Shades of Trust

Chapter 19

Chapter 19

The City of London Bank Headquarters

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

8:30 p.m.

The building was virtually empty. Heavy footsteps on the marble floors echoed on the walls.

Impatient, Alistair opened the door invited the man into his office. “Good evening, Baptist. You worked quickly, as always.” His certainty about the detective’s capacity for professionalism remained unspoken.

“Mr. MacCraig, you know that my reports are the best in Britain,” he boasted. “I informed you before that Sophia Santo didn’t exist. And that the woman you were looking for was another person, had another identity.” He handed over the file he was carrying. “But, if I may say, this was one of the most difficult jobs I’ve ever had. Challenging. The woman is an eel.”

Alistair motioned for the man to sit down, opened the file, and commented as he quickly scanned over the information, “Something about her family, Gabriel Leibowitz, and Leibowitz Oil. More about the Sophia Leibowitz Foundation for Women and Children. So on and so forth. Hmm.” He stroked his jaw and perused the pages. “What about her private life?”

“Nothing that is relevant. She’s a very private person. So was her late husband. However, Mr. MacCraig,” the man said politely, “I could say the same about you. There is a lot of information available about you, but nothing vital.” He lifted an eyebrow. “Although much could be discovered through your late wife.”

Fuck. Alistair’s temper flared. “Maybe. But I’m not paying you to investigate me. I know all there is to know about myself and my late wife.” He leafed through the photos, some new, some old, and paused at one from Sophia’s wedding. She was a beautiful bride. So young, so happy. “It’s not possible that she hasn’t left any clue, any hint that you could follow,” he murmured, turning over the few pages of the file.

“If I were to give my personal opinion based on my research, I would say she had an uneventful and happy life until her husband’s kidnapping. She is well-traveled, as you can see. Her family is important and rich, though not as much as Mr. Leibowitz’s. They were originally from the state of Minas Gerais and have farms, country houses, and many properties. I couldn’t find any boyfriends from before her wedding. She married very, very young, and quickly. Her family emancipated her for it.”

That’s not good. “Was she pregnant?”

“I cannot confirm, but I’d say she was not.”

“Facts, Baptist, facts,” he prompted.

“Well, based on the lack of the evidence,” the man rephrased, “she was not.”

“What about Gabriel Leibowitz?”

“Basically business information. The age difference between them was great. Many previous girlfriends, but nothing serious before his marriage. No paid s*x, so my contact in Brazil couldn’t retrieve much information about his s****l preferences. He traveled around the world frequently, and he either took along his partners, or he kept to himself. An easy man, excellent employer, highly praised businessman.”

“I see.” Jealous and angry, Alistair snorted. “The perfect gentleman. A man of honor.”

“So it seems,” Baptist concurred. “The perfect couple. The perfect family.”

“What about his death?”

“One more kidnapping case poorly handled,” he answered. “Too many mistakes made by those conducting the negotiations, and at the end, by the police. They procrastinated too long to pay the ransom. A misfortune.”

“So, this is all you’ve achieved.” He looked again at the meager folder.

“Unfortunately.” The burly man nodded. “She’s been even more evasive in the last two years. But I’ll seek out more information. Everyone has secrets, Mr. MacCraig.” A dark smile appeared on the man’s face. “I’ll discover hers, don’t worry.”

“Thank you, Baptist.” Alistair rose from his chair. “I will transfer the funds as agreed.”

“Mr. MacCraig, it has been a pleasure doing business with you, as usual.” They shook hands. “I’ll let you know as soon as I find out more.”

Alistair closed the door to his office and moved to one of the sofas, drumming his fingers restlessly against the polished wooden surface of the side table, intrigued as much by the elusiveness of the woman as by his strange reactions to her.

As a CEO and majority shareholder of one of the biggest banks in the UK, he wielded a great deal of power. He owed his position entirely to his exceptionally sharp and quick mind, dispassionate observation of strategy, and ability to crush his and others’ feelings during any business transaction. Aside from his family, very few things moved him.

The one time he had let his feelings control him and he relinquished his heart, he’d been betrayed and ended up losing the most important person in his life.

He opened the file again and turned to the last page: ‘Mystery Woman Captures Elusive Alistair Connor MacCraig’s Heart’.

His bitter laugh echoed in the room. I have no heart. Not anymore. It’s buried six feet under with Nathalie.

The tip of his left index finger traced the contour of Sophia’s face in the photograph. She was so different from the women he was used to going out with.

A too young, too intelligent, too gentle, and too…innocent brunette. He mused on his choice of words and shook his head. This is pure lust. It’s her resistance that beguiles me. It’s her control. It defies me. It’s her lack of fear that challenges me.

