Chapter 1: ?
Chapter Text
Andrea carefully reread the questions and looked at Emily Charlton. Her favorite roommate and Miranda Priestly's right hand was looking at her with big blue eyes that were watering.
-Again, Ems, just asking questions, that's all?- Andy clarified. Emily nodded and coughed.
-Help me out, Andrea. This interview should appear in the October issue, and it comes out in a week. I just won't have time to recover. The doctors say I have Coronavirus. Otherwise, Miranda will fire me. And I love my job. Andy, please,- Emily begged her friend.
They had known each other since childhood. Having become friends at school, Andy and Emily were inseparable. Everyone was surprised by their differences. Stylish, slightly detached Emily, who could put anyone in their place, and quiet, modest Andrea, who, despite everything, had her own core and her own view of the world.
-The questions... they are quite sharp. Aren't you afraid that...-Sachs ran her hand over the paper.
-Miranda is not just a publisher, she is an icon. We, her employees, are under the protection of "Podium",-Emily smiled.- Let them just try to do something to you...
Andy remained silent. Why did Miranda need to get this interview?? Usually they wrote about fashion and celebrities, and here... The voice of London... Lewis Prothero, known for his stern character and hatred of dissent. The mouthpiece of Northfire and one of the richest men in England...
Damn Miss Priestly with this assignment... But there was nowhere to retreat. Andy took the questions, the tape recorder and her bag and left their cozy apartment with Emily.
Early in the morning, Andrea Sachs drove her yellow Volkswagen Beetle to the business center of London. Her destination was the office of BTN, the main television company in England. London greeted the brunette with rain and stuffiness. She parked near a tall skyscraper and, taking her bag, confidently walked inside the office.
A pretty blonde met her at the reception. Andy quickly told her the purpose of her visit. She gave her a pass and pointed her to the elevator, not hiding a grin. Andy ignored her.
In the elevator, she looked at the questions again and sighed. Sharp, provocative - very much in Emily's style. For some of them, you could go to prison or to court... If in America this was allowed, then here, with the rise to power of Adam Sutler, many topics were banned in England. Having prayed to all the gods that Andy knew, she got out of the elevator and found herself in a bright white Hall. At the reception, another ideal woman... Sachs sighed. She clearly did not belong here...
If in the editorial office of "Podium" many looked down on her, but with respect, then here everyone looked at her with smirks.
The girl went to the window and admired London. She always loved this city... But for some time now evil has settled in it...
- Miss Sachs, - the secretary called out to her. Andy turned to her.
- Yes? - She drawled.
- Mr. Protheroe is ready to see you, - the blonde said mockingly.
Andrea sighed, clutched the folder with questions in her hands and stepped towards the black wooden door. Taking the handle, she pulled it towards herself, and stepping inside, as usual, she got tangled up in her legs and fell head first into Lewis Prothero's luxurious office.
Chapter Text
- Miss Charlton? - A low husky voice was like panther fur. Andy somehow stood up and boldly raised her head. Lewis Prothero in a chic black business suit looked indignantly. Black hair, lying hair to hair, rough slightly wild features and cold sharp brown eyes in which anger burned.
- Unfortunately, Miss Charlton is ill. I am replacing her, - Andy said with dignity.
Prothero's eyebrows shot up. This black-haired, poorly dressed girl clearly knew her worth.
- And who are you? - Boredom gave way to interest.
- Andrea Sachs. Her colleague on the Runway and neighbor, - Andy approached the table and confidently sat down opposite Lewis.
- I see... You have an American accent. Detroit or Ohio? - Prothero looked appraisingly at Sachs.
-New York. I know you're biased against the US, but let's not get personal, - Andy chuckled.
Prothero growled quietly. Who does she think she is? Insanely beautiful, even though she looks like a gray mouse.
-Well, Miss Sachs, I'm all yours for 20 minutes. Surprise me, - Lewis didn't take his eyes off her.
Andy straightened her back.
-What do you owe your success to? You're the first star of English TV. Although as far as I know, you've only recently started working in this field, - Andrea asked the first question confidently.
-I work a lot. A lot and hard. I'm not interested in working under someone else. I'm a leader and I'm used to being first in everything, - Lewis sipped his coffee.
