“You’re just going to have to get used to it, dear,” Emma adds. “It’s sort of our thing now.”
“Arseholes, the pair of you,” he says with a grin. “Now, Emma made me promise not to bring it up, but apparently everyone at the hotel thinks you’re shagging your boss.”
Swatting him on the arm, Emma gives him a death glare, which he ignores.
“Oh, do they?” I ask. “Just because we’re both single, attractive, and have a searing sexual energy…”
“So youarethen?” Pierce asks.
“Not that it’s any of your business, but, no, we’re not shagging.” I pick up my sad glass of tap water and have a swig, trying to purge the image of shagging Bree out of my mind. Damn, didn’t work. Did it really have to be a no-sexandno-booze contract? One surely would have been enough to teach me my lesson. “We’re friends, but I’m not about to risk my entire future on a woman, no matter how cute she looks in a swimsuit.”
Emma laughs. “Oh my God, so there is some truth to the rumours. Youlikeher.”
“I also would like to have a sip of that beer,” I say, pointing to Pierce’s drink. “But if I’m ever to have a life again, I shall have to endure a few more months without that, either.”
“Or you could tell Father to sod off and be a free man for the rest of your life and shag whoever you want,” Pierce adds offhandedly.
My head snaps back at the suggestion. “I may not be the smartest of the Davenport sons, but I’m not fool enough to give up a life of luxury.”
“Life of luxury? Really, Leo? Or is it allowing them to control you until either they die or you do?”
“Controlling me? No.” I glare at my brother, anger simmering away in my blood. “I’m not sure if you noticed, but I do exactly what I want, when I want, which is literally the perfect life. And I intend to go back to it as soon as this silly test is over.”
“This silly test will never end. You must know that,” Pierce says. “This is them painting the boundaries you must live within if you wish to continue to suckle at the financial teat of our father.”
“First of all, disgusting metaphor, so thanks for that,” I say.
“He’s right,” Emma adds. “That was one of the more grotesque images you’ve come out with, which for you, isreallysaying something.”
“Second, once I prove our father wrong—which I intend to do—I’ll make sure to squirrel away some savings in case he decides to do this again.”
“You can’t hear how pathetic that sounds?” Pierce asks. “Even when you say it out loud like that?”
“There’s nothing pathetic about having no expectations and no responsibilities—”
“No reason to get up in the morning. No purpose.”
“Exactly. It’s the ultimate in freedom every day. No schedule to keep. No mind-numbing boredom sitting at a desk all day. Just wake up and go wherever the wind blows,” I say, staring up at the blue sky.
“Or you could decide you’d rather have a real life—one in which you have hopes and dreams and ambitions and you stand on your own two feet so you can call yourself a man.”
“Iama man, thank you very much.”
“Only as far as biology is concerned,” Pierce quips.
The server chooses that moment to come by our table. “Are you ready to order your mains?”
Looking up at her, I say, “They might be. Turns out I’m only a childish side dish.”
Her face wrinkles up in confusion. “Excuse me?”
“Nothing. Sorry. I won’t be staying for lunch.” Standing, I toss my napkin on the table. “Emma, lovely to see you, as always.” Raising my voice so everyone can hear, I say, “It’s Pierce Davenport, author of theClash of Crownsseries!”
Pierce gives me a death glare, and I grin back at him for a second. “Everyone! Literary genius Pierce Davenport in the house! Let’s give him a round of applause, shall we?”
The patio is suddenly buzzing with energy as the other patrons start clapping and rising from their seats to get a good look at my brother. Giving him a salute, I say, “Enjoy your lunch,” before weaving my way through his excited fans.
That’ll teach him.
