33. Eliza
33
ELIZA
I wasn’t joking when I told Levi a few days ago that I wanted to invite Kima to dinner. Sadly, when I rang, she said she wouldn’t be available to visit London anytime soon. Seemed everyone had something to do except me. Why hadn’t I at least turned my spare bedroom into a place where I could paint?
I opened the door of the empty room, wondering if it would be possible to get everything I needed to make it a workspace delivered when I heard my mobile that I’d left in the kitchen chime.
Saint has entered the building , said the message from Hornet. I braced myself for what might happen next. If I heard a knock at my door, one I was prepared to ignore, I’d see to it every doorman in the building received a reprimand.
Had he called first, I would’ve spoken to him. I might not have agreed to see him in person, but I wouldn’t have ignored him. Sometime in the next few days, I’d see him, Harper, and Agatha. If he wanted to clear the air before my visit, I’d certainly give him the opportunity. If he intended to continue berating me about Levi, I couldn’t abide it.
He’s just exited.
I breathed a sigh of relief. However, I was still troubled. How had things gone so wrong between us? As heartbreaking as it was, Levi was my husband now, and I loved him. Chances were, I was already pregnant with our child, and that was something I wanted—needed—Niven to be happy about.
A few seconds later, my mobile rang. It was with a mix of hopefulness and trepidation that I answered Niv’s call.
“Eliza, it’s good to hear your voice,” he said.
“Yours too, Niv.”
“How are you?” He sounded more like the man I’d known all my life rather than the angry arsehole he was when I last saw him.
“I’m well. And you?”
“I hate this chasm between us.” His voice caught.
“Is everything all right with Harper and the baby?” I asked in a moment of panic, realizing I should’ve addressed the emotion behind his statement first.
“They’re fine. Harper has been after me to make amends with you so you’ll visit her. She’s heartbroken that you haven’t.”
That made two of us. However, Niven was the one at fault. Not me. Until he apologized, any visit I made would be uncomfortable at best, something Harper would pick up on immediately.
“I was hoping we could talk in person.”
“We can. Where would you like to meet? The pub?”
“Sure.” I knew which one he meant. It was the same one as on the night I met Levi.
Knowing Hornet was close by eased some of my tension. The anxiety of not knowing what Niven might say lingered.
When I walked in, he was already seated at the bar. I noticed Cora was here again and waved. Then she rushed over to greet me.
“So, did you have a boy or a girl?” I asked.
She beamed. “We had another girl, and she’s beautiful.” She pulled out her mobile, swiped the screen, and showed me a photo of all three of her children.
“All gorgeous!” I proclaimed. “Well done, Cora and Tim.”
Her cheeks turned pink, and she looked down. “Wait, what’s this?” she said, taking my hand. “You’re engaged?”
“Actually, she’s married,” Niven, who I hadn’t seen approach, said. When I looked up at him, he was smiling. Rather than ask how he knew in front of Cora, I’d wait and address it when we were alone.
“How long?” she asked.
“Less than a month,” he answered for me.
“You married the man you were with that day, didn’t you?”
I couldn’t help but smile. I loved Levi so much. I couldn’t contain it. “I did.”
She was still holding my hand and squeezed it. “I could tell you were in love. I knew it the minute he sat at the table.”
“Not quite, my friend. We only met that day.”
She dropped my hand and winked. “I know,” she said as she walked away.
“Would you prefer a table over the bar?” Niven asked.
“I would if you don’t mind.”
“Not at all.”
The walk to the nearest unoccupied table was one of the most awkward of my life. The only ones more so were when I was with my mother or father. I shuddered involuntarily.
“Are you all right?” Niv asked.
“Fine, just had a bit of a chill.”
He pulled the chair out for me, but before I took it, I embraced him. I couldn’t stand it a moment longer. There was only one time in recent memory when we hadn’t hugged, and I’d missed it—him—more than I realized.
When he hugged me back, my eyes filled with tears.
“I’ve missed you so,” he whispered.
“Me too.”
I took the seat he offered, and when he sat, I looked into his eyes. “It’s good to see you.”
Niv covered the hand I’d rested on the table with his. “I’m sorry, Eliza. The way we left things—” His voice caught, and he cleared his throat. “The things I said, that’s what I’m sorry for.”
“Thank you, Niven. Your apology means so much.” I hoped he wasn’t looking for the same from me. I’d never regret falling in love with Levi.
“I had a feeling, so I checked with public records. I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you.”
