.”

“It’s my job. Would you also like to arrange a meeting with my man? To clarify any particular details?”

Matt rubbed his jaw pensively. “That can be arranged once I’m back in England. Right now, I just want someone on her as soon as possible.”

“Consider it done. I’ll contact you once my man’s in place.”

“Thank you.” Matt replied and ended the call, before belatedly realizing he failed to wish Jonas a Merry Christmas. “Bollocks.”

This was not something he wanted to wake up to. It was bad enough he was still in Russia. Now he had to deal with this problem. Matt sighed and tossed his mobile on the bed before heading to the shower. As the hot water cascaded over his naked form the anger returned. Why hadn’t she told him about those emails? Dante’s explanation of her thinking it would blow over and not wanting to worry him was unsatisfactory. He had spoken to her almost every day since his trip to Russia and not once had she given any indication that something was wrong. Bloody hell. Her ongoingreluctance to confide in him was wearing on his nerves! Then his blasted conscience reminded him there were things he kept from her, many things in fact. It was an extreme double standard, the way he always pressured her to bare her soul to him at every instant while he kept secrets. But he consoled himself it was done out of love, to protect her. Never had he felt so protective over someone who was not related to him by blood. God. If anything ever happened to her…Matt vigorously shampooed his hair, not wanting to dwell on such thoughts. Instead he pictured her smile and the way her brown eyes lit up whenever he entered a room. She was going to be his wife…and soon.

A long engagement did not factor in his plans. He was finally ready to become a husband, to commit to one woman alone. Maybe even become a father? His mouth curled up at the thought of her carrying his child. Was it too late for him though? Thirty-seven wasn’t old and he took great pains to keep himself in top physical form. Many couples delayed having children anyway, of course their reasons were made by the need for greater financial security and career advancement. Matt didn’t have those issues. He simply hadn’t wanted children before.

Then there was their age difference, something he forced himself to ignore. It made him uncomfortable, especially since he was her first lover; humph, he would be her only lover. It wasn’t just the number difference, he worried his worldly past far outstretched hers. Would she regret their relationship down the line? Mourn the fact she never really had a chance to experience all the things people her age did? Matt tried to quell his unease. He knew his domineering personality had gotten them to this stage in such a relatively short space of time. He demanded and she usually gave in to him, but he was trying his hardest to address that. Hell. He hadn’t kicked up a fuss over McGregor, even though he wanted to. When she’d told him of McGregor’s actions it was all he could do to stop himself from getting on the jet and flying home. Bloody man. Who did he think he was fooling? McGregor was trying to woo his woman and Madi was too kind-hearted to see it. Her lack of relationship experience was apparent, but he couldn’t very well forbid her from speaking to the man. The discussion they’d had after his Netherlands trip when hefirst raised the issue of her friendship with McGregor played on his mind. His jealousy was a problem, he knew this…Madi knew this. And Matt didn’t want it driving a wedge between them. He trusted her, he knew the thought of being unfaithful would never cross her mind. Madi wasn’t that type of person. McGregor though, ah, Matt would give him just enough rope to hang himself. The moment he stepped out of line would be his undoing.

“Tosser.” Matt muttered as he rinsed the soap suds away. “Scottish wanker.”

By the time he was changed, his mood varied between annoyance and frustration. The investigator had yet to call back with an update. Two hours later when Adam walked into his room, Matt’s disposition had worsened.

“Merry Christmas, Matty.” Adam greeted as he sauntered into the large living space. “Have you ordered breakfast yet?”

Matt grunted under his breath and tugged the neck of his cashmere jumper in discomfort. He glared at his silent mobile, willing the investigator to phone back.

“What’s wrong with you?” Adam asked in surprise, his grey-blue eyes travelled over his younger brother’s features. “Don’t I merit a Christmas greeting?”

“Merry Christmas.” Matt grumbled before walking over to the sleek drinks cabinet. He pulled out a bottle of chilled vodka and got himself a glass.

Adam’s eyebrows shot up. “A bit early in the morning for vodka, don’t you think?”

“Well I need something stronger than tea.” Matt replied, pouring the clear liquid out before tossing it back.

Adam came over and got himself a glass. Moments later he too downed a small shot of vodka. “So? Are you going to tell me why you’re in such a bad mood?”

Matt narrowed his eyes at his brother and poured another drink. He stared at the liquid in the glass, not yet consuming it. “Besides the fact we’re stuck in Russia on Christmas morning?”

Adam let out an amused snort. “Since when do you care about the festive season? Usually it’s with begrudging resignation you make an appearance at our parents’ home.” This time he chuckled out loud.“Or perhaps this has something to do with a certain young lady back in England, mmm?”

“Sod off, Adam.” Matt growled then quickly drank the contents of his glass. He absentmindedly rolled the glass around his hand. She was never far from his thoughts.

“Have you spoken to your fiancée yet?” Adam asked, stressing the word.

Matt regarded him silently. The small clenching of his jaw was the only indication that his brother should tread carefully.

Adam sighed and ran a hand through his wavy brown hair. “It’s a simple question, Matt. No need to give me that look. I’ve already told you, if you want to marry her, go ahead. It’s your life.”

Matt visibly relaxed and put the empty glass down. “It is my life, you’re right and no, I haven’t spoken to Madi yet. Today is her first day off since opening night, she’ll most likely be sleeping in.”

“It would have been nice to see one of her shows,” Adam mused, pouring himself another drink. “Did Hannah mention she’s got tickets for the last night? She’s taking Stuart, I think she’s planning on interrogating your woman, Matty.”

“Stop calling me that, Adam,” Matt groused. “You know I don’t like it.”

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