-You were just lucky. You actively supported Chancellor Sutler in the elections, plus you made a name for yourself on the St. Mary's virus. when your pharmaceutical company found an antidote to the virus, - Andy chuckled.
- Miss Sachs, - Prothero's voice was like a predator's growl. - You're right... I like Sutler's views.
Andy suppressed a chuckle. Sutler was the Hitler of the 21st century. He hated gays, blacks and anyone who did not correspond to his ideas about a pure and ideal society. It was he who, hiding behind good ideals, unleashed total terror against his own citizens...
- Is that the only reason you joined him? Or is there money involved? - It wasn't Emily's question, but Andy was furious.
- It doesn't matter. I fought for the purity of England while you were cramming. If it weren't for Sutler, who knows what would have happened to the country, - Lewis snapped.
- You're acting very self-confident, - Andy made notes in her notebook. He infuriated her, the living embodiment of a control freak. Cold, domineering... Even Miranda wasn't like that
--You too... Do you think the all-powerful Miranda Priestly will protect you?- Prothero measured the girl with a withering look. I wonder what she'll be like tied up?
-Of course. She and her employees are outside the jurisdiction of England and we have a little more rights than the locals,- Andy pushed a strand of hair from her forehead.
-Have you studied the local legislation?- Lewis was interested.
-A little. And you seem to believe in your impunity and permissiveness,- Andy chuckled.
-I'm the mouthpiece of Nordfire, Miss Sax. Of course I believe,- Prothero leaned back in his chair.
This American infuriated him. Really infuriated him. Other interviewers were afraid to say a word against him, but this girl... Threw him a challenge, an open challenge...
-And how do you relax?- Andy suddenly asked.
-Oh, Miss Sachs, I have many expensive hobbies,- Prothero smiled a wicked smile.- Do you like to read? Bronte or Jane Austen?
-Neither one nor the other. I am interested in Russian literature. And much of what I like is forbidden here,- Andy stood up.- We are finished.
-Not at all,- Lewis stood up.- I want to get to know you better...
-There is nothing interesting about me,- Sachs retorted.- And how will your colleagues look at you if they find out that you are interested in an American?
Without waiting for his answer, Andy deftly grabbed the folder with questions and a notebook and left Prothero's office.
Chapter Text
- This is just delight! - These are the words Emily greeted Andy with. The redhead literally jumped on Sachs and hugged her. - Andy, you are the best! Miranda wrote that she was happy with the interview with Lewis. Some of the answers sound like he was caught off guard. I can't believe you didn't get embarrassed. Always quiet Andy and then...
- I don't like Nazis, that's all, - Sachs sat down on the couch. - He was an impudent, self-confident and highly dictatorial and control freak. And I'm used to bringing such types down to earth.
She was infuriated by Lewis's look, arrogant, destructive and dismissive... She achieved everything herself, she is in good standing with "Runway", she is not used to obeying...
- Miranda regrets only one thing, that we don't have his original photos. He is damn handsome, - Emily grinned.
Sachs rolled her eyes.
***
Two blyyz later, Miranda Priestly, Editor of "Runway" called Andy to her.
-Miss Sachs, I am very pleased with the interview you took with Lewis Protheroe. Sharp, topical, almost on the edge of a foul. I thought you would be afraid, - Miranda sipped her coffee. - Everything is just perfect. However, we need his original photos
Andy cursed. Not that! Since Emily was still sick, it seemed that she would be entrusted with organizing the photo shoot. And the girl was not eager to meet with Protheroe again.
The brunette cast a pitiful glance at Miranda, but this did not affect Miranda. Andy sighed and nodded to her boss.
-Very well, Miss Sachs... Here is Mr. Protheroe's email and remember, the photo shoot must take place before September 16th, - Miranda presented Andy with a fait accompli. - Otherwise, I will fire you.
Sighing, Andy returned to her desk and typed an email to Lewis. He did not answer her...
Curring, Andy went to lunch. Sitting in her favorite cafe "Three Chocolates", Andy looked at the gray, gloomy London. And if she does not get the photo shoot? She will be fired! And she did not want to get a job at the local editorial office... Damn Emily's illness...
-Miss Sachs?- Protheroe's voice brought her out of her reverie. Andy looked at Lewis standing opposite her, confused.
