Claimed by My Steadfast Soldier

Chapter Three

Gage’s POV

A laugh bubbles up from my chest and out through my mouth as I take in the woman behind me. Dressed in a black raincoat that is tied at the front with a thick belt, and what looks to be at leat three inch, blood red heels, he whole persona screams, I’m trying way too hard to be taken seriously.

I can not stop myself from running my gaze over her body, she’s got curves that are trying to hide themselves under her clothing, and a heart shaped face that is peeking out from under the bright pink knitted bobble hat that sits on top of her head.

‘Who has a small d**k?’ I ask conversationally, causing her head to snap up to me, two captivatingly jade green eyes connecting with my blue ones for a second before her pretty lips form a small oh of shock and she starts to fall backward.

Instinctively, I step forward, my arms wrapping around her body, feeling every one of those sexy curves, as I pull her into my chest protectively.

Looking down, my gaze meets hers again, I lose myself in the swirling depths of her irises, and suddenly I forget where I am or what I’m supposed to be doing here. Something tightens in my chest as I stare at the petite woman in my arms. A tendril of blonde hair has fallen from underneath her hat as she fell, her windmilling arms having knocked it askew, and I have an overwhelming desire to reach out and tuck it behind her ear.

‘Mr Cadell!’ she gasps, her red cheeks darkening slightly and I don’t think it’s because of the cold anymore. I stare at her lips as she stammers apologies at me. She becomes more and more flustered as I make sure she’s steady before reluctantly releasing my hold on her waist, my arms aching from the loss of her feel against them, already missing the feel of her petite frame cradled to my own.

‘No harm, no foul’ I reply as smoothly as I can in response to her ongoing rambling, gesturing for her to go in front of me so she can unlock the door for us, and not so I can check out her ass.

Walking inside, I drag my gaze from the stunning realtor to my left, forcing myself instead to take in my surroundings, the actual reason I'm here. The foyer is a nice open space, the walls painted crisp white with the exterior left as open brickwork, pulling the room together. I immediately understand what has drawn Harrison to the place, it has a natural feeling of professionalism and with careful furniture and decoration choices would be an amazing front to our business.

‘OK, so which parts would you like to see?’ the feminine voice startles me slightly and I turn back toward the young woman feeling slightly confused.

‘Uh, all of it?’ I reply uncertainly, I’ve never been here before why is she asking me? Was there a brochure I was supposed to peruse before coming? I thought she'd just show me around and answer my questions, was I wrong?

She gives me a weird look, but doesn’t argue, instead giving me a gracious smile as she replies, ‘Sounds good, what would you like to see first?’

She waves a hand idly toward the stairs and I wait expectantly for her to lead the way. ‘You know the layout better than me Miss . . ‘ I start, my voice petering off as I begin to realise I have yet to ask her name, damn! I'm normally quicker than this, especially when someone intrigues me and this woman definitely does.

‘Hali’ she replies, a slightly offended edge to her voice that surprises me, ‘Hali Montgomery.’

I nod flashing her one of my infamous smiles that never lets me down where women are concerned. ‘Miss Montgomery’ I repeat, trying to commit the name to memory but I admit my mind seems to only have one thing it’s focusing on right now and that is not this woman’s name.

We head upstairs, the petite woman showing me each room, falling into what is quite obviously a familiar, well practiced spiel that she must have given countless times already, reeling off interesting features as she talks about each space as we enter.

I try to concentrate on her words but I find myself more interested in the curve of her ass than in the building I’m supposed to be viewing.

As we head down to the lowest level, I finally manage to get my mind back on what I’m supposed to be doing. Stepping out into the open area in the basement, my mind conjures up the transformation, showing shadows of men practicing targets. The room split in two with a reinforced wall, the other side full of weights and exercise machines to help keep our men in top condition.

I take my time, moving around the entire space, picturing how we could set it up to maximise the space, which machines would go where, and visualising individual training areas to accommodate all of our staffs preferences..

Once back upstairs, I can’t help but return my gaze to the blonde woman, watching her shiver slightly and I’m damn sure it’s not from the cold. Uh, do you . . have any questions at all Mr Cadell?’ she asks, biting her lip, making me want to lean in and suck that plumpness into my own mouth.

I nod, my smile widening, pretty damn sure I’m not misreading her body’s reaction to me as she leans ever so slightly closer to me, breathing hitching slightly.

‘I sure do’ I agree, copying her movement and leaning slightly inward as well, hearing her suck in a breath, pupil dialating slightly, ‘would you like to get a drink with me?’

Surprise, then confusion flickers across her features as she stares at me, my words somehow seeming to have thrown her though I don't know why, surely she felt the chemistry between us since she literally fell into my arms earlier.

‘I can check my planner for a suitable date’ she mutters, tugging her bag from her shoulder and starting to undo the buckle. ‘I’m sure we could schedule a meeting for later this week. Does this mean you are thinking of putting in an offer? I really do feel like this might be what you are looking for, though if you are, it would probably be better to meet at my office so I can hit the ground running so to speak, We don't want to lose out on the property by having someone else pip us to the post.’

I reach out, placing my hand on her arm, stilling her movements as her eyes move back to me again.

‘I wasn’t trying to organise a business meeting Miss . . .’ I stop speaking, dammit, what did she say her name was?

‘Montgomery!’ she almost growls, the irritation in her voice almost making me take a step back ‘my name is Hali Montgomery!’

‘Miss Montgomery’ he repeats again, flashing my winning smile for the second time, hoping to calm her down, obviously it’s a sore point that people don’t remember her name. ‘As I was saying, I was asking you out for a drink, I thought maybe we could get to know each other better.’

‘What do you say, Hali?’ I push, ramping up my attention, adding in that slightly husky rumble that girls seem to swoon over.

I’m startled when she drags her arm from my touch, her confusion replaced with unbridled anger.

‘No, I do not want to get a drink with you, Mr Cadell!’ she snarls and this time I really do step back my eyes widening, what did I do?

‘This is highly inappropriate, I am here to show you an office space, not to be hit on! I am a professional business woman, not some tartlet who is happy to be your bit on the side!’

I just stare speechlessly at her as she rips me a new ass, my ability to speak seems to have completely fled under the diatribe of the woman in front of me.

I’m trying to get my mouth to work, say anything at this point, but all I can get out is ‘uhh’ before she cuts me off again.

‘Quite honestly, I am surprised at you sir! I did not peg you for this kind of man! You have a girlfriend!’ she growls, ‘I helped you purchase a house for her, and now you are asking me out?!’

Her words register as she continues her rant, and I close my eyes, swallowing down the laughter that wants to bubble up inside of me whilst simultaneously mentally cussing out my brother.

‘Good day Mr Cadell’ she ends abruptly, taking a step toward the front door.

‘Wait!’ I finally find my voice, and I’m thankful that she actually does hesitate, albeit reluctantly, turning toward me, judgement in her eyes as she folds her arms over her chest.

‘What?’ she demands curtly.

I smile weakly, ‘you think I’m Harrison, don’t you’ I murmur.

Her expression tells me that obviously, yes, she does, and I watch as my comment registers in her mind, and her expression turns from animosity to confusion to dawning horror.

‘You're . . . you're twins?’ she asks weakly, ‘you're Gage?’

I nod, smiling reluctantly, ‘identical twins’ I reply unnecessarily, ‘and I take it that my i***t brother didn’t bother to inform you that it would be me coming to view today, not him?’