CREWE'S POINT OF VIEW
The plane landed at the airport, and we were escorted to a black SUV. London was groggy because she'd slept on the flight, and she kept leaning on me for support. She had never been affectionate or clingy, so I accepted this level of closeness. When she got scared on the plane, I felt obligated to comfort her. After everything I'd put her through, it was the least I could do.
But Ariel didn't understand that.
It was already dark by the time we arrived in Italy, so there wasn't much to see during the drive. Sitting in the back seat, London slipped her arm through mine and rested her head on my shoulder while I continued checking my emails and text messages.
Ariel sat by the opposite window, a smug smile never leaving her beautiful face.
An hour later, we arrived at my villa and drove through the gates. I owned about two acres of land with nothing but grass and oak trees, but I appreciated the peace and quiet. It wasn't as secluded as my estate in the Shetland Islands, but it was beautiful. The two-story villa was large enough for my team and me, allowing me the luxury of occupying most of the top floor. I never had to lower my voice whenever I entertained female company.
London finally woke up when we arrived. She stood in front of the house, trying to make it out despite the darkness. There were no streetlights in the Tuscan countryside, making it difficult to see anything. My men had to use flashlights to find the entrance.
"I can't see much... but it looks beautiful."
"Wait until the sun comes up."
We stepped inside while my men carried the luggage to the appropriate rooms. Ariel moved off to the side and started making phone calls, probably returning the ones she'd missed during the flight.
I hadn't slept on the plane, and I was exhausted. I wanted a glass of Scotch in front of the fireplace in my room to unwind. Then I'd fuck London before going to bed. Business could wait until morning.
But first, there was something I had to deal with.
London lingered beside me, not daring to explore the villa without my permission. She was becoming more obedient, learning to follow my wishes without me even having to voice them. Like a puppy, she was slowly being trained.
"Cute."
She turned to face me, her hair tousled from sleeping on the plane. She was the first woman I'd ever met who didn't need to do much to look beautiful. Josephine spent more time getting ready than anyone I'd ever known. Considering she was royalty, I understood why. But living with London had made me realize appearances didn't matter. She was naturally more beautiful than most women I knew without making any effort.
But I'd never tell her that.
"Wait for me upstairs. Third door on the left."
"Why?"
I frowned.
She immediately understood this was one of those moments when I expected unquestioning obedience. Without another word, she headed upstairs. My men finished unloading the SUV and took their positions around the property.
Ariel hung up her phone.
Finally, we were alone.
"Ariel, even though I need you, I'm not going to tolerate your bullshit for much longer. When I tell you to do something, you do it. Otherwise, you can find someone else to pay your salary. Am I clear?"
She folded her arms across her chest, wearing the same irritated expression as before. She had an exceptional business mind and understood every aspect of the empire I'd built. There wasn't a better business partner than her. She was brilliant and ruthless. But I wouldn't tolerate disrespect.
"We've always had a great professional relationship. Then London shows up, and suddenly everything I appreciated about our partnership disappears. I don't know what your problem is, but you're going to tell me."
I wondered if she was jealous of seeing me with another woman. After all these years working together, I'd never thought she saw me as anything more than a business partner and friend. There had never been any attraction or chemistry between us. I never mixed business with pleasure, and she seemed to feel the same way. If jealousy wasn't the issue, then I didn't understand.
"I've never seen you with a woman before. You're cold, heartless, and always focused on business."
I stared at her blankly, unsure why she was stating the obvious.
"But ever since that girl came along, everything changed. You didn't hand her over to Bones like you planned, and she sleeps in your bed every night. I don't care who you sleep with, and your sex life is none of my business, but that girl could become important. And it already looks like she is. We both know there's only a very short list of women you could spend the rest of your life with. London isn't on that list."
Now I understood.
"So that's what you're worried about?"
I almost laughed because it sounded so ridiculous.
"If that's the problem, then there is no problem. I'm keeping London around for fun. That's all."
"But you can't keep her forever."
"I know."
I had no idea what I would eventually do with her.
"And I don't intend to. She's no different from the others. Don't worry."
Ariel still didn't look convinced.
"You're different around her. I can see it."
"No, I'm not. I comforted her on the plane because she was scared. That doesn't mean I love her."
"But it doesn't mean you're indifferent either. Have you slept with any other women since she came into your life?"
I refused to answer.
"You're getting dangerously close to crossing a line."
"I'm not being nosy. I'm just making my point."
Ariel knew me well. She had probably noticed I hadn't been chasing women lately.
"It doesn't matter. London means nothing to me. I won't repeat myself."
She searched my eyes as though looking for a lie. Ariel cared about my personal life because my future marriage could affect hers. If I'd married Josephine as planned, expanding our Scotch business overseas would've been easy. Ariel would've become much wealthier, and countless opportunities would've opened up for her. If I married a commoner instead, she'd have fewer opportunities to advance her career. We were both ambitious, determined to grow our business and our wealth.
"Can you give me your word, Crewe?"
She knew my word was worth more than anything else.
"Yes. You have my word."