-You?- Her throat was dry. Lewis was now dressed in jeans and a white shirt. At his early 40s, he was a very impressive man. Andy's cheeks flushed.
"I was nearby. Decided to stop in here. They say they have great chocolate," Prothero sat down opposite her.
Andy sat up straight. Damn, it's damn good...
"Their chocolate is great," Sachs chuckled.
Prothero studied her. In his office she was so brazen and impudent, and now... What's her secret?
Lewis placed an order and they drank chocolate in silence for a while. They had no common topics of conversation. Except maybe the article...
"By the way, is the Snow Queen Miranda happy with the article?" Lewis asked suddenly.
"Very happy. But... she needs your photos. Otherwise, I'll go here and shout "free cash register," Andy laughed sadly.
Lewis smiled at her remark. She had humor, life, she said everything to your face... But she was afraid of losing her job. I wonder if she has a boyfriend?
-Well... I guess Miss Priestly won't fire you,- Lewis stood up and winked at Andy. He left, leaving Andy confused...
Chapter Text
The next morning Emily decided to go back to work. She and Andy were riding in her yellow Beetle and singing along to the Beatles on the radio. They had barely entered the podium office when Nigel Kipling intercepted them.
- So, sweet couple Twix, what have you done? Lewis Protheroe is in our photo studio now and he is arguing with Miranda. She wants a regular photo shoot, and he wants something fancy. Our photographer Nathan took a bunch of his photos. How did you manage to talk him into this? - Nigel was excited.
Andy and Emily exchanged glances. Sachs blinked in confusion. She had not asked Lewis for a photo shoot. The girls, accompanied by Kipling, walked into the photo studio and stood at the entrance silently watching Lewis being photographed. Protheroe was acting cold and distant. There was a familiar disdain for Americans in his gaze. But when he saw Andy, his gaze softened...
-And he fell for you,- Kipling chuckled.
Sachs rolled her eyes. Of course... The richest and toughest presenter in England and she is a sassy American... Miranda or Emily would suit Lewis as a mistress. But not her...
-Kipling, even though you are into boys and your instinct for love rarely lets you down, but here you were wrong,- Emily agreed with Andy.
-I bet he asks Andy out for coffee?- Nigel did not give up.
Emily ignored him. Meanwhile, the shooting ended and Lewis, coldly nodding to Nathan and Miranda, walked towards Andy. She straightened up and raised her head.
-I told you that you would not be fired, Miss Sachs,- Prothero smiled triumphantly.
Andy ignored him. Prothero gave her a grin and turned to Emily.
-And you, I assume, are Emily. Miranda's persistent assistant. Impressed. Dss have been pestering my PR department for six months asking for an interview with you. No wonder you and Miss Sachs are friends. You are worthy of each other,-A mysterious smile similar to the smile of a sphinx touched Prothero's lips.
-Exactly so,-Emily confidently shook Lewis's hand.-Andy herself does not know what she is worth. She loves to read and hides everything behind a reserved smile. But with you...
Prothero looked at Andy with interest. A very daring plan was born in his head.
An hour later, Lewis was drinking coffee in the company of Miranda Priestly. She was one of the few Americans he trusted. On the table in front of Lewis lay a dossier on Andrea.
-I like Miss Sachs. Bold, beautiful, but hides everything inside. Very similar to you, - Prothero leafed through the file.
- Do you want to take her as a student? She is not interested in relationships and luxury. She recently dumped another boyfriend. They run from her truthfulness and sharp tongue, - Priestly chuckled. - You succeeded with me. And she... a happy childhood, living parents... And then... what if she finds out everything about you?
- Miranda, I will make sure that she knows her place. On her knees before me. She will not climb further than necessary... - Prothero chuckled.
- And if she does? She will not be scared, - Miranda chuckled. - You yourself see what she is like.
Prothero rubbed his chin. Yes, Andy was not at all like those with whom he usually slept. But this made it even more interesting for him to play with her.
- I'll make you a bet, Miss Priestly. If Miss Saks's cheeky tongue is as you say, I'll talk to Sutler about sponsoring your magazine. Direct government funding would be great. But if I'm right... I'm afraid Podium will have to go back to the US and temporarily close for quarantine, - Prothero said brazenly.
