Page 49 of Checkmate
“That’s…” She cleared her throat and hesitated. “Sorry, Alex. But according to what Marcus told me this morning, you got the diluted version.”
“What the fuck does that mean?”
“Well. Marcus said they were going into business together.”
“What the fuck?”
Sophie took an involuntary step back at the force of Alex’s anger, her hand moving behind her back to feel for the door handle. Staying silent to not rile him further, Sophie watched as he paced back and forth in front of his desk, considering her next move.
And then it occurred to her that this could work completely in her favour.
“I’m sorry she lied to you, Alex.”
He stopped his pacing, turning his head to meet her gaze. “She did lie, didn’t she?”
“Yeah, I think so. Unless Marcus was trying to get under my skin.”
“Is that possible?” She opened her mouth to reply, only for him to cut her off. “Well, it must be, because how could she contribute to his stupid walking tour? She’s not using my money!”
“I’m not sure if he’s asking for a financial contribution,” Sophie said, relaxing her arms. She took a tentative step towards him. “I mean, what would her money really do, anyway?”
Alex searched her eyes, running his hand through his hair.
“Remind me again what he does? The long version this time.”
“He hosts walking tours around the city,” she said, as her lip curled. Marcus’ job was one of the biggest causes of embarrassment for her.
“Ghost tours, right?”
She rolled her eyes and sighed as she nodded. “Yes. As ridiculous as that is.”
“So, he just walks and talks?”
“Yes. At least I think so.” Sophie had only taken the tour once, back when Marcus first got the permits. The whole thing had bored her to tears and left her with blisters on her feet.
But a couple of American tourists had been on that first tour and lapped up every spooky tale Marcus had. They’d showered him with enough compliments that he continued with his plans rather than getting a proper job.
“What does Erica think she can help with? “Alex asked with a frown. “It sounds like a solo job.”
“It is.” Sophie shrugged before laughing harshly. “Maybe he thinks she can make it better. She can’t possibly make it worse.”
Alex wrinkled his nose and leaned back against his desk. “Whatever the reason, I don’t like this.”
“Neither do I,” she agreed. “I don’t like that he did this without consulting me.”
“More to the point, Sophie, they could start comparing notes. This isn’t about your ego.”
Immediately chastised, Sophie dropped her gaze as she considered his words. It wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world if Marcus and Erica put the puzzle pieces together.
Although Alex was determined to believe their affair was only about sex, Sophie had thought back on some of his behaviour, and she was sure that she meant more to him than a hole to fuck.
She was positive that his reluctance to take their relationship to the next step was his reputation with his clients.
The London Group calling an emergency meeting had rattled him. Especially as he thought his relationship was solid. He’d neglected them a little as he fought for the Morgan company, and now he was terrified of losing them.
She understood why he kept her at arm’s length.
Sophie was a passionate woman. The minute Alex gave her the green light, she would throw herself into being the very best partner he could ask for.
