Sinclair straightened like he’d been caught.
I leveled a glare at him. His smirk stayed the same, but it held a tension that wasn’t there before. I shook my head. His gaze dropped, and he tugged at the collar of his shirt.
“No need to stop talking on my account.” I plopped my ass on one of the kitchen chairs. They all shared a look.
Elias’ mouth was in a thin line. If I had any doubt of his anxiety, it disappeared with the thrum of emotion coming toward me. His feelings flashed so briefly, but sharply, his pheromones a thick coat on my tongue.
I had to rub my knees to soothe my nerves.
“Go rest?—”
“I want to be a part of this conversation,” I cut Kyan off.
Instead of arguing, he nodded tightly.
“Well, we can throw a party without an auction.”
“I thought you weren’t going to tell me?” I met Sinclair’s gaze, holding steady, as his focus skittered to the side. “I think an auction is a great idea. Whatever way ensures those Bourne fuckers attend,” I said, since the awkward silence hadn’t left.
“Sweets,” Sinclair started, his voice extra syrupy. “I said not to tell you because . . .” He trailed off, mouth opening and closing.
I raised an eyebrow.
“Just stop,” Kyan muttered.
“Did you think I wouldn’t realize the level of indulgence you took part in? How many women you have fucked? You guys own a fucking strip joint.” I paused to swallow the thick lump of emotion in my throat. “It’sbeenclear, it’s more than I can conceptualize.”
I struggled to swallow again.
“Briar.” Kyan straightened.
“You’re right. I don’t want you anywhere near our past,” Sinclair announced.
“Please,” I huffed, giving a look. “Let’s not act like I wasn’t living on the top of your club.” I waved my hand. “Back to the matter at hand. You’re throwing an auction party. However you guys go about it, start doing that. What do you need me to do? I can go up for auction—or serve drinks.”
“No,” Elias growled. “You can’t be anywhere near that.”
“Keeping out of sight is best.” Of course Kyan was backing him up.
I crossed my arms and glared at them. Sinclair kept conveniently quiet.
“We can touch base?—”
“You’re not about to ‘corporate-speak’ at me.” I pointed my finger at Kyan. “Would you rather I go with you. Or without you. Either way, I’ll find my way there.”
Their silence gave me the answer.
Kyan cleared his throat and shuffled a few steps toward me, rubbing his hair.
“There’s something else to talk about; We scheduled the soonest appointment we could with the Bond Specialist. Hopefully, they can tell us how to fix all of this?—”
“Fix it?” I scoffed, straightening my spine until it hurt. “You think a Bond Specialist will fix it.” I stifled my smile, staying seated when all I wanted to do was jump to my feet and run as far away from them as humanly possible.
Silently, they all exchanged looks until Kyan rolled his shoulders and faced me.
“We—I—fucked up, Briar.” His shoulders moved jerkily with his inhale. “Can you forgive me?”
“Forgive?” I couldn’t stop shaking my head. “Was me fucking another Alpha not message enough?”
