“Not until I demanded she explain what the hell she was doing at the airport with us. That was a fun conversation.”
“Aadi, if you like her, this doesn’t have to change anything?—”
“I don’t.” Ah, another too quick answer, meaning he so does. I bite back a grin. “God, I want a proper drink. What the fuck is all this bubbly shit?“
“Carbonated piss. It’s very posh, don’t you know.” We laugh. “Let’s go to the bar and demand they serve us something stronger.”
“Wow, Milly, don’t let all that power go to your head,” he quips.
I laugh as I lead the way. “Whatever. As of tomorrow morning you’re basically my bitch.”
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Amelie
It ended up being a great party, particularly once Monty dragged all the old stuffed suits off to have cigars or whatever crusty dudes do. Onyx and Bex are a dangerous combination, and I’m pretty sure he wants to kill her. Kalen and Adrianne have been on their best behaviour, and even Elsie and Jasper have kept the night drama free.
I kept waiting for the shoe to drop, but nothing bad happened.
I breathe a sigh of relief as I slip off my stilettos and Sawyer calls the lift. I’m eternally grateful that I don’t have to walk up the stairs. I think I’ve literally danced until I’m ready to drop.
“Does anyone wanna come back to our room for a nightcap?” Kalen asks. I elbow him in the stomach. “Ooof!”
“I just want my bed…floor mattress…camping thing,” I say, stifling a yawn.
“Huh?” Adrianne frowns.
“Kalen had the beds removed and the room turned into a giant blanket fort instead.”
“What are you, six?” She snorts.
“You’re just jealous that you’re not allowed in.”
“I am not!”
“Are too!”
“I—”
“Children! Enough,” I snap. “I’m too tired for this shit.”
Thankfully the lift comes and we file in. When it reaches their floor we say our goodnights and leave Jasper, Elsie, and Adrianne. Bex and Aadi disappeared long ago. The other women too. My father never returned from guy time with Monty, but he did text me to say he was fine and going to bed. That just leaves me and the guys and our amazing penthouse.
Onyx heads to the shower and Kalen is already under the fortgetting it set up, whatever he means by that. Slate goes straight to the small kitchenette and gets himself a drink.
“Can we talk for a minute?” Sawyer asks, and I nod. We both sit at the small table. “I’m sorry for keeping things from you.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Aadi wasn’t even on board until last minute. Apparently he’s very stubborn, just like his sister.”
I smile at that because it’s very true. We are both our father’s children in regards to our personality.
“With Bex, we had to wait for the DNA test, and by the time we found out, I had to get them initiated and on a plane. You had enough going on and there was never a good time. I was busy, not only with our board, but every damn board around the world had to be overturned and replaced with immediate effect. We are deadly serious about bringing us into the twenty-first century, and we can’t trust what baskets Harold has his eggs in. He officially has nowhere to turn now. If he’s found in any country and taken in front of the board, he won’t get immunity and will be sent straight back home.”
“Thank you. I’m so lucky to have you protecting me and your brothers. I don’t know if they see what you do for them, but I do.”
I know he can’t help it; after what happened with his friend he tries so hard to protect everyone, always looking out for them, but he needs to slow down before he burns himself out.