Miranda closed her eyes. Of course... She had forgotten that Prothero had a stake in her magazine. It was he who, during the first outbreak of COVID 19 in the US, offered her to move to England with her entire staff. He had gotten them privileges and permission to work in totalitarian England. She wasn't going to put her life's work on the line. But she was very interested in whether Andrea and Lewis would succeed.
-Help organize remote work for our entire office and I'll agree, - Priestly threw out a counter-offer, shaking her short gray mane.
-Well, you and... - Lewis choked on the impudence of his former lover but shook her hand.
Chapter Text
After that, he left her office and found himself on a rainy London street. It was raining, and he had sent his driver out for lunch.
-Give me a lift? - Andy appeared next to him. Lewis raised his eyebrows. She can drive too?
-Take a chance, Miss Sachs, - the Voice of London smiled cheekily. Andy smiled back and adjusted her ponytail on top of her head.
She led the man to her yellow Volkswagen Beetle. Lewis's eyes slid over the car in shock.
-This coffin on wheels still drives? - The host was surprised. Instead of answering, Andy took out her keys and sat down in the driver's seat.
Prothero sat down next to her. He gave the address of his office and the car merged into the traffic.
-How long have you been driving? - Asked the Voice of London after a few minutes of silence.
- About 4 years old, - Andy answered reluctantly. - Since I came to England. In New York we had a subway and everything, but here we don’t have that. I love cars and anything that can move. It was my father who instilled in me a love for such things. He wanted a boy to be born, but I turned out to be. I didn’t grow up as a typical girl. Yes, at first I was modest and quiet, but here you have to protect yourself. Which is what I’m learning.
- Being almost a man, you manage to read, - Prothero teased.
- Only on weekends and then before bed, - Sachs noted.
Prothero looked at her. Fascinated. An unusual woman. From another universe, from another galaxy. He hadn’t met anyone like her for a long time. I wonder how little Andy will react to his world?
Soon they reached BTN. Lewis smiled radiantly and silently left Andy’s car. To say that Andy enjoyed traveling with him was a slight exaggeration. However, on the way here, he was not arrogant and cold and seemed genuinely interested in her life.
Emily met her at home with a box from Amazon. Andy's eyebrows went up. She hadn't ordered anything...
"Who is this from?" the brunette was surprised. Charlton shrugged. Andy took the box and opened it. Inside was a book in a black leather cover. Miss Sachs took it and a white piece of paper folded in four fell out of the book. Andy leaned over and picked it up and unfolded it. In clear calligraphy it was written: I am part of that force that eternally desires evil and eternally does good.
Chapter Text
Andy went cold. A quote from her favorite novel. She looked at the book. The Master and Margarita... She opened the book. First edition...
- Your mother...- She whispered, and looked at Emily.
- Protheroe?- Emily guessed. Andy shrugged. There was no other option. But why this book? Why this quote? Sachs had questions...
For several days, everything went as usual: work, home, hanging out with friends. Lily and Nate, the PR guys from the "Runway" department, had lunch with Edie on Friday afternoon. Andy told them about what happened to her.
- Hmm...- Lily frowned.- Andy, it's not just like that... Protheroe owns shares in our magazine. They say he helped Miranda start "Runway". And he certainly had a hand in our move here.
Charlton choked on her coffee. Yes, rumors about the patron of their magazine had been circulating for a long time, but that it would be Lewis Prothero...
Andy had even more questions for the mysterious Mr. Prothero. He was an unusual person, he was hiding something significant from everyone. And these secrets fascinated Miss Sachs.
After the weekend, sitting in the office on Monday morning, Andy typed a letter to Lewis Prothero out of boredom.
From: Andy Sachs
To: Lewis Prothero
Date: 09/25/2022
Subject: Book.
I received your book. Thank you. How did you know it was my favorite? And a quote... I have questions for you. Can we meet? "Three Chocolates", two o'clock in the afternoon. E.S.
Andy was nervous for some reason when sending this letter. When the letter was sent, the brunette exhaled loudly. Had she done the right thing by writing to Prothero? Her fingers were shaking. Sachs closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths...
Somehow she managed to overcome her excitement and returned to work. Time passed quickly and at some point she saw that the office around her had frozen. The conversations had stopped, everyone was standing in their places... The girl did not understand what was going on. And then... She looked up and was lost in the brown eyes of Lewis Prothero who was standing opposite her.
