“I’m not leaving anything to chance. Hex is sending over schematics of Nonsuch Mansion and the grounds where the wedding will take place. Tomorrow morning, I’ll meet with Killian and Bram to travel there.” She smiled. “And you need to get your caterer’s uniform.”
Bennett snorted. “I’ll have you know I had a job at a pub when I was a teenager.”
“Really?” She could actually picture him behind a bar, smiling at the customers.
“Yes.” He turned, driving along the Thames. Today the water was brown and murky. A tour boat with a glass roof chugged by. “I’m rather good at balancing trays of glasses.”
“As far as I can tell, you’re good at everything,” she said. “Being a soldier, a boss, running a company.”
Dull color filled his cheeks.
She grinned. “Are you blushing?”
“No.” There was a growl to his voice.
“Don’t worry, Mr. Knightley, I also know you can be gruff, bossy, and you’re delightfully rough in bed.”
He grunted. “Don’t talk about sex, or I’ll get hard.” His rugged face turned serious. “I want this op to go off without a hitch. I want this Westley fucker in jail for Ajay’s murder.” A pause. “And I want you safe.”
Warmth spread in her belly. “You know I can look after myself.”
“I know that, but I’m still allowed to worry.”
“Well, don’t worry. I’m not concerned, because I know you’ll have my back.” Her nerves fluttered. “And Killian and Bram.”
“I’ll worry because I’m your man, and I don’t want any part of you hurt.”
She let out a laugh. “My man?”
He turned his head, his gaze intense. “Yes. After this is over, you and I will talk about us.”
Hadley’s nerves did a wild dance. He looked at her like he expected her to argue.
Be brave or a coward, Hadley Jane. Time to make a decision.
“Okay,” she said carefully
“You agree?” His eyebrows winged up.
“Knightley, don’t ruin the moment. I’ll admit to feeling a little uneasy.”Freaked out, terrified.
He grabbed her hand, a huge grin on his face. “It’ll be fine, Hadley. I’m going to take good care of you, armor and all.” But a second later his smile disappeared, and he looked in the rearview mirror.
“What’s wrong?” she asked.
“A black Mercedes SUV has been following us for a while. I thought it was just a coincidence, but it’s still with us and moving closer.”
Hadley frowned, glancing in the side mirror. She saw the dark vehicle gaining on them.
They were still driving along the Thames, and traffic was thick.
“Can you lose them?”
“I can try,” he said grimly.
Suddenly, a motorcycle swerved in front of them, almost grazing the Bentley. Bennett cursed and slammed on the brakes.
Hadley was thrown against the seat belt. She saw the rider glance at them. He was wearing a black helmet.