At Nathalie’s grave, he’d made a promise never to let his lack of control allow his lust to command him again.

Nevermore. Never. More. A growl filled his chest as he let go of his wrath. He picked up the phone and dialed her number. Let’s finish this, once and for all.

“Hello?”

“Ms. Leibowitz, please,” he nearly barked.

“Who is calling?”

“Alistair MacCraig,” he answered, and breathed deeply, struggling with his emotions.

“Just a minute, please, Mr. MacCraig.”

Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake sounded on phone.

He smiled.

Then he frowned and tapped his finger on the table impatiently as he waited. f**k. She’s driving me to obsession.

“Hello?” Sophia tried to sound nonchalant but her voice sounded husky.

“Sophia, it’s Alistair Connor. How are you?”

“Alistair, what a surprise,” Sophia answered. Surprise? Here you go again, acting like an i***t, Sophia. You knew he was going to call.

“On Thursday I’m supposed to go to the royal première of Alice in Wonderland at Leicester Square. You can go with me.”

I can? She creased her brow in wonder. Is this an invitation or an order? “Oh,” Oh? Sophia, you are finishing a PhD. Can’t you do better? “I’d be delighted. What time?”

“I’ll pick you up at six sharp. It’s black-tie.”

“Okay,” she answered.

“And tonight? Are you free?”

Sophia looked at her Crazy Hours watch. Nine fifteen in the evening! He wants to go out? Sophia, Sophia, just say no. Not today. “Um…I’m sorry. I have a contract to revise and Gabriela usually wakes up early.” Terrible, just terrible.

“Have you eaten?” he insisted. “We can have a quick dinner somewhere.”

You are persistent, aren’t you? “Well, honestly, I was…I haven’t yet—”

“I’m picking you up in fifteen minutes then,” he succinctly informed her.

“Alistair, it’s snow—”

He interrupted her again, “Sophia, get dressed. Something simple. I’ll make reservations on my way to your house. Kensington Place. Have you been there?”

Get dressed? Is this another order? “A long time ago, but—”

“It’s five minutes from your place. I’ll pick you up with my driver, Garrick. Inform the gates, please. See you in fifteen.” He ended the call.

Sophia frowned at the phone in her hand. What the hell?

After rushing to her bedroom, Sophia discarded another dress on the armchair and turned to the trousers, biting her lip. Something simple. Something simple. She grabbed a pair of black jeans but threw them on the armchair too. He’s coming from the office and wearing his suit. Oh, damn. I’ve never been this undecided. She glanced at the trousers again. Yes, that’s it. She decided on black wool trousers with suspenders and a short red jacket and black platform ankle boots. Okay. Now… She twirled and gazed at her tops and sweaters. Yes, my white turtleneck.

She dressed in haste, brushed her hair again, put on just a touch of mascara, and then some perfume. She looked in the mirror, smiled at the flushed woman with gleaming eyes staring back at her and pivoted happily. You look nice, Sophia.

A male voice sounded in the room, “Mrs. Leibowitz, there’s a BMW at the street gate waiting for permission to enter. Security says it’s Mr. MacCraig.”

“Oh, damn!” She grabbed her black purse and overcoat then hurried to the intercom, pressing its button. “Thanks, Devon. Let his car in and direct it to the garden gates. I’ll be down in a sec.”

It was pouring rain when Sophia exited by the side door with Devon was on her heels. He waited for her to enter the car, then closed the door for her.

She turned to look at Alistair who was wearing a navy three-piece suit opened to show a waistcoat fitted nicely over his flat stomach, a purple damask tie, and a starched white shirt and looking absolutely edible.

Her heartbeat spiked to a thousand per minute. Oh. My. How am I going to resist this god?

“You look beautiful, Sophia.” His deep voice and his light kiss on her lips made her even more breathless.

“Hi,” she answered, then cleared her throat. Oh, please, stop melting. “I’m sorry I forgot to inform the gate you were coming.”

“It’s okay.” He waved his large hand dismissively. “I hope you like seafood.”

“I love seafood.”

“Kensington Place serves very good fish. It’s all fresh and very high quality. They also have a good Bordeaux.” Alistair rolled his shoulders as if trying to ease away some of his tension. “It’s nice and simple. I eat there frequently.”

She c****d her head and took a real look at his face. There were thin lines around his slightly narrowed eyes. She lifted her hand to touch his temple. “You look stressed. Is everything okay?”

His hand covered hers, pressed it to his face, he inhaled her perfume. “Aye, it is.” His eyes burrowed into hers. “I’m…just disappointed. I was waiting for some news that didn’t come.”

“Oh.” She caressed his face with her fingertips. “I’m sorry.”

