London Falling (Falling #2)(42)

“It’s like he’s the hall monitor.”

I chuckled and pulled her skirt down. Without a second thought, I gave her sweet arse a loving pat. I planned on reacquainting myself with that bum very soon.

“You guys finished?” Tripp stood hands in his pockets, a scowl on his face. He’d be a good-looking bloke if he didn’t have such a sour puss.

Waggling my eyebrows, I responded, “Not even close.” Then I smiled wickedly at London.

She nudged me playfully in the shoulder as she pulled herself from my embrace. That’s one thing about Americans I never understood. They sure touched an awful lot to make a point. They couldn’t just say something. They had to poke and prod to express themselves. Quite uncivilized, but as long as it was London doing the touching, I’d be happy with about anything.

Tripp rolled his eyes as London passed. He stopped me midstride as I made to follow. “You.” He pointed to my chest. “Don’t f*cking make her cry again. She’s more fragile than she lets on. You got me?” He pointed his finger on my chest in some macho move made to frighten me. Instead my fighter instincts flared and I grabbed the offending digit, twisted it and his hand, and then pressed it back into his chest. He gasped, then gritted his teeth in pain.

“You’re sending very mixed signals, mate.” The words spilled through my clenched teeth. I made a show of putting my face in his direct line of sight, close enough that he could feel my breath on his face. “One minute you’re all over her. The next you’re suggesting a bloke make a go of it. What’s your story?” I tipped my chin for affect. “I’ve made it perfectly clear I intend to date Ms. Kelley exclusively. How about you? Hmm?”

“She doesn’t date.” He pushed my arm back with his elbow and I let go of his finger. He shook it, then cupped the other hand over it protectively.

“Fancy that. She’s going on another date with me next weekend. Please, stay out of it. You seem to have a very close relationship. If you read people better, you’d understand my only intentions are to make her happy.”

“Is that what you call it? Fucking her against a wall during a friendly dinner party. Making her happy?”

“Didn’t hear her complaining. As a matter of fact, she was very happy as I recall.”

I felt the air shift as Tripp pulled his hand back, preparing to hit me. “Tripp! What the hell do you think you’re doing?” London’s voice was shrill. I hoped the tone was never directed at me.

Tripp took a deep breath as London put her hand on his bicep. He closed his eyes and clenched his jaw. For the life of me, I couldn’t figure out what this fella’s problem was. One minute he was happy she’d met someone. The next he’s warning me off. It was a downright cluster-f*ck.

“Just Bond and I having a little chat is all.”

“Didn’t look that way to me.” She pulled Tripp’s arm and I clenched my fist at her easy familiarity with the man’s body. I wanted to be the only man she put those delicate hands on.

“Just a little misunderstanding. I believe we understand each other better, yeah?” I clapped Tripp on the shoulder. His gaze shot to mine briefly before he nodded and shrugged off my touch.

“Let’s go home,” London urged him. “Collier, I’ll connect with you this week. Just text me your plans. I’ll be with Dylan all week.”

The name Dylan sent chills up my spine. I knew she had a client and suspected she was doing more with that client then just work.

I tugged her hand and brought her body fast against mine. My other hand slid against her lower back anchoring her to me. “Are you still living with your client?” I could see Tripp grin out the corner of my eye. I hated it, knowing my answer.

Her eyes clouded. She pulled me to her in a tight hug. Her lips grazed my ear. “I haven’t been with another man since we were together at your place. And I promise not to be with anyone intimately, going further.”

I gripped her tightly. “And since the night we met?”

She closed her eyes and bit her lip. That was not the answer I wanted. She shook her head and seemed to shrink right in front of me. Sadness and a sense of unease filled the air.

“I told you I wasn’t the right girl for you,” she whispered.

“You’re the perfect girl for me.” I pulled her into a quick but hard kiss. She returned it willingly. For now, it was enough. “Next weekend. Promise me you won’t run.”

Her face lit in a huge smile. “I promise.” I may have been so hopped up on endorphins but I believed her. Deep inside she wanted this as much as I did. Had to. There wasn’t another option. I intended to make her mine.

After making sure the rest of the guests left, I stayed to help Nathaniel and Emma clean up.

“So shagging London in my guest bedroom during a dinner party? You’re a filthy scoundrel big brother. I’d have never thought you had it in you,” Nathaniel said while stacking dishes into the dishwasher.

“You haven’t taken a woman in worse places?” I countered.

“Oh, boy talk. I’m in. Where was the dirtiest place you’ve shagged a girl?” Emma joined in. Both Nathaniel and I looked over at our baby sister. One or both of us must have shown a shocked expression because she continued, “I’m a married woman. Hello, I’ve been shagging Evan for years, remember.”