- Miss Sachs, it's almost two o'clock, - Lewis said softly but at the same time demandingly, not taking his eyes off her.
Andy blinked and stood up. Taking her purse, the journalist left the office at Prothero's company. Everyone was looking at them. Catching Emily's gaze, Andy realized that she would be interrogated at home.
***
20 minutes later, Andy and Lewis were sitting in a cozy cafe and drinking hot chocolate. Prothero did not take his eyes off the young journalist.
- Do you have any questions, Miss Sachs? - Lewis asked in a soft and viscous voice.
- Yes. How did you know that I like "The Master and Margarita"? And the first edition... It's on the list of banned books, - Andrea sipped her coffee.
- For me, nothing is impossible, Andrea. For ordinary people, everything is banned. But for me, all doors and locks are open. But you're right, the book was hard to find. However, I was looking for it for you, - Prothero drowned his smile in a cup of chocolate.
- Thank you, - Andy involuntarily felt embarrassed. It had been a long time since anyone had given her such gifts.
Prothero looked at her. Embarrassed, blushing... She was beautiful. He was not sure that he would ever see her like this.
- Did I embarrass you? The impudent Andy Sachs? Surprised. Miranda said that you cannot be embarrassed. She thinks you're brave and smart. Second only to Emily, Lewis lied easily.
- Emily and I have never competed. She's a secretary, I'm a journalist. I joined Podium at the end of 2020. I want to stay with them for a year, and then maybe go to New York to get a job at a small publishing house. Podium is nothing more than a line in my portfolio for me. No, I'm definitely passionate about fashion and journalism, but Miranda and her nagging...
- They drive me crazy, Prothero finished her thought. Andy nodded.
- First I cried in the back room, and then I learned to stand up for myself. So if the Snow Queen wants to freeze me, I counter her with audacity and intelligence. I honed my tongue in battles with her and her subordinates, Andy smiled.- But I know when to keep quiet and when to let out my claws.
Lewis smiled. He liked her more and more... He could take her into his business, he wanted to show her his world.
Suddenly Andy looked at the clock on her phone. 15:30
-I have to go. Thanks for the chocolate,-Sax smiled. She looked outside. It was raining warmly in the autumn.
-Should I give you a lift?-Lewis asked.
-No,-Andy smiled and went out. Prothero was amazed.
-You'll get wet!-Lewis said, not without concern.
-I want it,-Andrea shouted and ran out into the street.
Throwing her head back to the sky, she laughed cheerfully, exposing her face to the warm drops of the last summer rain. Taking off her shoes, she walked barefoot to the Podium office.
Chapter Text
When Andy returned to the office, Emily met her. The girl told her what a sensation her and Lewis's appearance had caused. The office began to speculate and assume what connected the Voice of London and the Podium journalist.
-We just had a coffee, that's all,-Andy shrugged.-We chatted.
-You hooked him, Ann. No one had ever seen him with a woman. Yes, he had many mistresses, but he did not advertise any of them. And there are rumors that he was the cause of a couple of Miss Priestly's divorces. While you were having lunch with him, Nigel and I made inquiries about Prothero,- Nigel handed Andy an impressive-sized folder.
She returned to her room and began to read. Lewis was born on November 5, 1989 in Liverpool. His parents were poor clerks. His father drank himself to death when the boy was 8, his mother worked desperately to provide her son with everything he needed. At 15, Lewis entered military school, then there was Afghanistan, Syria, Libya, Iran, Iraq... Even participation in the conflict in Taiwan...
Everywhere he showed himself as a noble and honest soldier. Which caused Andy to smile skeptically... Then Nordfire, the St. Mary's Virus... From which Lewis's mother, Lillian, died. Andy closed her eyes and tears burned her eyelids...
Somehow, having pulled herself together, Andrea continued reading. The next few years of Lewis's life were shrouded in mystery and then in 2006, his debut on television in the program The Voice of London.
-So how was it?- Emily sat down opposite Andy.
-Interesting. But there was something else between the St. Mary's virus and his debut on TV. What...-Andy's journalistic interest awoke.
-Don't get involved in this, okay? There was definitely something dark and scary there, - Emily looked at her friend pleadingly.