A ghost of a smile turned his lips upward. “Don’t be. I’ll discover what I need. In due time.” He turned his face to kiss her inner wrist and entwined his fingers in hers.

“You are cocky, aren’t you? Vanity is a sin, Alistair Connor.” Mr. I’m-so-handsome-and-powerful-and-I-know-it. She almost laughed aloud. This nickname is getting too big!

He smiled at her remark. “I’m not vain. I just know my strengths.”

“And you like to brag about them.”

His hand dove into her hair and he bent to lightly kiss her lips, saying, “I like you, Sophia.”

They stopped at 201 Kensington Church Street and Alistair touched the intercom. “Garrick, I’ll call you when we finish. Don’t bother getting out. I have an umbrella with me.”

He opened the door, then the umbrella, and got out of the car. He helped Sophia out and drew her close, sheltering her from the pouring rain as they walked up to the restaurant.

“Mr. MacCraig, ma’am, good evening.” The manager came immediately to the door to take their coats and Alistair’s umbrella, giving them to the receptionist. “I’ve reserved your usual table, sir.”

They were directed to a table in the corner and the manager pulled it out so Sophia could sit on the sofa, near the wall. Alistair slid in next to her, his thigh touching hers as he shifted closer.

“We’ll have Chateau Client and still water,” Alistair said, and looked at Sophia. “What do think of grilled king prawns as a starter?”

“Sure.”

“So, six grilled prawns to start with,” he ordered, then turned to her when the manager left and put his arm over the back of the sofa. “How is Gabriela?”

Sophia’s mouth opened in a grin. “She’s great. And you know, I’ve been meaning to tell you, you have a way with children. She really likes you a lot. And that’s no easy achievement. She’s shy and normally distrusts men.”

His face lit up with happiness, smoothing away the brooding crease on his forehead. “She’s a lovely child. Beautiful and so intelligent.”

“Yes, she is. But sometimes I think I treat her…too much like an adult. I should be less stern.”

“I can’t picture you being stern with Gabriela.” He curled a strand of her long, raven hair around his fingers, musing. “It must be very difficult to raise a child all alone.”

“I think it gets worse as the years go by and they grow up and take their first steps into the world. For the time being, it’s not that hard. Actually, it’s a blessing.”

“You have a tendency to diminish your problems, don’t you?”

“What’s the point of making life more difficult than it is already?” She shrugged. “It’s not going to take pity on me if I cry and wail.”

“You’re right.” He paused as the waiter showed him the wine and served them. “Why did you become a lawyer?”

“My grandfather was a judge and my grandmother was a prosecutor. I always admired them, and since I didn’t have to worry about earning a living, I chose to be a lawyer. It’s more difficult to establish oneself, you know?”

“And you like difficult things?”

“You might say I don’t like easy things,” she said, smiling. “But, no. It wasn’t that.”

“Don’t be so secretive, Sophia. With the freedom to do practically anything, why did you choose to be a lawyer?”

“I don’t like inequity. And the Brazilian legal system handled my parents’ death poorly. It was so unfair. And as I grew up, I saw so many wrongdoings—”

“And you think you can right the world.”

“No.” She shook her head vehemently. “Not at all. But, at least, I can do something.” Her eyes flashed brown at some secret thought and she whispered darkly, “And when injustice prevails, as it does in Brazil, it’s better to know the legal loopholes and flaws than to be ignorant of them. So you can better use them to your advantage.”

“You speak in riddles, Sophia.” He narrowed his eyes and tilted his head to the side. “I don’t understand what you mean.”

“I’m sure you do, Alistair Connor.” She drank some of her wine. “You are a very intelligent man or you wouldn’t have achieved what you have. And how about you? Are you an economist?”

“Nae. I graduated from Oxford with a degree in civil law and a master’s in law and finance.”

“But you didn’t pursue a law career or want to teach. Why?”

“Because I’m not interested in other people’s problems, Sophia. I only care about what I can do for myself. I’m a ruthless and selfish man. Men usually are.”

“Are you trying to scare me away?” Sophia was momentarily taken aback. “You can’t think like that.”

“Why not?” He shrugged. “Life is not a fairy tale. Maybe Ashford was right. Maybe we should keep children away from Disney films. We grow up believing in dreams that never come true and are brutally shattered as we get older. There is no happy ending, Sophia. There’s no Prince Charming.”

She shook her head slowly, staring into his eyes. “You’re in denial. I don’t believe your empty words. I saw how you acted at Leonard’s. With the children. Especially with Gabriela. I remember your protective behavior when Ethan swore at her and when I hurt myself with that accident. Selfish people don’t adore children and they don’t defend others.”

