Risking It All: London Calling Book Three Read Online Free Page A

 
    Resigned to the infamy of his own actions, Dominic returned his smile before turning back to Devon. She was tying on a similar apron to the one Charles wore, but light blue in color. Horrified, he stared.
    “You’re not cooking are you, Devvie?”  
    “I am! Charles has taken on the daunting task of teaching me. Right?” She looked at the older man with an adopted air of innocence, but Dominic saw one side of her mouth quirk up.
    Charles nodded, lips clamped tightly together before he turned away to the refrigerator. Dominic was certain he heard a muffled snort as Charles bent down to remove vegetables and steaks, moving them to the counter. Glancing over, he saw Devon biting her lip in an effort to control her merriment.
    Intervention was necessary.
    “Charles, I don’t wish to be rude, but would you mind terribly if I stole Devvie away from your cooking lesson?”  
    “No, no,” the other man said loudly. Moderating his tone, he repeated himself. “Not at all, you two go on. I know it’s been ages since you’ve seen each other.” Dominic detected a hint of desperation behind Charles’ agreeability.
    “Are you sure, Charles? Because our last lesson was so much fun.” Devon smiled, but Dominic clearly saw the devilry behind her misty gray eyes. Turning to Dominic, she elaborated further. “We made quiche. What kind was it again, Charles?”
    Charles mumbled something that Dominic was sure contained the word pain . He stifled a laugh and decided to play along.  
    “I’m sorry, sir, what was that?”
    Charles cleared his throat. Ruefully, he said, “Lorraine. Devon made quiche lorraine.” He couldn’t quite suppress a grimace.  
    Devon was earnest. “I thought it turned out rather well, didn’t you? I mean the crust was a bit underdone. And I didn’t realize I should crisp the bacon before mixing it all together.” She turned to face Dominic. “But other than that, a triumph.”  
    Devon’s eyes were silver with unholy glee. Dominic saw the older man’s eyes widen then narrow.  
    The gig was up.
    “A triumph,” Charles agreed. “In fact, I should leave you to fix Dom this nice lunch we’ve planned. I realize I’m in the mood for some fish and chips from that little place around the corner.” He quickly untied his apron and flung it toward Dominic. “Don’t worry, Devon knows exactly what to do. Bon appétit!”
    Bennett’s grandfather took his leave, chuckling all the way down the hallway before releasing a loud guffaw as the door latched shut behind him. Dominic and Devon swiveled to look at each other before bursting into gales of laughter.
    Wiping a tear from under her eye, Devon said, “I’m not sure who’s been had.” She waved at the ingredients laid out on the counter. Devon and Dominic had grown up with easy food and restaurant takeout after both their mothers were gone. “At least Charles gets a decent lunch, damn him.”
    Dominic gathered up the ingredients into both arms. He nodded toward the refrigerator, and Devon hurried to open the doors. After piling everything back inside, he stuck a hand in his pocket and came out with a stack of British pound notes.
    “Any other good places around here for fish and chips?”  
    Devon snatched the money from his hand and walked to the front door. Tossing her head at him, she said, “Come on. I know just the place.”
    Dominic strode alongside his oldest friend, relieved they were back in sync. The last year had tested their family’s love and friendship. But Devon moved on, and he learned a hard lesson.  
    He wanted to be one of the good guys.
    His phone buzzed, reminding him he hadn’t checked the last text. Swiping the screen, he saw both messages were from Moneypenny.
    The first was a request for him to call.
    The second closer to a demand.
    He smiled, pocketing his phone. She’d received his gift. It was odd, but even though they’d never officially met, he knew his generosity would be tough for her to accept.