Draco (Coded for Love 2)

She certainly was. Especially daddy’s disapproval if he found out she’d let a hacker into his inner sanctum, a hacker with revenge on his mind. Getting his hands on their precious software would open plenty of opportunities to cause chaos. Could it get any more enticing? Draco looked her up and down, and smiled.

She returned his smile.

“We’re both taking a risk,” he replied. “Tell me about your brothers. I need to know about the competition before I make my final decision.”

“You’ll meet them soon enough, if you accept my challenge.” Her eyes brightened, her lips parting.

You’re the challenge, not the job, he mused to himself.

Draco looked at her soft, open mouth, and he knew he couldn’t walk away. “When do we start?”

CHAPTER FOUR

Lara waited patiently outside the designated meeting point and prayed she wasn’t wasting her time waiting for the Welshdragon. The name amused her, and now she knew that his real name was Draco, it made so much more sense.

She glanced at her watch.

Mr. Draco Vaughn, hacker extraordinaire, had one minute to get there or he was late. This was a test. If he didn’t turn up for a fancy free suit, there was no hope of him buckling down to her timetable and seeing the job through. He’d frowned when she gave him the address to meet her at the next morning, but said he’d be there.

The bespoke London tailor was used by all the men in the family.

A notice on the door read, “by appointment only.” Harry had made the appointment, and they were expected. He’d reluctantly agreed the right clothing would give her guy a better chance to fit in.

She paced up and down, fretting. Doubts crowded in on her. Was the risk too great? Should she end it now, before it went any further? Would he even show? Had she given him enough money upfront?

Then she heard a whistle from the far end of the street. Draco had turned the corner. She’d been about to give up. Wanted to, even. But the sight of him closing on her made her prickle all over. She glanced again at her watch. He was spot on time. A good start.

He sauntered over and did a mock bow.

“Glad you could make it,” she mustered, suddenly realizing this would be their first time alone together. The quicker they got into the tailors the better.

Nodding her head at the doorway, she arched an eyebrow. “Happy to go inside?”

“Why not.” He lifted his leather clad shoulders in a shrug. “If you want me to have new threads, I’ll do it.”

She stepped toward the door.

His hand on her arm halted her.

Her heart pounded in her chest. The touch of his hand sent her into some insane sort of panic. At least she figured it was panic.

“Assuming you aren’t intending to make me look ridiculous,” he added.

Relieved, she mustered a smile. “I think you’ll be able to endure what I have in mind.”

Humour danced in his lovely green eyes. She was beginning to realize he had a mischievous streak.

When she rapped on the door it was quickly unlocked. A slender, be-spectacled gentleman wearing a three piece suit greeted them.

“We have a booking,” she stated. “Harry Compton arranged it.”

“Indeed, Madam. Good morning to you both.” He turned to address Draco, looking him up and down while he rearranged the vintage tape measure he had hanging around his neck. “Sir.” He inclined his head. “My name is Carmichael. I will be servicing you today.”

“Makes me sound like an engine in need of an overhaul,” Draco murmured under his breath as they passed through the door.

The comment made Lara chuckle.

“If Madam would like to take a seat.” Carmichael gestured at a sofa with fancy old-gold upholstery.