“Don’t make me into a hero,” he snorted. I’m anything but. “And, please. Stop calling what Ashford did an accident—”

She put her fingers on his mouth, “I handled that poorly. I should have left without saying goodbye to him. He’s impulsive, and I am too.”

“He’s a violent man. He left those marks on your wrist, didn’t he?”

Sophia averted her eyes and drank her wine. “I bruise easily.”

“And it seems to me that you like violent men.”

“Of course not,” she bristled. “I started a foundation that protects abused women and children. There is nothing more hateful than an abusive man.”

Hmm. Is this true, Sophia? “It seems you may need your foundation’s services for yourself. You are clearly attracted to power and dominance.”

Sophia frowned, lines creasing her forehead. “Why do you say that?”

“You’re easy to read, Sophia.” He smoothed out the lines on her brow with the tip of his fingers and sunk them into her hair, flashing a smile. “You are a successful and self-confident woman, but you like aggressive men. I don’t know much about your late husband but I bet he was an assertive and callous man. Leibowitz Oil started as a small company and now it’s one of the biggest in the world. No one can achieve that by being a teddy bear. You’re surrounded by powerful and strong-willed men. Gabriel, Davidoff, Leonard, Ashford. Me. Despite your courageous and determined way of facing life, you have a fragile and impetuous side that calls for and begets protection. And dominance.”

Dominance? “Edward is the best. And Leonard…he is such a good friend and a gentleman.”

“Aye, but both are ruthless and powerful when needed.”

She bit her lip, thinking about what he said.

He didn’t resist and dropped his head to kiss her mouth, taking her full bottom lip between his teeth and nibbling it. When he lifted his head, he whispered on her lips, “Don’t bite your lip. If you feel the need, I’ll do it for you.”

She giggled, breathlessly. “You’re funny. No one has ever offered to bite my lip for me before.”

“Well, no one’s ever called me funny before. Anyway…” He smiled sensuously. “I’ll gladly do it for you. That and much more.”

Sophia felt a rush of hot desire run through her spine, leaving her light-headed. “Oh, will you?”

He tugged her hair back lightly. “Much, much more, Sophia.”

Timely for Sophia, the waiter approached their table, bringing the menus and the prawns. “Would you like to order, Mr. MacCraig?”

Alistair accepted the menus but put them down on the table. “Give us a few minutes.”

“Of course, sir.” He put the plate of crispy prawns in the middle of the table, between them. “Enjoy.”

Sophia glanced at her watch. “I think we should order. It’s almost ten o’clock.”

Alistair stared hard at her. What? No woman ever looks at her watch while with me. “Am I boring you, Sophia?”

“Boring me? No. It’s just that I wake up very early on Wednesdays. I give a class at eight o’clock. In Cambridge. And I work out for half an hour before I leave home at six thirty.”

Fuck. Wrong day to ask her out. “We should order, indeed.” He handed her a menu and opened his.

She bit into a prawn and moaned, “Mmm, divine.”

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. The woman moans over everything. He scanned the menu quickly and snapped it shut, irritated.

“Have you decided?”

“Aye. I know this menu back to front.” He signaled for the waiter. “Have you?”

Unsure, she bit her lip again.

He tsked twice.

She looked up from the menu.

He sunk his teeth in his bottom lip, mimicking her actions.

Sophia melted at the sight of his teeth biting his dark pink lip and she lost her train of thought. “Um, what?”

His face split with a Cheshire cat grin. “Your main course, Sophia?”

“Ah, yes. How’s the monkfish?”

“It’s succulent, tender.” His gaze locked on hers and he licked his lips. “With a slightly sweet flavor.”

She blinked and focused her eyes back on the menu. “So, I’ll have the smaller portion. With the herb butter sauce.”

Alistair gave their order to the waiter then turned to Sophia, shifting on the sofa, his knee touching her thigh.

She scooted away.

He smiled at the prudish movement, but it didn’t stop his hand from reaching around her waist and pulling her closer. “What are you afraid of?” he whispered, trying to figure her out.

“Nothing. I’m not afraid. But it’s only been a few days since I ended a relationship. You can’t expect me to jump into another just like that.” She snapped her fingers. “I’m not a frivolous woman that changes partners without a second thought, just based on lust.”

Ah, Sophia, I understand your game now. You’re horny but you’re playing hard to get. Let’s see how long you’re going to resist me. “Don’t put off till tomorrow what you can do today. Tomorrow may be good, but tonight is better, Sophia.”

She smiled, amused. “I don’t think the saying applies to this situation, Alistair.”

“Seems that I’ll have to work hard to convince you,” he said.

“I like hard work,” she whispered with a wink.