Chapter 18
MONTE CARLO, MONACO
On Saturday morning , Miles was waiting for Indy in the living room, holding a to-go cup filled with iced matcha latte. He’d tried to perfect it this morning, and if he could make her one every single morning, he would.
A few weeks ago Indy had dared him to show how much he wanted her, and this was him getting into action, though he wasn’t certain if he was doing things the right way.
He wanted to be someone worthy of Indigo Bailey.
She was the only person he could be his true self with, and he’d do whatever she asked of him. He would fall to his knees. Would crawl if he needed to. He couldn’t let go of Indy—not after what she’d seen, not after showing him that she didn’t care about his demons.
She stepped out of her room, her attention zeroed in on her phone before coming to a halt, their stares locking, the world ceasing to exist. Even dressed in simple jeans and a cardigan, she managed to look breathtaking. In her vicinity, his heartbeat sped up, almost going into a frenzy—a terrifying sensation only she could provoke.
“Do you look at everyone like that?” She raised a brow. “Careful, because I’m not sure where to draw the line.”
A smirk danced across his lips. She was a shameless flirt, and her boldness was quite enticing. “I just look at you like that.”
“Good to know,” she breathed out, tilting her head to look at him from head to toe. Sunglasses were folded at the neckline of his t-shirt, a jumper draped over his shoulders, a cap atop his hair, and a tote bag hanging from an arm. “Going somewhere?”
“To the farmers market with you.”
The raw joy those simple words had created made Miles believe, firmly so, that he could make Indy happy if he let himself fall. If he let himself believe that he was good enough for her—a woman so incredibly passionate, with a beautiful soul, who constantly fought her way through the labyrinth leading to his heart.
“Are you asking me out on a date?”
“I know I can’t articulate well when I speak fast, but I’m pretty sure I didn’t say that.”
Indy laughed heartily, shaking her head. “Can’t wait for you to grow some balls and ask me out.”
His control was hanging by a thin, loose thread, and he was trying his best not to snap it. “Keep dreaming.”
“Chivalry is clearly dead,” she muttered.
Taking a step towards her, he handed her the drink. “Is it?”
Their fingers brushed when she took hold of the cup, a wave of chills racing down his spine. “That’s sweet of you. Thanks.”
He flicked her cheek, amused by the scepticism gleaming in her perusal. “Why do you look so doubtful?”
After humming whilst sipping her beverage, she planted the back of her hand on his forehead, causing him to bat it away.
“What are you doing?”
“What are you doing? Are you sick? Do you need something from me?”
He huffed then walked towards the door. “I want to spend some time with you and suddenly I have a fever? God forbid I’m nice to you.”
Her soft laughter floated across the penthouse, across his mind, slowly imprinting itself like an unforgettable melody. She rushed towards him, planting an equally soft kiss on his cheek.
“Sorry,” Indy said, the blush on the apple of her cheeks as burning as the one creeping up the back of his neck. She brushed past him, but he didn’t miss the way she glowered and rolled her eyes, like she was inwardly scolding herself. “You’re just so cute.”
“I’m not cute,” he grumbled.
“What are you then?”
Letting his hand trail across her stomach, he reached around her to call the lift. “I don’t know. Sexy? Handsome? Talented and extremely funny?”
“Yeah, right. I’m not stroking your humongous ego.”
“Please?”
She turned around, a gleam of mischief around her pupils. “That sounded nice. Do that again, but this time, get on your knees.”
“You’d like that, wouldn’t you?”
“Yes.”
Miles barked out a laugh and pinched her side. “You’re insufferable. Rosie, let’s go!”
When the dog trotted towards them, her leash in her mouth, Miles groaned. “Indy. You did not put a pink bow on her collar.”
She pressed a kiss to Rosie’s head before attaching the leash. “I did. She looks adorable, doesn’t she?”