However, Sachs the redneck is not to be stopped. She became interested in those years that were not covered in the Charlton dossier. A plan arose in the girl's head.
***
Every year, the magazine "Podium" announced the person of the year according to its version. Usually these were people of show business, models or designers. Any employee of the magazine could nominate their precedent. Andy had never participated in such a thing, but now she was overcome with interest. The winner was awarded a special issue of the magazine and an exclusive photo shoot.
On Monday, Miranda gathered everyone for a planning meeting and listened to all the candidates for the person of the year from their magazine.
-BTS Hadid sisters, Ariana Grande. You might as well have suggested that clown who tried to become the president of Ukraine. Everything is so secondary. Not a single significant candidate, - Priestley did not hide her irritation. Her gaze fell on Miss Sachs, who was playing Angry Birds on her phone out of boredom.
Catching Miranda's gaze, Andy put the phone down.
- Miss Sachs, we haven't heard of your candidacy. Surprise us, - Miranda's eyebrow rose skeptically.
- Lewis Protheroe, - Andy said calmly.
Everyone fell silent. Priestly felt her throat go dry. Andrea was interested in him too
Chapter Text
Why him? - Emily asked timidly and immediately fell silent.
- The one who saved England from the St. Mary's Virus deserves an article in the best magazine. - Andy brushed a strand of hair from her forehead. - He is not just a presenter, he is the king of television, the highest hierarch of Nord-Fair. With his word he can save or destroy. Besides... wasn't he the one who helped our magazine move here and open an office.
Miranda felt like she couldn't breathe. How did the brat know all this?
- He is. But Andrea... Prothero is a closed person, - Nigel exhaled. - No one could find an approach to him.
- I'll take a chance, - Sax was not going to back down.
Miranda smiled reservedly. It seems she will win the bet...
- Okay, take a chance. You won't be here at the beginning of 2023 anyway. At least leave a normal person of the year behind you, - Priestly was eager to see what happened next.
After the planning meeting, Andy wrote to Lewis again, but he didn’t answer. All week Andy bombarded his inbox with messages, but he was silent.
Finally, on Friday evening, Andy sent a control letter to Lewis and got ready to go home, but was intercepted at the entrance by Lily, Emily and Nate.
- It’s Friday, Ann. Maybe we should go for a drink? - Lily asked conspiratorially.
- I don’t know if we’ll make it before curfew, - Lily was worried.
- Lils, you always did, - Nate waved his hand. - Sax, you’re with us.
Andy nodded.
The bar was loud and cheerful. Andy drank shot after shot and let the tension go. Yes, it was a shame that Lewis never responded to her letters, but in the end she tried...
Time flew by while they talked and drank. Suddenly Andy glanced at the clock on her phone. 22:10
-Fuck,- she cursed and, apologizing to her friends, slipped out into the street. She urgently needed to get home. More precisely, she and Emily. But Charlton was enthusiastically dancing with some man and laughing.
Andy jumped out of the bar and suddenly a loudspeaker came over her head:
-Yellow curfew begins. All personnel without clearance are subject to arrest. This strict measure is for your safety. Violators will be eliminated on the spot.
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Chapter Text
Andy cringed. Why did she listen to her friends? She could have stayed home with ice cream, watching Jimmy Fallon. But no, she decided to relieve stress...
-Hey, baby,- a hoarse nasal voice, three police officers came out of the gateway and looked at her unkindly.
-Are you not from around here?- one of them, a red-haired giant with a disfigured face, began.
- I...- Andy trembled.
Suddenly, a black Maybach stopped behind her and Lewis Protheroe stepped out with a leisurely, regal step. The policemen took a step back.
- Mr. Protheroe,- the red-haired man bowed his head respectfully.- This girl.
- Please forgive my fiancee, she is not from around here and does not know our rules,- Lewis said coldly, looking angrily at the policemen.
- Excuse me... - The men turned and left.
Left alone, the brunette exhaled and Protheroe nodded towards his car.
- I'll take you home, Miss Sax. - He said coldly.
- I need to pick up Emily and Nate with Lily. - Andy said haltingly. Under the withering gaze of London's brown eyes and voice, she felt extremely uncomfortable.
