Page 38 of Lovers' Dance: Vol. 2

“Some woman is in the kitchen,”

George gave me a look. “Yes, I know.”

“She said she’s the chef,” I mocked dryly.

George nodded. “Yes, she is. She’s worked for Mr Bradley for the past three years now.”

Three years? Wow.

“What? How come I never met her before? And her eggs were vile. They were wet and yucky. You know I love your eggs. You make the best scrambled eggs.”

George tried not to smile. I saw him fighting it but he lost in the end. “How can I be of assistance, Ms DuMont?”

I linked arms with him, a blatant lack of propriety, but I considered George my friend. “Where’s Matt?”

“In the gym with his brother.” George replied.

I jerked to a stop and peered at him from uncertain eyes. “And where exactly is this gym?”

“How many times have I told you,” George started leading me forward. “It’s downstairs, Ms DuMont.”

“Downstairs. As in creepy basement room?” I clarified. There were still some rooms I had yet to enter in Matt’s home. The master bedroom, my studio, the kitchen and the entertainment room were where I spent most of my time.

“You’ve never ventured in that area, Ms DuMont. How can you assume it’s creepy?” he chastised.

“Because I’ve seen a lot of movies and basements are always bad news.” I explained with smugness.

“Would you like me to prepare some fresh eggs, Ms DuMont?” George ignored my previous comment.

“Thanks, George. I’m not too sure about this chef. She had my sauté pan out. You know the one I love to use? Well, she had it.”

George compressed his mouth into a thin line and cleared his throat. Was he laughing at me?

“Valerie is highly recommended,” he defended her as we walked arm in arm. “Classically trained in French and Italian cuisine. Her years of service in this household is greatly appreciated by Mr Bradley.”

“Huh.” I grunted impolitely. Bet she couldn’t make a lasagne as good as mine. Why was she here anyway? I always cooked whenever I stayed over.

“Here we are,” George pointed to an oak door. “I’ll have your eggs done in fifteen minutes, Ms DuMont.”

I smiled and moved away from him. “Thanks, George.”

It was with curiosity I opened the door and headed down the wider than normal stairs. It was blindingly bright and my eyes widened in disbelief when the sheer size of Matt’s gym registered. The whole basement had been converted it seemed. There was the expected gym equipment in one corner, a small bar set off from that, an actual boxing ring; but my gaze was riveted on the sight of Matt and Adam. They were in the middle of the room fencing. Dressed in the necessary protective gear and fiercely attacking each other. I wasn’t sure who was who as they both wore masks and were more or less the same height. The tinny electronic beep startled me when one of them scored a point. It was then I noticed the cords running from the back of each man to what I assumed was the scoring box. I watched, fascinated, as they went back to their starting marks.

“En garde.” Ah, that was Adam, and it was he who had just scored the point.

“Allez.” Matt replied and they went at each other again.

I sat down on the stairs, not wanting to interrupt in case a distraction caused someone to get injured. Those swords looked dangerous and quite bendy. I hadn’t realized I was holding my breath until my chest tightened from lack of oxygen. A quick inhale and my lungs stopped complaining. Then I clapped in delight as Matt executed a beat attack and scored a point. Both men stopped and looked over at me. Shit. I was supposed to be quiet. Very self-conscious, I stood up and descended the remaining stairs as the men took off their masks. Matt walked over immediately, mask under one arm and sword at his side. Hmm, white suited him.

“Morning, poppet,” he greeted then bent down to peck my lips.

“What time did you get up?” I asked, slightly disappointed by the fleeting kiss.

“Earlier than expected. Have you eaten as yet?” Matt queried. His face was flushed and his breathing accelerated.

“Morning, Madi.” Adam said on his approach. He dropped his mask, carefully placed the sword next to his feet and started stripping off his protective clothing.

“Hey Adam.” I replied with a smile. “I didn’t mean to interrupt you boys.”

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