Rosie was his baby, and seeing Indy give her unrestrained love did unexplainable things to him. He almost rubbed the spot on his chest where warmth had expanded. He needed to have a talk with Rosie and tell her that this was temporary, that she couldn’t get too attached to Indy. Because Indy was bound to leave, right? Just like every good thing that came his way tended to go away.
“She’s a goddamn Doberman, Daisy. She’s supposed to be ferocious and intimidating. Not cute.”
Indy gave him a dirty look before exiting the penthouse. “Should’ve named her Zelda or something then.”
Fine, maybe the bow looked rather cute on Rosie.
He led Indy out of the penthouse, and when she walked towards the exit of the building, he tugged her by the wrist towards the garage. “I know you like to go to Menton, but I thought we could go to Cannes, and we can take one of my cars. The market over there is very pretty and lively, and I think you’d love their flower selection.”
She beamed at him. “I’d love that.”
In the car (they had settled for the BMW M4 to not attract too much attention—to be fair, it was the most simple car he owned amongst Ferraris, McLaren’s, and Porsches), he put on the playlist he’d made for her. She immediately hummed to the lyrics, gaze settled on the moving landscape.
“How’d you sleep?” No matter the amount of times he had excused himself for waking her up, and no matter how many times she had told him it was no trouble, he still felt guilty for dragging her into his chaotic world.
Apparently, she didn’t mind, and he didn’t know what to do with that. Didn’t know how to process the fact that she always welcomed him into her open arms—scars, darkness, secrets, and all.
“Good,” she answered cheerily. “You?”
He drummed his fingers on the steering wheel. “Better.”
He hadn’t had any nightmares last night, but he’d awoken in cold sweats around three in the morning. He’d found himself stopping short in front of Indy’s door, a sudden urge to crawl into her bed and seek comfort crashing over him.
Even now, Miles still couldn’t fathom how easily she had been able to sooth his nerves, to coax his anguish. He had never felt at peace with anyone before. Had never been able to fall asleep after a nightmare—albeit for a few hours.
He could still remember how perfectly she fitted in his arms, how he’d wanted to cage her in for eternity. How he had held her so closely, but she was embracing him just as tightly. And the way she had looked at him—no judgement, no fear. Just like she saw him.
It was like she’d wanted to keep him safe. Wanted to put a safety net below him.
But telling her what caused his nightmares would mean peeling another layer off him. Not that he wasn’t ready for that, but he simply wanted Indy to be ready to hear his full story. He wanted her to know everything about him because she was the first woman to ever make him feel like this—like he was safe.
“I’m glad,” she said softly, looking over at him and making his heart drum a little faster, a little bit more hers.
“How much money do you want?”
Miles lowered his glass onto the table and frowned at Charlie who was sitting across from him. “What for?”
Charlie jerked his chin somewhere behind Miles’ shoulder. “For giving your number or buying a drink to that girl who won’t stop looking at you. But don’t look now— Dude, I said not to look now.”
Miles looked away from the woman, but his three friends were still glancing in her direction.
“Isn’t she one of Indy’s coworkers?” Thiago asked before taking the last bite of his taco.
“Tara,” Miles informed, indifferent.
“Oh, yeah,” Rowan said. “Heard she got a warning from Thunderbolt Sports about her behaviour in the paddock.”
“She looks like a mean girl,” Thiago remarked. “I don’t like using the b-word, but she’s definitely one.”
“She’s pretty, though.” Charlie’s brows pumped suggestively, and Miles gave him a disinterested look.
“ You buy her a drink, then.”
“Nah. She’s looking at you, not me, or Rowan, or Tito.”
Miles shrugged. “Not interested. She’s not my type.”
Rowan snickered behind his beer.
“What?”
“Nothing. Just wondering when you’re going to settle down. Haven’t seen you with a woman in ages.”
“I’m not interested in anyone.”
“Who’s not Indigo Bailey,” Charlie prompted with a grin.
Feeling the back of his neck heat up, Miles ruffled his hair and shook his head. “It’s not like that. We’re just friends.”
“Keep lying to yourself, bro.”
