The Grand Pact (The Grand Men #1)(51)

That’s because I didn’t share it with you.

Nina: Got it. I’m tracking your ass all night, baby!

Scar: I’m pretty sure Elliot is offended

Nina: I heard the man growl. Hahaha

Megan: If I had a dick, I’d probably be hard I laugh out loud despite being sat alone at the restaurant bar.

I imagine them at the Montgomerys’ estate, laughing and drinking all together. My eyes sting with tears as I read over their messages.

I blow out a breath and blink away the wetness, quickly realising the cocktails have started to take effect.

Luce: I miss you guys so much

Nina: We miss you too! Go out and have a good night. You deserve it!

Scar: You got this!





When I arrive at Ginny’s, I find Maxwell sitting at the bar. He didn’t spot me as I walked through the entrance, so I slowly make my way over to him, using the moment to shamelessly get a good look at him. He’s sporting a beer, his hair freshly buzzed, and his sweater is a deep navy. His muscles strain the thick fabric. He looks at ease—just a guy in a bar having a pint.

I make myself known and touch his shoulder but quickly jump back when his body tenses.

“Oh, sorry!” I apologise, awkwardly holding a hand up. “It’s me.”

I give him a sheepish smile as his shoulders relax again. Maxwell’s face settles, his eyes creasing as he gives me a full smile.

“Well, hello,” he murmurs, turning fully as he stands to kiss my cheek.

“Did I startle you?” I say, amused.

“You did. I didn’t think you were going to show.”

I dip my chin, feeling shitty for being so late. “I’m sorry. It’s not that I didn’t want to come. I’m terrible in social situations,” I admit, hoping I can be honest after the state I was in on the plane.

“It’s fine. Let’s get you a drink. What do you fancy?”

“I’ll have a glass of wine, please. White.”

Maxwell orders our drinks, then turns and glances around the mostly full bar. “I’m not sure we’re going to get a table this late. I should’ve booked. Do you mind eating at the bar, or would you prefer to go someplace else?”

Feeling comfortable at the bar we are at, I slide up onto the barstool next to him. “Here’s just fine.”

“Good,” he nods as if that was what he was hoping I’d say. He looks at me as he slides back onto his barstool. “You look beautiful tonight,” he tells me. “How’s your first week been?”

“Mostly good, and thank you.” I tilt my head to the side, acknowledging his compliment. “Almendo is busy. Mad busy, actually, but I expected it. Back home, I worked in a shop with only one other person and a Saturday girl. It’s nothing like that here.”

“Have you been out and about much?”

“A little.” I look at my hands and smile. “There’s the chapel just across from my hotel. St Pauls. I tend to go there in the evenings. Still wandering around in a safe little bubble at the minute, though.”

“People tend to keep to themselves in the city. You’ll be fine after a month or so, and it’ll feel like home before you know it.”

I don’t tell Maxwell about my work colleagues or the woman who spoke down to me just a few days ago. Mostly because I don’t want to embarrass myself.

“I hope so.”

“It’ll happen. Just you wait.” He tips his glass to me before taking a sip. “You can’t not fall in love with the city.”

I give him a pointed look, and his lip twitches slightly. “Hmm, enough about me. Tell me something about you.” I lean my arm on the bar and really look at him.

“What do you want to know?”

“Anything. Have you always lived in the city?”

He shakes his head, placing his glass back on the bar top. “I used to live in Boston.”

“Why did you move?”

His gaze flicks to me, not giving me a ton of eye contact but enough to show me he doesn’t like this topic. “I didn’t have a lot waiting for me when I left the Navy. I lost my mum while I was away. Decided to start fresh here instead of going back to Boston when I got out.”

“I’m so sorry, Maxwell—”

He shakes his head at me. “It’s fine,” he assures me, although I can see from the way his jaw works it isn’t fine.

“A year, you said you’ve been out, right?”

“That’s right.”

“Do you miss it?”

“Boston or the Navy?”

“Both.” I shrug, hoping to wade us into safer territory.

“I miss neither. Both were…” He regards me with a hard stare, but I don’t think he’s fully with me. His mind is someplace else.

“What about now? Do you like New York?” I ask, trying to give him an out.

“It’s where I need to be for work. And it does seem to play house to some of the most beautiful women in the world.”

I roll my eyes playfully as I sip my wine. “Do you go out much here?”

“A lot. I like the buzz that never seems to switch off when the night ends.”

“It really does have a buzz, and it’s different to London. I’m hoping I’ll settle better when I find an apartment. The hotel has a constant energy of people in the halls or someone using the lift at silly hours.”