Audrey’s POV:
I needed this drink more than I cared to admit.
Following Finley’s texted directions, I pushed open the heavy wooden door to Mabel’s, a dimly lit bar tucked away in Chelsea.
The familiar scent of whiskey wrapped around me as my eyes adjusted to the low lighting.
In the far corner booth, I spotted them immediately – Finley’s lanky frame slouched against the leather seat while Clara sat perfectly poised beside him, both
nursing their drinks.
Finley caught my eye and waved dramatically.
At least some things in my life remained constant.
“Well, look who finally escaped the clutches of the Thornton estate, Finley drawled as I slid into the booth across from them. “I was beginning to think you’d signed some blood oath to never leave that gallery or that mansion again.”
Their eyes found mine simultaneously, and I could tell they’d been waiting patiently for my arrival.
‘Come on, not you too,” I sighed, dropping my bag beside me with a thud.
“Today has been an absolute nightmare from start to finish. I need a drink, not an interrogation.”
Clara’s expression softened. “That bad, huh?”
“Worse,” I muttered, gratefully accepting the gin and tonic the server brought over without my having to order. Finley knew my poison of choice.
“Let me guess,” Finley leaned forward, eyes narrowing. “Mr. Thornton the Terrible making your life difficult?”
I shook my head, taking a long sip of my drink. “Actually, it’s not Caspar.”
Clara’s eyes lit up
with sudden interest. “Speaking of Caspar Thornton… there’s a rumor going around that you two are…” she wiggled her eyebrows
suggestively, “…you know.”
I nearly choked on my drink. “What? No! Absolutely not. Where did you hear that?”
Lilith Parker mentioned it at the Guggenheim fundraiser last week, Clara said, stirring her cocktail. ‘Something about you being seen leaving his estate early in the morning looking… disheveled.”
46
“That’s-” I spluttered, feeling my cheeks burn. “I’m his son’s art teacher. That’s it. Noah has gotten attached to me, and I stay late sometimes to work with
him. Period.”
Clara exchanged a knowing look with Finley.
“Come on, Audrey. Caspar Thornton is notorious for keeping women at arm’s length. That man doesn’t do anything without purpose.”
‘What’s that supposed to mean?” I frowned.
Chapter 58
Clara’s eyes lit up with mischief. Maybe he likes you.”
I nearly choked on my drink. “Caspar? Like me? That’s absurd.”
‘Is it?‘ Clara pressed. ‘He’s gone out of his way to keep you around his son. That’s practically a declaration of interest in billionaire–speak.
“Trust me,” I said firmly, “Caspar Thornton does not like me. At best, he tolerates me because I help his son.”
Clara’s shoulders slumped with visible disappointment. “That’s a shame. It would have been such a good story.”
1
She took a thoughtful sip of her martini before leaning in conspiratorially. “Maybe he’s gay? I mean, think about it–incredibly handsome, ridiculously wealthy, and yet no woman has managed to hold his attention for more than five minutes.”
I felt my cheeks warm as unbidden memories flashed through my mind–the way his body had responded to mine at the pool, the heat of that night in London, his hands moving with surprising gentleness despite the intensity between us. That night had been… educational, to say the least.
“He’s definitely not gay,” I said, more firmly than I’d intended.
Clara’s eyebrows shot up. “And you know this… how, exactly?”
I felt my face flush deeper. “I just meant–he has a child, for one thing.”
Finley leaned forward, his expression growing serious. “Listen, Audrey, you need to be careful around Caspar Thornton. There’s a reason people in finance
call him ‘King C. ”
“You’re exaggerating,” I muttered.
“Am I?” Finley challenged.
“Regardless of truth or falsehood, once you’re labeled as Caspar Thornton’s… no man in New York will dare approach you afterward. They’d be too terrified
of accidentally stepping on his territory.”
“I don’t care,” I replied indifferently. “I’m not looking for anyone anyway. I’m perfectly fine on my own.”
Clara tilted her head, indicating disagreement. “Then I think if Caspar Thornton is interested in you, maybe that’s not such a bad thing.”
“What?” Finley and I exclaimed simultaneously.
“Think about it,” Clara continued, warming to her idea.
“He’s powerful, wealthy, and clearly protective. After everything you’ve been through, Audrey, maybe you need someone who can actually shield you from the
world’s bullshit for once.”
I shook my head, an unexpected bitterness rising in my throat.
“Men are unreliable. No man can be trusted to shield anyone from anything, Clara. They might protect you today and destroy you tomorrow.”
I took another drink, the alcohol burning a path down my throat. “The lesson is clear. Don’t put your happiness in someone else’s hands. Don’t count on anyone but yourself.”
“That’s a rather bleak philosophy, Ms. Lane.”
2/3
10:27 pm GP PP
Chapter 58
The deep, unmistakable voice behind me sent an electric jolt down my spine..
I froze, glass halfway to my lips, as Finley’s eyes widened and Clara’s mouth formed a perfect ‘O‘ of surprise.
Slowly, I turned my head to find Caspar Thornton standing there, impeccable in a charcoal suit, hands casually tucked into his pockets.
His expression was unreadable, but there was something in his eyes.
“I wonder,” he continued, voice low enough that only our table could hear, “which man had the misfortune of disappointing you so thoroughly that you’ve written off the entire gender?”
Comments
2
Write Comments
<SHARE
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