“He’s blushing,” Rowan whispered to the boys. “Miles, mate, you don’t have to pretend you’re immune to Indy’s charms.”
“Can we talk about your love lives?” he grumbled, leaning back in his seat. “Mine’s as interesting as watching clouds drift in a blue sky.”
“I’m single and as miserable as you,” Charlie protested, lifting his hand to call a waiter.
Rowan grinned. “I’m in love and really happy. Avery is amazing. And yo, Miles, don’t glare at me like that. That overprotective big brother shit isn’t working.”
“Kam is incredible.” Thiago sighed wistfully, his eyes shining with utter adoration. “I can’t believe I have the chance to be with her. Like, I mean, she’s just so… Extraordinary.”
“I’m really happy for you guys,” Miles commented earnestly.
He had faith that he would feel like this one day, too. Maybe not in this lifetime, but maybe he’d allow himself to find love in the next one.
His attention was brought to his vibrating phone, and a smile tugged at his lips when Indy’s name flashed on the screen.
Daisy
Heading to bed soon. Hope you’re having a great time with the boys!
I am. How was your evening?
Pretty great. Taking a bath right now and reading smut. Couldn’t ask for better.
Send pics.
Remember, you asked for it.
Attachment: 1 photo
Miles felt his jaw go slack as an image of Indy relaxing in the bathtub filled his screen. Bubbles floated around her body, but the swell of her breasts caught his attention, a soft smile on her lips as she held a wineglass in the air. He glanced around the table, but his friends were busy laughing amongst themselves, so he allowed himself to stare at the blonde beauty for a few seconds longer.
Fuck, you’re gorgeous.
And you’re trouble.
Sorry, not sorry.
Shaking his head, Miles pocketed his phone, the photo still ingrained in the back of his mind. Was there any harm to their friendship by exchanging those kinds of provocative—sensual—photos?
When the waiter came back to deposit another round of beers for Charlie, Thiago, and Rowan, he placed one in front of Miles along with a note. “From the lady over there.”
Tara lifted her cocktail when his gaze clashed with hers.
A chorus of oooooh’s danced around the table, and Miles sighed. He didn’t even open the note, and left the beer untouched before pushing his chair back.
“I’ll be back.”
“Do you want a condom?” Charlie asked, grinning. “I’ll even let you go to my place because it’s the closest. I’ll crash at yours and spend time with Indy. It’s a win-win situation.”
“No. Fuck you. I’m a gentleman, so I’m just going to thank her for the drink.”
“And then tell her to fuck off?”
“You got that right.”
Rowan cackled. “There he is.”
He gave a kind smile to Tara when he stopped before her and her friend, who pretended to be interested in the barman’s activities. “Thanks for the beer, Tara.”
Surprise flashed in her eyes as she straightened herself, taking a sip from her drink. “You know who I am?”
He nodded, tucking his hands in the pockets of his jeans. Her wandering gaze made his skin prickle in an uncomfortable way. “You work with Indy.”
He tried not to narrow his gaze when annoyance drew upon her face. “Yes.”
“Well, thanks again.” He cleared his throat. “Enjoy your night.”
When he turned on his heel, a cold hand grabbed his wrist. “Would you like to spend the rest of the night with me? I’ll buy you more beers. We can head to my place afterwards. Small bed, but it does the trick. Or maybe we can go to your place? I’m sure Indy won’t mind hearing us.”
Gently, he shrugged Tara’s hand off, taking a step back and trying to control his temper that was on the verge of sparkling into an unwelcome inferno. That was when he realised that Indy’s touch was his favourite—the one that calmed him. “Look, I’m flattered, but I’m not interested.”
She frowned. “I thought you were single?”
“Yes, and?”
“Okay, so we can still?—”
“It’s a no. You must be na?ve to think I’d sleep with you after the way you’ve been treating Indy. I have a great thing going on, alright? Have a really good feeling about it.” He winked, then smiled at Tara’s friend whose mouth was twisted in a pout. “Cheers, girls. See you around.”