- My assistant is talking to your neighbor right now. - Lewis said coldly.
- What? How did you even find us? - Sax was confused.
- Tracked your phone. - Lewis said menacingly.
Andy's eyebrows went up. This is illegal!
- YOU... - Sax was beside herself with anger
- Get in the car, Andrea, don't make me angry. - Protheroe was literally shaking with anger.
Sax didn't dare argue. She slid into the passenger seat and stared out the window. Emily texted her: I picked up a great guy at a bar, he's taking Lils and Nate home, and then we're going to his place. Don't Lose Me.
Sachs rolled her eyes. That was Emily. Casual hookups at bars were her everything.
As for Andy, she was very selective in her men. Her main criteria were honesty and integrity in a partner. And of course, loyalty... And something told her that Lewis Protheroe ticked all her boxes for men.
"I wrote to you, you didn't answer, I nominated you for our magazine's Man of the Year." Miranda was shocked, - Andy dropped her as they pulled up to her house.
"It's rare that anyone can shock Miss Priestly," Protheroe noted.
- It looks like you and her... are exes? - Andy asked cheerfully. The unnerving atmosphere of the cold was broken
- Are you jealous? - Lewis was surprised.
Andy blushed but did not hide her gaze.
- No. I don’t understand why you are not together, - Sachs admitted, getting out of the car.
- Should I go up with you? I want to wait for my assistant. He and Charlton will arrive only in the morning anyway. I swear I will sleep wherever you say and I will not pester you, - Prothero turned off the engine.
Andy believed him and did not believe him. Such a man certainly had many women and certainly more than once took pleasure by force.
- Andy, do you believe me? - Lewis asked with slight pressure.
- I’m trying, - Sachs was embarrassed.
They got out of the car and went up to her. Andy casually pointed to the living room and went to her room. After taking a shower, she went to bed and fell into a restless sleep.
***
The smells of cheese, eggs and coffee woke her up in the morning. Somehow getting up, the girl went to the kitchen. Lewis in a white shirt and jeans was preparing breakfast and singing along to songs on the radio. Andy froze at the entrance to the kitchen. He was handsome in his early 40s. Tall, broad-shouldered, a little plump, but there was something wild and attractive about him.
-Good morning, - Andy shouted, entering the kitchen. Prothero smiled.
-Good, Miss Sachs. The weather is great today. The sun is a rare guest in England in October. And today is just... I called Emily, she and Roger will be here soon. For now we can have breakfast, - Lewis set the table for two.
Andy sat down opposite him and they began to eat. Sax noted that Lewis was an excellent cook.
-Thank you for saving me from the patrol yesterday,-Andy was embarrassed, taking a sip of coffee.
Prothero became serious.
-I hate the thought of what would have happened to you if I hadn't made it,-the host growled.-I read everything on their faces.... It was not worth putting yourself at risk.
-It's just a bar, everything was under control,-Andy retorted.
Prothero remained silent. The rest of the breakfast passed in silence. Having finished her coffee, Andy stood up and accidentally knocked over a cup with Harry Potter, dropping it on the floor. The cup broke, and its fragments flew everywhere.
Sax rushed to collect them. This cup was dear to her. Her father gave it to her on November 12th - her birthday. She grew up with this cup. And now this... Tears welled up in the brunette's eyes.
-Andy,- Lewis began to help her collect the fragments. At some point, his hand covered her hand. Sachs felt excitement, a strange wild excitement that pierced her entire body. Lewis's warm hand, his worried look and thin lips next to her face...
Prothero felt something similar too. All his instincts demanded that he take a step forward and take possession of this black-haired woman with bottomless brown eyes and a daring character...
-Lewis...-Andy's breathing was ragged and she leaned forward.
-Andy!- Emily entered the kitchen accompanied by a young man unfamiliar to Sachs. He was smart, well dressed and looked very young. Black hair was combed back and blue eyes looked welcoming.
-Miss Charlton...-Prothero stood up and looked at the guy. He bowed slightly
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lawrence2024 on Chapter 1 Fri 05 Sep 2025 08:56AM UTC
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elowen_hart on Chapter 1 Fri 05 Sep 2025 03:19PM UTC
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Althia Allen (Guest) on Chapter 1 Mon 08 Sep 2025 05:58PM UTC
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