Risking It All: London Calling Book Three Read Online Free

the young man, who’d resumed his position behind the counter. “I’d like this to go.” She softened her tone. “Please.”
    She turned back to face Dominic, who was utterly confused by now.  
    “Natalie, you just got here, and we haven’t had a chance to talk. Why are you leaving?”
    Her color had returned, but her eyes still shot fire. “I am not here to meet you, Dominic.” She paused as he stared back at her. “This is all some kind of sick joke the universe decided to play on me.”
    “But—”
    “No, let me finish. You wanted to talk, so here it is. I would never agree to a meeting with you. There is nothing you could say that I possibly have any interest in.”
    “Well, hear me out—”
    “I’ve heard all I want to hear out of you in this lifetime, Dom. I meant what I said a year ago, but I’ll repeat it now since you didn’t seem to understand.”
    It was Dominic’s turn to feel the blood drain out of his face.
    “I never, ever want to see you again. Now leave me be.”
    She walked straight and dignified out the door, leaving her breakfast order behind.  
    Dominic watched the door slam then looked at the other man. He seemed as baffled as Dominic felt.
    After a short, awkward silence, the young man brought over Natalie’s espresso and pastry. He set them down then pulled out a chair to join Dominic.
    “Mate, that was harsh.” The barista sipped the coffee then took a bite of Natalie’s croissant.  
    All the while, Dominic looked from one tray to the other, noting that sometime in the past year she changed her preferences to match his.
    He slapped his palm down on the table, startling the other man. Deep laughter rumbled up from his chest. “No, see?” He waved to indicate the identical orders. “She’s crazy about me.”

CHAPTER TWO

    D OMINIC STRODE UP the stairs leading to Bennett’s Notting Hill townhouse and paused at the elegant black-lacquered door. He gave the brass lion’s head knocker two sharp raps before stepping back to wait.
    He was late, again. But after his less than satisfactory meeting with Natalie, he needed time to clear his head. After checking into his hotel, he took a long walk along the Thames before hopping on the Tube and heading to Bennett’s. Dominic could well afford taxis, or even his own driver. In fact, Bennett insisted on introducing him to Frank, a Sterling family friend and former chauffeur to Bennett’s grandfather, Charles. For today, however, he preferred public transportation. It had the benefit of allowing him to mingle with masses of people while still retaining his anonymity.
    His phone buzzed just as the door opened to reveal Devon. His best friend and surrogate sister looked at him blankly for two seconds before letting out a whoop and pulling him to her.  
    Determinedly pushing away his lingering guilt, Dom hugged her back, hard. It was so good to see her, and he hadn’t realized how acutely he’d missed her warmth and acceptance. Maybe she had forgiven, like she’d told him.
    “I take it Bennett didn’t tell you I was coming?” They walked arm in arm down the hallway toward the kitchen area. Dominic was as eager as she to catch up and spend some time together.
    “No, he didn’t,” she exclaimed. “Unfortunately, he’s been called away to work, so you’re stuck with me. And Charles, of course.” She waved her arm to include the white-haired man standing behind the kitchen island. He had a dark blue apron tied around his trim frame. “Have you two met?”
    Dominic moved forward to shake Charles’ outstretched hand. “No, I haven’t had the pleasure,” he murmured. “But it’s very good to meet you now, sir. I’ve heard a lot about you from both Bennett and Dev.”
    “It’s Charles, and I’m likewise glad to finally meet you. You’re practically a legend as one of the few people with the guts and intellectual guns to outsmart my grandson.” Charles smiled then good-naturedly slapped Dominic on the shoulder.