Hadley looked down at the small, compact umbrella. She took it, bemused. “What’s this for?”
“I noticed yesterday at MI6 that your hair was damp. You’ve obviously been in New York too long and forgot that it’s always bloody raining here.”
She took the umbrella and stared at him.He’d noticed her hair was damp?
“It’s small enough to fit in your handbag.”
After a long pause, she swallowed. “Thank you.”
Their gazes locked again. They leaned toward each other.
A loud clearing of a throat made them both straighten.
“Fuck,” Bennett muttered, glaring toward the front seat.
“So, Scott’s?” Henry prompted, smoothly changing lanes to avoid a turning car.
“Kitty Wentworth is having a luncheon at Scott’s,” Hadley said. “Knightley and I are going to check her out.”
Henry grunted. “I’ll hang close by in case you need backup.”
“He’s so clingy,” Bennett said.
She couldn’t stop her laugh.
“I’m going to hit you later,” Henry drawled. “You’re still just an annoying git.”
“Ha, remember who whipped your arse in the gym during our last sparring session?” Bennett said.
“Boys,” Hadley said. “How about we focus?”
The humor leaked out of Bennett’s handsome face. “Oh, believe me, I plan to find out exactly what Kitty Wentworth knows.”
* * *
Scott’s Restauranthad an understated elegance about it. Hadley appreciated the classy front to the restaurant—with a dark awning and a unique, round window. She’d been there once or twice with her family.
Henry dropped her and Bennett off out in front. Bennett helped her out of the car, then tucked her arm into his.
She eyed him, trying to ignore the feel of him so close. Heat pumped off him, and unsurprisingly, there were hard muscles under his suit. The billions of dollars hadn’t made him soft.
As they entered the restaurant, she saw the place was filled with people. The inside was as sleek as the outside. A staff member spotted him and rushed to greet them.
“Mr. Knightley, a pleasure to see you again,” the man in a black uniform said. “We have your table ready.”
“Thank you, Wilson,” Bennett said.
They handed their coats over, then were led to a table by the window. She took in the long, marble bar and the other tables covered in snowy-white tablecloths.
The waiter held her seat out for her, and she smiled, but her gaze shifted to the long table of well-dressed ladies nearby. Kitty Wentworth sat at one end, chatting with another woman. Hadley heard Bennett order them drinks.
Kitty was smiling, unconcerned, even though she’d ruined a young man’s life and was working with an arms dealer intent on causing chaos.
Hadley glanced back at Bennett, and saw he was watching Kitty, as well. His mouth firmed into a flat line, and a look entered his eyes. A hunter sensing his prey.
“Hey.” Hadley reached across the table and took his hand.
He gripped hers, and she felt the calluses on his palm. No, definitely not soft.