As if summoned by his name, Matt materialized at my side, his hand finding the small of my back. The possessive gesture wasn’t subtle. Neither was the way Xavier’s smile gained an edge.
“Kingsley,” Matt’s tone could have frozen hell.
“Caine.” Xavier raised his glass in a mock toast. “I was just telling Andy here how devoted you are to your work. The Palmer contract must be keeping you up at night.”
I felt Matt’s fingers flex against my back. Ryan looked like Christmas had come early.
“The Palmer contract is proceeding exactly as planned.” Matt’s voice was perfectly pleasant, which meant he was probably imagining creative ways to throw Xavier off the nearest balcony.
“Is it?” Xavier took a casual sip of his champagne. “I heard there were some… concerns about the implementation timeline.”
I felt Matt tense beside me, but before he could respond, Porter appeared with impeccable timing.
“Mr. Caine, I apologize for interrupting, but the investors from Dubai are asking about the projection models.”
Matt’s hand squeezed my waist gently. “I’ll be right back.”
“Take your time,” Ryan chirped. “I’m educating Andy on all the important things you never tell him.”
Matt’s warning look promised retribution, but he allowed Porter to lead him away. Xavier watched them go, something calculating in his emerald gaze.
“Sweet of your brother to leave you in such capable hands,” Xavier commented, his attention shifting back to Ryan. “Though I’m surprised you’re not causing more chaos. Losing your touch?”
“The night is young.” Ryan grinned. “Besides, I promised Matt no international incidents. Domestic ones are still fair game.”
Xavier’s laugh seemed genuine this time. “I remember when you convinced the Chinese delegation that Matt collected rare chopsticks.”
“That was a work of art,” Ryan agreed proudly. “They sent him a pair made from jade. He still hasn’t forgiven me.”
I watched their exchange with fascination. For all the apparent business rivalry, there seemed to be genuine amusement between Xavier and Ryan.
“Your brother”—Xavier turned from Ryan to me—”is notoriously protective of what he considers his.” His gaze flickered meaningfully around the ballroom—Matt’s territory. “It must be… interesting, being his latest acquisition.”
The words were silk-wrapped steel. Before I could bristle properly, Ryan jumped in.
“Andy’s not an acquisition,” he said, still smiling but with an edge that reminded me he was very much Matt’s brother. “He’s family.”
Something flashed in Xavier’s eyes—surprise, maybe, or calculation. “My mistake.” He inclined his head slightly. “Though speaking of acquisitions, I should check on my latest investment. The night air in Vegas seems to inspire… rash decisions.”
He disappeared into the crowd with the same grace he’d arrived, leaving me with questions I wasn’t sure I wanted answered.
“Well, that was fun,” Ryan declared, fishing an olive from his empty glass. “Usually, he saves the territorial pissing contest for the actual meetings.”
“Does he always…”
“Try to get under Matt’s skin? Oh yeah. It’s like his hobby.” Ryan’s eyes tracked something across the room. “Though tonight he seems extra spicy. Probably because of the Palmer thing.”
I watched Matt working the room, Porter still hovering nearby with those papers. The evening’s subtle power plays were starting to make my head spin. Or maybe that was the three glasses of sparkling cider.
“Getting overwhelmed?” Ryan nudged my shoulder. “We could always sneak out. I know where they keep the good snacks in the kitchen.”
“Matt would kill us.”
“Please, he’s too busy playing king of the corporate jungle.” Ryan’s expression turned sly. “Unless you’re hoping to finish what got interrupted earlier?”
I felt my face heat. “I hate you.”
“You love me. I’m the fun brother.” He straightened suddenly. “Oh, this should be good. Xavier’s heading for Matt’s group again. Want to get closer? We can pretend we’re getting more drinks.”
