He grimaced and typed a quick,Thanks.
He hadn't meant for it to happen, but it seemed like every third sentence out of his mouth had been something about Crystal. He’d wondered what she'd think of a crazy fan's war paint from head to toe. He’d mentioned how funny she'd been when she was with her brothers. He’d even let it slip how much he liked her.
Fine, so he hadn't actuallysaidthat one, but Pansy was intuitive enough to figure it out. And she was a good sport, happy to bow out in favor of her friend.
Crystal had chosen wisely. If he wasn't already enamored with her, he'd have gotten along well with Pansy.
He followed his bodyguard through the garage and found his father waiting for him just inside.
"We need to talk,” Father said, “if you've got the time."
That sounded serious, and his stomach plunged. He'd spoken to his father briefly about Max.
"Always have time for you."
They walked together to the first-floor parlor that was decorated in tones of maroon and gold.
"I suppose this is about Max." Valentin forced himself to release the tension that had taken residence in his shoulders. He propped his hands on the stone windowsill and leaned back on them.
"Tell me."
"Annika passed."
The news hit him like a physical blow. He exhaled the shock.
"How?"
"A car accident. A few days after the baby was born."
The baby. Max had a baby. Max was a single father. No doubt he wanted help. His brother hadn’t been able to keep a pet fish alive for more than a few days, and now he was asinglefather? Being on his own must have been a world different from living in the palace with a staff to support him.
"Did you know? You and Mother? About the pregnancy."
Father nodded. "Your mother hired private investigators when he left. She's gotten weekly reports. And I've spoken to him on the phone a few times. I didn't think you'd want to know."
Valentin nodded. Father was right. He'd wanted ignorance.
"What does he want?" Other than a piece of Valentin's soul. Just imagining Max moving back into the palace made him want to throw something. And if he brought Annika's daughter? The daughter Valentin had imagined would be his own...?
His chest was tight as if he might be suffering a panic attack. He fought for breath.
"He wants to talk to you. To apologize."
He shook his head. "I don't think so." Tonight, he'd been lost in thoughts of Crystal. How long had it been since he'd been mired in memories of Max and Annika together? Even that morning at her apartment, being with Crystal had muted the pain.
Now the pain was back with blinding intensity.
He shook his head again. "I can't."
Father clasped his hand on Valentin's shoulder. "Easy, son. Easy."
He exhaled a shaky breath. He didn't like being this vulnerable. Didn't want his father—or anyone—to see him like this.
But he was safe with Father. He knew that.
"I stopped loving her the moment she betrayed me. But Max—"
"He's still your brother."
