“I’d do it all again. For her and for the kids,” I say without hesitation. “And you’re right. That’s not all I know about you. I know enough to be sure she wasn’t taking a risk when youstepped into her life. And when she started smiling again, every time she talked about you or with you, I knew I’d done the right thing.”
Alexander smiles, his expression smoothing.
“You know,” he says, an analytical look in his eyes, “I was jealous of you at first. Jealous in a way that makes you see red. Every conversation we had, it was‘Mark this, Mark that.’There was always something about you—just like there was always something about the kids. I could tell you were someone special to her from the start. And all I could think was, I really hope this isn’t one of those friends-in-love scenarios, just waiting for the right timing.”
My tongue itches to interrupt, but I let him finish.
“But thankfully, it didn’t take long to realize she sees you like a brother,” he continues. “And from the way she talks about you, it’s the same on your end.”
“That’s right,” I say. “And before your mind wanders anywhere strange, this is strictly sibling-level affection. Not the Game of Thrones version, of course.”
“Huh?”
I slap the bar for emphasis. “For fuck’s sake! Don’t tell me you’ve never watched the show. Honestly, you and Cecily really are made for each other.”
The bastard laughs right in my face.
“It’s funny,” he says, “how I already feel like I know you. That reaction right there? It’s exactly what she told me to expect.”
I can’t help the smile that tugs at my mouth.
“Cecily’s the sister life gave me,” I say. “There’s never been so much as a flicker of chemistry between us.” Then I let the smile fade. “And if you ever eventhinkabout hurting her, whatever you imagine I’m capable of won’t come close to what I can actually do.”
Instead of bristling, he sets a hand on my shoulder. When he speaks, his tone is serious.
“I love your sister like I’ve never loved anyone in my life,” he says. “And you’ll never know how grateful I am for what you did for her. For always being in her corner.” His jaw tightens. “We both know how much she needs that, especially when the people who should’ve protected her the most were the ones who hurt her instead.”
I nod, that recurring surge of anger stirring at the memory of everything that happened a year ago.
I hold out my hand and grip his. “Welcome to the family, Alex. And just so we’re clear—my warning stands.”
He returns the squeeze, smiling. “So... can I call youbrother? Orbro?”
“Don’t push it,” I say, matching his tone, fully aware he’s enjoying himself.
We order our drinks, and as we wait, we keep talking. He updates me on the move to New York, but inevitably ends up saying more about Cecily and the article she’s writing for his company’s magazine than about his actual job.
Yeah. My girl has himthoroughly whipped.
When the drinks are ready, we head back to the table, take our seats, and set the glasses in front of Cecily and Aurélie.
When the lovebirds slip back into their own bubble, I turn to Aurélie and casually, check her fingers again, looking for even the faintest ghost of a ring.
Nothing.
“So,” I say, “Cecily told me you’re a visual artist. You do exhibitions from time to time.”
She gives me a salacious smile.
“I could tell you all about my paintings,” she says. “Even the brand of brushes I favor. But we both know that’s not what you’re really interested in.” Her hand lands on my knee. “Here’swhat’s going to happen. We’ve been discreetly eye-fucking each other all night, and we both know it.”
Her hand slides a little higher, dangerously close to my groin, and I shift in my chair.Christ.
“We’ll stay a bit longer,” she says easily. “Enjoy the music. Then I’ll say my goodbyes and wait by my car. You’ll follow me back to my apartment and show me how much French you picked up in New Orleans.”
Fuck. She’s bold. Exactly my type.
And right on cue, my mind flashes to the last time I thought that... and how spectacularly it blew up in my face. I shove the thought aside and smile at her.
