She looked up at me, and I kissed her on the lips. Her soft mouth was cold from the night air.
“Ethan’s at Mayfair. We have a private suite that’s ours. My father used to stay there, but he’s since moved into a new penthouse with his boyfriend.”
She stopped walking. “Wow. Your dad’s gay?”
I nodded. My father could have turned into a weed-smoking Rastafarian for all I cared. With her soft, petite hand in mine, life felt nice. Really nice.
Theadora even made eating erotic. Or was it the way her little tongue kept sweeping over her plump lips?
“That’s so delicious,” she said, pushing her plate aside. “I’ve cleaned this room, but I’ve never been a guest here.”
“It’s so strange how things work out,” I said. “Your working here, I mean.”
She sipped on her wine. “I don’t think I can be a kept woman, Declan.”
That sudden shift in subject jarred, despite our arrangement needing to be addressed. Silly of me to think I could just get down and dirty with this girl and leave tomorrow for tomorrow.
I walked over to the window and stared at the crescent moon sitting perfectly over Big Ben as though digitally enhanced.
“I admire that in you. Most people would have their hands out.” I turned to face her. “Giving is something I enjoy.”
She joined me at the window and shook her head. “Are you really this nice?”
I shrugged. “I have my moments.”
“Are you really a war hero?” Her eyes met mine, and I smiled tightly.
I didn’t like talking about my time as a soldier. “I was just doing my job.”
“But you saved a school, Jamie said.”
“I just talked a teenager out of blowing himself up.”
“My god.” Her eyes widened with shock.
Yes, it was shocking. That pimply teenager resembled any boy who played war games on PlayBox, not in real life.
“He was about to pull the string. Luckily, I managed to talk him out of it.”
She shook her head in disbelief. “That’s insane.”
I nodded.
“You look sad.” She tipped her head.
“I’m okay. I just don’t like talking about it.”
“Are you suffering PTSD?”
I took a deep breath. How did we get to this topic?
“Not really. But there are times when I catch up with the lads. My army mates. Just to get things off my chest.”
“You can talk to me if you like. I’m a good listener.” Her gentle tone sent shivery warmth to my soul.
I opened my arms. “Come here for a moment.”
I wrapped my arms around her and held her. “This is healing enough for me. Having you here.” Her head reached my chest. “You’re a lot shorter than I thought.”