“And deny Xavier his moment in the spotlight?” Matt’s voice dripped sarcasm. “How cruel of you to suggest such a thing.”
Ryan’s laugh carried across the garden, bright and young and entirely too eager. Xavier’s expression softened for a fraction ofa second before he caught Matt watching and his mask slipped back into place.
“This is painful to watch.” I sighed. “Like a puppy trying to befriend a shark.”
Matt’s fingers laced through mine under the table, his grip almost too tight. “Xavier always did enjoy playing with fire.”
“Though we should probably save your brother before he spontaneously combusts from enthusiasm.”
“Let him burn a little longer.” Matt’s smile was all teeth. “It’s been a while since I’ve seen Xavier struggle to maintain that perfect composure of his.”
I shook my head, puzzled by Xavier’s constant glances in our direction. “He’s not very subtle about wanting your attention, is he?”
Matt’s laugh was genuine this time. “Oh, pet. You’re seeing the game, but not the players.”
From the terrace came Ryan’s voice. “The way you handled that hostile takeover was brilliant!”
Xavier’s eyes met Matt’s across the garden, and something passed between them that I couldn’t read. Challenge? Warning? Victory?
I had a feeling I was missing something crucial, but before I could puzzle it out, Porter’s steady gaze from the next table caught my attention again, and a different kind of unease settled in my stomach.
The night wound down like expensive wine, leaving behind a pleasant buzz of conversation and laughter. As we made our way to the hotel’s entrance, Xavier’s voice carried across the lobby. “Matthew, always a pleasure. Ryan… fascinating chat.” His smile held secrets I couldn’t decipher.
“Work?” I asked as Matt checked his phone for the fifth time in as many minutes.
“Unfortunately.” Matt’s jaw tightened. “There’s a situation with our Asian markets that can’t wait until morning.”
“At this hour?”
“The market never sleeps, kitten.” He pressed a kiss to my temple. “And neither do I, apparently.”
Ryan bounced on his heels. “Perfect! I can keep Andy company. We’ll have a proper sleepover, paint our nails, braid each other’s hair?—”
“The last time you tried to braid anything, you nearly scalped Jeremy,” Matt pointed out dryly.
“That was one time!” Ryan protested. “And he moved!”
The drive back to The Maxwell was quick, the night traffic sparse. Matt’s fingers drummed against his thigh, his mind already shifting to whatever crisis awaited him. In the lobby, he pulled me close for a kiss that tasted of promises and apologies.
“Don’t wait up,” he murmured against my lips.
“Do I ever listen?”
His smile was worth the late hour. “Never. It’s one of your more endearing qualities.”
As Matt disappeared toward his office, Ryan looped his arm through mine. “Come on, future brother-in-law. Time for some family history.”
The penthouse felt different without Matt’s commanding presence. Ryan immediately made himself at home, heading straight for the kitchen.
“Hot chocolate?” he called out, already rummaging through cupboards. “Matt always keeps the good stuff stocked. The fancy Belgian kind that comes in gold boxes because apparently regular cocoa isn’t billionaire enough.”
I laughed. “Sounds perfect.”
Minutes later, we settled into the plush sofas with steaming mugs topped with tiny marshmallows, Ryan sprawled out like heowned the place while I tucked my feet under me. He pulled out his phone, swiping through photos.
“Okay, crash course in Caine genetics. First up, Daniel.” He showed me a photo of a tall, handsome man with Matt’s strong jawline but softer eyes, his arm around a stunning blond woman while two children clung to his legs. “The responsible eldest. Hollywood producer, married to Sophie—she’s the gorgeous one who’s way out of his league. Those two mini terrorists are Ella and Logan. They call me their favorite uncle because I’m the only one who’ll smuggle them candy behind Daniel’s back.”
He swiped to another photo—this one of a group shot at what looked like a Christmas party. “And this disaster is Jeremy.” He pointed to a man with an easy smile and perfectly styled hair, who had his arm around a pretty redhead. “Currently corrupting Chicago’s advertising industry with his girlfriend Tessa. He basically gets paid to be as chaotic as he naturally is.” Ryan’s grin widened. “He’s going to absolutely love you. You both have that ‘Matt’s not the boss of me’ energy.”
