She’d felt a sense of kinship. These women had been betrayed by the men closest to them.
“Thanks. Um, tell Gabbi the little girl, Cora, likes cupcakes with pink icing.”
Hex’s smile widened. “I’ll tell her. God, you’re a softie.”
“I am not. Now, I have to go. I might need your help on this case later.”
“You know where to find me.”
Hadley waved. Once the screen went blank, she checked her reflection. Her navy-blue dress fit like a glove. It had a high neckline, and was sleeveless, and she thought it was classy, with an edge of sexy.
Not that she was wearing it for Bennett Knightley.
Shaking her head, she grabbed her tablet, then her camel-colored coat. She shoved the tablet in her large handbag, then slipped on her nude heels.
She was ready.
The car was waiting for her outside. Thankfully, it wasn’t a long drive to Wimpole Street in the West End, where Secura’s head office was located.
She climbed out, taking in the lovely, renovated 1920s building. She knew it was situated over a disused underground station, and spanned four levels.
She liked it. In the lobby, she found a funky vibe with brick walls and pops of color. One wall held framed photographs of soldiers from all around the world. Her gaze zoomed in on one showing the silhouette of a muscular soldier, cradling an assault rifle, and patting the head of a tough-looking military dog. Even though his face was looking away, she knew instantly that it was Bennett.
She checked in with Secura security. She was happy to see they looked competent, and had good procedures.
Soon, she had a new ID badge. As she headed for the elevator, a familiar form pushed away from the wall.
“Is this the secret to making billions?” she asked. “Leaning against walls?”
“Funny,” Bennett said.
Today he wore dark-gray suit pants, and a white shirt. He had no jacket, and his sleeves were rolled up to show powerful forearms covered in a smattering of brown hair.
Heat stirred in Hadley’s belly, and she blew out a breath. Damn, she was a sucker for a man in a suit, but rolled-up sleeves… They were like a flame to dry tinder.
Get it under control, Hadley. They’re just arms. He’s just a man.
Men and sex werenotimportant. They were just distractions, and she had a job to do.
Bennett held out a takeout coffee cup.
“What’s this?” she asked.
“Poison.” His face was deadpan.
She took a little sip and the delicious coffee flavor hit her. “How did you know I like caramel lattes?”
He winked. “That’s classified.” He led her into an elevator.
Hadley sipped again, trying to suppress the little flutter in her belly.
“I’ll introduce you to key staff members,” he said. “We have to attend some meetings—”
“I can be convincing, Knightley.”
He eyed her. “I have no doubt. I’ll schedule a couple of one-on-one sessions in my office. Ostensibly to talk about your new job.”
“But really?”