A Matter of Trust: London Calling Book One Read Online Free Page B

some years ago and was hugely successful. Recently, he’d expanded the business into security and personally designed firewall systems to help keep his clients’ information secure.
    “Ah, so the real reason emerges!” She laughed, relieved. “I’m glad to hear that, actually. I would have worried you’d be bored here. My hours can be a little brutal at times.” She thought of last night’s marathon. “But if all else fails, I’ll bring you to work with me. I bet Sterling International could use some of your security software, right?”  
    She was only half kidding. They took great pride in each other’s work. Perhaps there was an opportunity for him in Sterling’s rarified world of investment banking. Caught up in her thoughts, she missed his own pause.  
    “Ah, well, we’ll see about that. Dev, listen, someone’s at the door. It’s probably my dinner being delivered. I better go.”  
    He abruptly ended the call. Devon stared at her phone before switching it off. By her calculations, it was 10:30 p.m. in Chicago, a late supper even for Dominic. Shaking her head, she thought it far more likely a female friend had arrived at his door. Chuckling, she rose.
    She missed him. She scooped coffee into a French press, pouring in hot water from the kettle she’d boiled. He’d help her get her bearings back. This thing with Bennett, whatever it was, had unsettled her.  
    Dominic helped her remember herself. He always kept her centered; this would be no exception. And in return, she would pursue some introductions for him.  
    She headed for the shower, balancing her coffee on the sink basin so it could cool off. She’d ask Natalie, Bennett’s PA, if she might help acquaint him with some key contacts.  
    Surely, the woman would cooperate. While she hadn’t technically warmed to Devon in the past weeks, she had thawed a bit. Besides, Dominic could charm the birds from trees.  
    Satisfied, Devon thought no more of it, moving her mind to work. Even after her late night and interrupted morning, she buzzed with energy. She couldn’t wait to get back and show off her work to Bennett’s directors. It was almost a shame he wouldn’t see it.
    ***
    Four thousand miles away, Dominic Martin sat in the penthouse suite of his Chicago high-rise, surrounded by glass and steel. He sipped the Jameson he’d poured while talking to Devon, grimacing as it burned down his throat. He deserved a little pain, lying to her that way.  
    He rolled his neck, working out the stiffness. No, it wasn’t lying. He just wasn’t telling her everything. He would keep a few secrets, for a little while. Tossing the rest of the whiskey back, he swallowed before setting the glass down, hard.  
    He opened his laptop to read the file he’d started on his next client.  
    Bennett Sterling .
    ***
    Talking with Dominic left Devon upbeat. As she walked to work, she felt confident and ready. She’d dressed in a crisp white shirt and navy pencil skirt, tucking peep-toe heels in her bag to slip on later while wearing ballet flats for the commute. She’d tied back her thick brunette hair with a bold geometric scarf. Simple, chunky gold jewelry finished the look.  
    She kept positive right up to the moment when she looked up from preparing her notes, ready to begin. Bennett sat at the boardroom table, directly in front. Swallowing, she glanced at Aidan to see if he’d noticed.  
    He approached with an encouraging smile. Laying a hand on her shoulder, Aidan leaned close. “It looks like we have unexpected company. Don’t be nervous, you can do this. Just explain the information we have. And be yourself.” He gently pressed her shoulder with his fingers, then took his seat.  
    Across the room, Bennett’s eyes narrowed at the fleeting exchange.  
    Clearing her throat, she began, “Ladies and gentleman, as you are aware, we’ve recently completed a Chinese Yuan valuation study. I’d like to present our findings.”
    Forty-five minutes later,