“You know who.”
His high-school-turned-college girlfriend, the love of his life, the girl I could have sworn would become my sister-in-law before we were twenty.But it didn’t work out.In fact, Archer had detonated it.
"Well, is it a happy marriage?”I nudged him, hoping for a smile, but I didn’t get it.“Listen, you’ll figure something out.Or go find someone new.I know it’s insane, but miracles can happen.You just need to put yourself out there.And we need this fucking money."
Archer didn't respond immediately.
“I give you permission to be a little reckless, if needed,” I added, hoping this would help.Archer had always had a reputation for being reckless when he was younger.It had been a sore point between us on occasion.He’d outgrown it.But maybe he needed some of that reckless spirit to accomplish what we needed now.
His gaze drifted across the ballroom, his expression was unreadable."I'll think about it."
Before I could push further, I spotted Sebastian Cross near the bar.He was tall, dark hair slicked back, and he radiated the kind of arrogant confidence that came from growing up with a silver spoon jammed up his ass.
“There he is,” I muttered."Clara, can you and Mia stay here with Archer?I need Trojan to come handle something with me.”
Clara's eyes followed my gaze and widened."Nash, don’t go talk to him.Please.You’re upset, so it’s better to just leave him alone."
"I'm not going to do anything stupid.I just need to talk to him."
"Famous last words," Archer muttered.
Clara dipped her chin, searing me with a serious look.“Do you promise me?”
“Scout’s honor,” I said, smoothing my hands over her hips before pressing a kiss to her lips.
“You weren’t a Boy Scout,” she reminded me.
“Still applies, kinda.”I ruffled Mia’s hair.“We’ll be right back.”
I tipped my head, letting Trojan know I was ready.We crossed the event patio in long strides.As I zeroed in on his face, the anger kicked back to life.What a fucking prick this guy was.Sebastian saw me coming and had the audacity to smile.
"Nightingale.I was wondering when you'd show up.I assume you got my correspondence."
"Your correspondence.”I couldn’t even prevent myself from openly mocking him.“You're suing me for defamation, you fucking asshole.”
"Evidence you manufactured."Sebastian swirled his whiskey as he leaned against the bar, unbothered."My lawyers have proof."
"Your lawyers are also idiots.Everything in that research is vetted.Time stamped.Documented.I can notarize it too if that’ll help."
"It’s funny that you think a notary helps your case.Very basic of you.The point is the evidence doesn’t even matter.Either way, it's going to cost you."He took a sip, his eyes cold."I don't need to win, Nightingale.I just need to drain you."
"You're a piece of shit."
"I'm a businessman.There's a difference."He set his glass down, offering a plasticized smile that made my stomach turn.“And what are you?”
My hands clenched into fists.“A man with morals.Which is far more than you can say.”
“Gentlemen!Things seem to be getting tense here.”A new voice cut in, and a man I didn’t immediately recognize angled himself between Sebastian and me.To Sebastian, he said, “Why don’t you go talk to Charlie?He’s waiting by the door.”
Sebastian took off without another word, leaving me and this mystery man facing each other down.
“Are you Sebastian’s keeper?”I bit out.
“Not quite.”The man extended a hand, a similarly plasticized smile overtaking his face.I remembered I’d seen him at a party with Sebastian months ago.Clara had pointed him out.“I’m Sterling.Sterling Cross.It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
I eyed his hand for a moment then shook it briefly.I didn’t say anything.
“I’m Sebastian’s cousin.I’ve been wanting to meet you, Nash.”