I knew what he meant without him saying it. “Thank you. It was very simple. Very private. In fact, you’re one of the first to know. We haven’t even told either of our parents yet.”
“I hope he proves to be as good a man as you believe him to be.”
“Niv—”
He held up his hand. “I mean that sincerely and in the best possible way. I do hope for your happiness, Eliza, eternally.”
“Thank you. You know I wish the same for you.”
“I promise you my life will be far happier when my wife learns I’ve finally pulled my head out of my arse—her words—and made up with you.”
I squeezed his hand. “Tell me all about Agatha. I bet she’s gotten so big.”
While Niven went on and on about his daughter after pulling out his mobile to show me photos I didn’t confess Harper had already sent me, something caught my eye. I glanced toward the door, and there stood Levi.
“Excuse me, Niv.” I jumped up from my chair and raced over to him. When I landed in his arms, he lifted me and spun us in a circle. I clung to him as we kissed, not caring who saw us or what they thought of our PDA, my cousin included.
“I’m so glad you’re back,” I said, kissing him again as he lowered me so my feet were back on the floor. “You aren’t here because…” I motioned with my head in Niv’s direction.
“No, no. I was able to leave earlier than expected and wanted to surprise you.”
“He’s apologized.”
Levi’s eyes closed and reopened slowly. “I’m so glad.”
“Would you, I mean, you wouldn’t want to, um, maybe join us?”
He smiled. “It’s either that or carry you out of here caveman-style.”
“Hmm. I rather like the sound of that. Perhaps after we have a drink?” I led him to the table, and when we approached, Niven stood.
“Typhon,” he said.
“Saint,” Levi responded as they shook hands. “Sorry to interrupt. I just flew in,” he explained.
“Succesful trip?” Niven asked.
“It’s getting there.”
Niven nodded.
“Oh. Um, you should know that both Niv and Cora know we’re married.”
Levi raised a brow.
“My fault,” said Niv. “I blurted it out in front of her, and just so you know, the reason I found out was because I did some snooping.”
My husband, something I’d never get tired of saying or even thinking, took my hand and weaved our fingers together.
“I know we wanted to wait, but maybe it’s time to make the announcement to everyone else,” he said.
“Probably. I’d hate for your parents to hear it from anyone else.”
“What about Nigel and Millicent?” Niven asked.
“I doubt they’d care either way,” I said under my breath.
Levi squeezed my hand and kissed the side of my face.
“Drat,” muttered Niven, looking at his mobile.
“Anything wrong?” I asked.
“My appointment has been moved up thirty minutes. Sorry, luv, but I’ve got to run.” He kissed my cheek, then looked up at Levi. “I’m meeting the new chief of MI6.”
Levi raised a brow. “I hadn’t heard they’d named one.”
“Bellamy Hall.”
“Viper?” He smiled and shook his head. “Game on.”
“This will be interesting,” my cousin responded.
“Not that it’s my business, but how’d you snag the first introduction?” Levi asked.
“I’ve been summoned.”
“I see.”
Niven looked back at me. “Wish me luck, and I mean that sincerely. I’ll need it. Ring me soon.”
“Will do,” I said as he walked away.
I gazed at Levi. “Do you know how happy I am to see you?”
He leaned forward and kissed me. “As happy as I am to see you.”
“Do you know what Niv meant about needing luck?”
Levi sighed. “Saint, err, Niven’s reinstatement with MI6 wasn’t yet official when Z retired. My guess is that’s what Viper wishes to discuss.”
“I don’t think he’s anxious to take the job anyway, and he certainly doesn’t need the money,” I commented. “Which is something I probably should have told you before we married.”
“Whatever it is, I don’t care.”
I bit my lower lip. “You might.”
“Out with it, then.”
I lowered my voice. “I’ve a family trust, as does Niven.”
“Are you telling me you’re well-off?” He grinned.
“Filthy rich. And in case you’re wondering, my father was bypassed entirely. It’s been a major source of contention.”
“I’m sorry, El.”
“Don’t be. I’ve come to realize Nigel’s problems—and Millicent’s, for that matter—have nothing to do with me.”
“What do you say, my love? Home, or shall we grab a bite to eat first?”
“I don’t have much at the apartment. Do you mind if we stay in the bar, or would you prefer a table in the dining area?”
“I’m comfortable here. Except we need to move tables.”
My eyes opened wide. “Why?”
He motioned behind me, and when I looked over my shoulder, I smiled. “ Our table is available.”