“It’s the truth. I love your perfume too.” It was a blend of citrus and floral that teased the senses. He shifted his hand a little and touched her wrist, stroked her pulse point.
He felt it beating hard. She wasn’t as immune to him as she liked to make out.
But she didn’t snap at him, instead, a serious look slipped over her face, and she scanned the crowd.
Bennett’s arms tightened. “What’s wrong?”
“I’ve just got a feeling.”
He followed her gaze. Nothing looked amiss. “You’re sure?”
“Yes. I’ve been feeling it for a while. Something’s off.”
“Okay.” He studied the partygoers closer.
Her gaze met his. “That’s it? You believe me?”
“Hadley, you were scary good in your previous line of work, and I got a firsthand look at how good you are in your current job in Italy.”
“Where you butted into a sensitive operation.”
“Where Ihelpedyou get your job done.”
She huffed out a breath, but her attention was on the guests. “Can you see anyone who doesn’t belong?”
Bennett took a good look around. All the partygoers seemed relaxed, and were enjoying themselves, chatting and laughing. Some looked like they’d had a little too much to drink.
“No.” He took a closer look at the servers, and the suited guards standing discreetly by the walls. “There’s a lot of security here tonight.”
She huffed out another breath, not once missing a step. “Maybe I’m just tired.”
“Jet lag is a killer.”
“Oh, I don’t suffer jet lag. I don’t believe in it.” Her nose wrinkled. “And I’ve had plenty of practice in avoiding it.” Just then, he felt her stiffen. “Knightley—”
Her tone of voice made him turn his head.
A young man in a rumpled suit staggered onto the dance floor. He was sweating, nervous, his face unnaturally pale, even for the end of winter in London.
Fuck.
“N-nobody move!” The man opened his jacket to show the bomb vest strapped to his chest.
Screams cut across the party. Bennett heard Hadley curse under her breath.
Then he saw her reach into the slit in her dress and pull out a small, black tactical knife.
She opened it with a well-practiced flick, the diamonds at her wrist glinting, then she quickly concealed the knife in the folds of her skirt.
Annndhe was hard again.
Fuck.Get your head in the game, Knightley. Lust after the hot womanafterthe dangerous situation is contained.
Her blue eyes met his—calm, composed, and calculating.
Bennett gave her a small nod and forced his muscles to stay relaxed. Ready to attack the target.
She edged toward the bomber. “Oh, please don’t hurt us.”