Unbound (The Braille Club #2) by J. A. Kerr Page A

is draped into place. The magnetic connection between the belt and the suit was now controllable. When activated it ranged from gentle, to the most extreme setting where it became moulded to the assignee’s body, its weighted centre powerful. The pulses rocked the assignees to their core.
     
    London 2014
    Niven
     
    Niven felt safe at last. The feeling of being watched stopped when she stepped inside Harrison’s. With Phase 2 complete, it was busier than ever. Benedict primarily operated an over 25’s policy for the Braille Club but had consented to exceptions if the person was suitable. Niven was 24, he’d attended his first Braille party at 22, and understood only too well age can be deceptive. Something about Niven struck a chord. Something in her eyes reminded him of himself. He’d approved her application and security deposit months ago before handing her over to Guy.
    Niven’s orientation tour complete, she was in no hurry to leave. She sat in Caligo, relaxing in the beautiful lounge and simply drank in the atmosphere. There was a pleasant buzz of voices and an amazing smell all around her; a waiter appeared as if from nowhere, and unable to see a menu, she became flustered. “Just a coffee,” she said nervously. The waiter nodded and left.
    “It’s this place,” said the man standing beside her. “They creep up on you, I think they do it on purpose.” He smiled, his eyes twinkling.
    Niven just stared at the huge man in front of her. He was handsome, his face rugged and hard, but his warm brown eyes and smiling lips softened him. Dressed in a sharp suit, his red hair was dark with the gel that tamed it. She loved his accent, tough but soft, and wondered what he did for a living, and if he was single. It had been so long since she’d been close to anyone…
    “Ford Monroe, may I?” he enquired, looking at the seat opposite her. He saw her hesitation. “Don’t be shy, you can say no if want. I’m pretty thick skinned.” He grinned. Niven couldn’t help smiling in return. He took this as a sign of assent and sat down in the chair with relief.
    “First time I’ve been here,” he said conspiratorially. “I’ll shut up in a minute. I can hardly get a word in edgeways with your chattering. You’re free to leave at any time.”
    Niven laughed, she couldn’t remember the last time she had cause to do so, and it felt good. She liked this man, this stranger.
    “Niven Fraser.” She smiled shyly. “It’s my first time too.”
     
    ***
     
    Ford
     
    Ford recognised her immediately, her face was everywhere at the moment, but she appeared different in the flesh. With her hair pulled back and face bare of makeup, she looked young and vulnerable. Dressed in casual jeans and a sweater she was a million miles from her haute couture image. However, her eyes remained breathtaking.
    “Pleased to meet you, Niven, what do you think of the place?”
    “Well, my first impression is good,” she replied guardedly.
    “Yes, a bit James Bond, with all the secrecy…excellent place to hide out, eh?”
    The waiter arrived with her coffee and a small plate of treats and Ford ordered the same. He lifted the plate, offered her one and approved when she popped the treat into her mouth.
    “Aren’t you having one?” she asked.
    “I’m watching my figure.” He grinned, patting his trim stomach, then laughed. “No, I’m a rare breed, Niven, I don’t like chocolate.”
    “Really?” she gasped.
    “Yes,” he said wryly as his coffee and a second plate arrived. Somewhat bemused, he noticed there wasn’t a chocolate in sight.
    He was still buzzing from his earlier meeting. Guy had told him to have a look around, grab a coffee, and he was glad he’d followed his advice. He put his laptop down beside him while he gave Niven his full attention, but she looked miles away. He wondered what she was thinking about and then sat up a little straighter. Was she a member of this Braille Club? The thought had his pulse