Page 19 of Scorched

Beau stormed his way into the pantry.

Kirkland tensed. He had never seen Beau angry. Kirkland had never been more terrified in his life. Holy shit. His body was frozen.

Beau focused on Kirkland. “Go back to the party.”

Kirkland cast a glance toward Fabrice. He knew he risked death if he defied Beau, but he would for Fabrice.

Fabrice nodded toward the door. “It’s fine. Get back to celebrating the man who’s practically your son.”

He didn’t want to leave Fabrice, but he obeyed. “Okay. I’ll see you out there.”

Fabrice kissed his cheek and sent him on his way. Kirkland didn’t make eye contact with Beau as he passed. If he saw any intent to harm Fabrice in Beau’s eyes, he would stay.

Beau closed the pantry door behind him with a snap. Kirkland desperately wanted to listen at the door, but Beau would know. The guy knew everything. With a heavy heart, Kirkland headed back out to the party. He might not know how to fix this, but he could start trying.

Fabrice hated losing his temper and looking dramatic. Sometimes life got the best of him. Tonight, he had lost the battle against his anger. He slid off the countertop and straightened his chef’s coat. Fabrice avoided meeting Beau’s gaze. He never wanted to look weak in front of the man who had given him everything. Every thought he had dragged him closer to the edge of tears.

Beau moved across the room and pulled Fabrice into a hug.

Fabrice lost the battle. “Mon Dieu. I feel so dumb for being this upset.”

Beau’s hold tightened for a second. “No. It’s Jett who should feel like an idiot. Please know I’ll deal with that.”

Fabrice took a step back and wiped his face. “That’s not necessary. Kirkland and I both hit him with a wooden spoon. I imagine both his hands will be black tomorrow.”

Beau’s angry expression didn’t soften. “I’m glad to see Kirkland taking such good care of you. Eventually, I’ll have to add him to the payroll. He won’t stop working.”

A watery-sounding chuckle escaped Fabrice. “True. He’s a good man.”

Beau nodded. “Tomorrow, I’ll speak to the staff and shift some people around. You’re not taking enough downtime, and it upset Kylo that you weren’t there to swim with him earlier. I’ll not have him disappointed.”

Fabrice nodded. “Yes, sir.”

A loud sigh burst from Beau. “For fuck’s sake, Brice, you’re my family. You make me feel like a monster who keeps one son as a slave. I am a monster, but you know what I mean.”

A small smile tugged at Fabrice’s lips. “You’re our monster.”

Beau gave him a sharp nod. “Damn right. Now, let me help you with this backup masterpiece so you can get to the party. Kylo is still holding out hope you’ll be his pool buddy.”

A chuckle escaped Fabrice. “How did you know there was a backup? In fact, how did you know about any of this?”

Beau headed for the waiting croquembouche. He answered as he went. “First off, there was no missing this jaw-dropping artwork. Secondly, I know you. You never take chances. There’s always a backup. As for knowing about Jett, you know I have eyes everywhere.”

Fabrice met Beau’s stare as they lifted the dessert piece. “Did Tidy tattle, or was Jett incapable of not gossiping, even about himself?”

Beau laughed. He looked like a different person. Kylo had changed him. Fabrice loved to see it. “Both.”

Fabrice laughed along. He should have known.

“For the record, you are very much loved here. I hope you know that.”

Fabrice nodded, even though he very much did not know that. He certainly didn’t feel the affection tonight. They got the new centerpiece in place. Fabrice took his place beside the table. He clasped his hands behind his back. All he could do was hope he didn’t look like a man who had lost it five minutes earlier.

“I’ll open the room.”

Fabrice gave a sharp nod.

Beau eyed him for a second longer.