Page 20 of A Cobbled Conspiracy
“Yeah, sure,” Penny said automatically, though his voice carried reluctance that everyone in the room could hear.
Jake, who had been quietly observing from his seat on the plush rug, seemed to notice Penny’s reaction. His gaze traced over Penny’s tense posture and the way my friend was fidgeting with his lucky pendant.
“Actually,” Jake said carefully, “if Penny’s got other things to handle tomorrow, I could go instead.”
The offer surprised everyone, including Jake himself, judging by the slight flush that colored his pale cheeks.
“You’d do that?” I asked.
Jake shrugged, trying to appear casual despite the nervous energy suddenly radiating from him. “I mean, if it helps. I don’t mind meeting new people, and it sounds like you could use the company.”
I saw relief flood Penny’s features, quickly followed by gratitude toward Jake that made something warm unfurl in my chest. “I’d appreciate the company, Jake.”
“Really?” Jake’s voice gained confidence. “I’ve been wanting to see how the other half lives. A high-end boutique sounds like it might be educational.”
Penny reached over and squeezed Jake’s hand, his scent warming with affection. “Thank you,” he said simply, but the weight of gratitude in those two words was unmistakable.
I felt the mating mark on my neck pulse. Through the bond, I could sense Dominic’s presence, a tingling cascade that rippled from the base of my skull and down my spine. The tiny hairs along my nape stood at attention, ghostly fingers gently tracing my vertebrae with warm electricity—like raised hair on the back of one’s neck after a fright, but infinitely more pleasant.
Could he feel me like this too?
Outside Blake’s windows, the lights of downtown Millcrest were beginning to twinkle in the gathering dusk. Somewhere in thiscity, people who thought they were untouchable were probably congratulating themselves, thinking they were winning.
My hand unconsciously moved to rest over my stomach where my secret grew.
They were about to learn that they’d severely underestimated what an omega could accomplish when he had everything to protect.
CHAPTER SIX
The next afternoon, Jake and I made our way through Downtown Millcrest toward Victor and Sebastian’s new boutique. Blake’s driver had dropped us off a block away—close enough for security but far enough to avoid looking like we needed an escort.
“So this is how the other half shops,” Jake said, taking in the tree-lined street with its glass and stone storefronts and artisanal coffee shops. His pale hands were tucked into his jacket pockets, but I could see the way his eyes constantly scanned our surroundings—a nervous habit borne from hypervigilance.
“You okay?” I asked.
Jake shrugged, though his scent carried that strange almost medicinal undertone. “Yeah. I’m interested in seeing what kind of operation they’re running. High-end fashion seems like a different world from what I’m used to.”
The boutique occupied a corner building with floor-to-ceiling windows that showcased elegant mannequins in period-inspiredclothing. A discrete gold sign read “Fairfax & Saunier Heritage Collection” in understated script.
Sebastian spotted us through the window and opened the door before we could knock, his face lighting up with genuine pleasure. “Leo! Perfect timing.”
"Hello," I said, tilting my head toward my companion. “This is Jake.”
"Hello, Jake—I'm Sebastian." His hand extended forward, a warm smile crinkling the corners of his green eyes.
“Nice to meet you,” Jake said, accepting Sebastian’s offered handshake with surprising ease.
“Come in, come in.” Sebastian gestured us inside. “Victor’s in the back reviewing fabric samples, but he’ll be right out.”
The interior was stunning—exposed brick walls lined with carefully curated vintage pieces, modern lighting that highlighted the craftsmanship details, and display cases showcasing accessories that bridged historical accuracy with contemporary appeal. Everything spoke to genuine passion for quality and design.
“This is incredible,” I said, meaning it. “You’ve really created something special here.”
“Thank you.” Sebastian’s smile was radiant. “We wanted to show that historical-inspired fashion doesn’t have to feel like costume—it can be relevant and beautiful for modern life.”
Victor emerged from the back office, carrying a leather portfolio and wearing the kind of focused expression that suggested he’d been deep in creative work. When he saw us, his face shifted to warm welcome.
“Leo, excellent.” Victor’s handshake was firm and professional. He extended his hand to Jake. “And you are?”