Free Risking It All: London Calling Book Three by Kat Faitour Page A

gratitude for her churned uneasily in his stomach. Boxing with Bennett, and literally getting knocked down a peg, helped clear his mind. He no longer doubted that Bennett, a happily engaged man, welcomed Dominic as an important part of his expanding family. Partnering in business had nothing to do with Devon. Rather, they established a relationship based on similarities and camaraderie.  
    In short, he and Bennett were friends.
    Dominic wasn’t sure why it took so long for him to see and accept that. But if he and Bennett could be friends, perhaps there was hope for him and Nat. Oh, he knew he’d blown his chances with her. He accepted that—or tried to—no matter how painful.  
    But that didn’t mean they couldn’t be friends someday. Or at least, he could be her friend.
    And if that meant finding out more about Sebastian Payne, so be it.  
    Dominic neared the pub where they were having lunch. He pulled the large brass handle and held the door for everyone to enter. There was a group of lively middle-aged women behind them, so he stayed put until everyone walked through, lightly fielding the women’s thanks. By the time he got inside, Bennett and Dev were seated. The host led him to their table.
    They ordered and, after the server brought over wine for Dev and Bennett and an enormous iced water for him, he dove in to questioning. “Bennett, are you or Charles familiar with any of the Paynes?”
    Bennett looked at him blankly.
    “Sebastian Payne, in particular?”
    Understanding dawned, then puzzlement. “Sure, we’ve met a few times. He comes from an old family, filthy amounts of money. I think there’s a title there somewhere. Earl maybe? I’m not sure.” Bennett narrowed his eyes. “Why do you ask?”
    Devon’s lips pressed flat.  
    “Relax you two. I’m asking because that’s who Natalie’s gone to work for. At some private club over in Mayfair.”
    Bennett and Devon shared a lightning glance before turning back to him. Leaning back against the booth, Devon raised her brows and tilted her head.  
    “So you’ve been checking up on Natalie?” Devon’s voice pitched higher than normal.
    Thankfully, the pub was dimly lit because Dominic could feel a flush creeping up his neck. “Look, I wanted to make sure she was okay.” He shifted back to Bennett. “Turns out she’s working for this Payne guy.”
    Bennett piped in. “I can’t say I know the man well, but everything I do know is perfectly legitimate. In fact, if I recall correctly, he doesn’t even indulge in vices. No drinking or smoking.” Bennett tapped his wine glass against Devon’s, grinning. “Proper, pedigreed, but pedestrian.”  
    “A man with enough money to burn who abstains from sin goes and buys a casino? That’s more than a little odd. Something’s not right.”
    Devon interjected. “What’s bothering you about him, Dom? Or is this really about Natalie?”
    His face felt hot. He pulled at the collar of his shirt in a vain attempt to loosen it. “ Of course it’s about Natalie.” His voice seemed unnaturally loud. He stopped, taking a deep and deliberate breath. More quietly, he continued. “It’s about Natalie because I’m afraid she’s gotten herself mixed up with something,” he paused, “or someone who might be bad for her.”
    Devon and Bennett both stared. He looked down at the table, fidgeting with his silverware. When the silence became awkward, he added, “I just think there’s more to Sebastian Payne than meets the eye. He seems like a man hiding secrets.”
    Bennett barked in laughter, bringing Dominic’s head back up. Devon snorted.
    “What?”
    She looked at Bennett who pressed his shoulder against hers. Devon slapped a hand over her mouth.  
    Dominic eyed them both, at a loss.  
    Finally, Dev gave up what was clearly a fight. Clutching her sides, she dissolved into deep belly laughs. Bennett joined in while Dominic looked on in shock.
    “ What? ”
    It took her several seconds, but she