Bait for a Gentleman novel Chapter 33

Friday brought gorgeous weather; the morning was bright and comfortably warm.

By eight-thirty, Audrina was already dressed and wearing perfectly applied makeup.

She had a long winter coat draped over her shoulders, left unbelted to reveal a wine-red velvet gown underneath.

The waistline was tailored to perfection, hugging her impossibly slender waist.

Her slightly wavy hair cascaded loosely over her shoulders, radiating an effortless, mesmerizing glamour.

The suitcase she'd packed last night was already waiting downstairs.

She padded down the stairs in her slippers. Zachary was at the dining table, sipping his coffee.

Hearing her approach, he glanced up, his Adam's apple bobbing at the sight of her.

She walked over, plucked a plump strawberry from the fruit bowl, and brought it to his lips.

He couldn't help but murmur, "Looking this gorgeous today?"

Sitting down, she poured herself a cup of coffee, her eyes curving in amusement. "When do I not look gorgeous?"

He stared, slightly dazed. Every time she acted a little spoiled and flirtatious, it drove him crazy.

Resting her chin in her hand, she asked, "When are we leaving?"

Snapping out of it, Zachary set down his mug, putting on a placating smile.

"Darling, about that," he started. "I have to swing by the office. Something urgent came up. Could you have Willow pick you up? I'll just meet you on the ship."

The truth was, Vera had called him first thing that morning.

"Zachary, could you drive me to the port? The ballet troupe already headed over, and it's impossible to get a cab from my place this morning. I'll miss the final dress rehearsal if I don't go now."

The luxury penthouse Vera lived in was entirely funded by him.

It was right downtown, quite a distance from the port, and during morning rush hour, it genuinely was hard to get a ride.

Terrified Vera would throw another fit, and figuring his fiancé was always easy to brush off, he had agreed.

Audrina just looked at him with big, luminous eyes, her cheeks puffing out slightly.

She looked a little disappointed. "Okay."

"I'll give Willow a call," she conceded.

Relieved, Zachary reached out and rubbed the back of her hand. "You're the best."

She pulled her hand back with a smile, stood up, and walked over to the table in the living room to grab her phone. She dialed a number.

Her gaze rested lightly on him.

He grabbed his coat and headed out the door. The call was still active, so she brought the phone back to her ear.

"See you soon."

The voice on the other end asked, "When did my name change to Willow?"

"Just now."

Half an hour later, a black Horch pulled up outside the villa.

Simultaneously, her phone pinged: *I'm here.*

She peeked out the window. Standard license plate, understated model—it wouldn't draw a second glance in a lineup of luxury cars.

The housekeeper, washing dishes in the kitchen, poked her head out at the noise. "Ms. Monroe, I can help you out with—"

"No need, a friend is picking me up." Audrina was already out the door.

Layne was waiting by the car. Seeing her approach, he quickly opened the rear door.

Handing him her suitcase, she gracefully slipped inside.

Sebastian was leaning back against the seat, dressed in a dark gray overcoat layered over a black turtleneck.