Forbidden Love

10

Barrett

Iwas late to her party because Connor dragged me to dinner with the boys. I couldn’t exactly refuse, seeing my reason for declining was his sister. Yeah, I don't think he’d take too pleasantly to that news.

Trying to respond to her texts at dinner was difficult, so when I arrived at her party, it took me a nanosecond to spot her beauty—and the guy standing opposite her wanting to fuck her brains out. Okay, so it had me seeing fucking red, even though she did nothing wrong. I was exactly the same seeing her flirt with Finigan at the Diamond family dinner a few weeks ago. Torture didn’t even begin to explain the pain that slashed through my chest, having witnessed that fuckery. Now the same feeling was back just from the look that asswipe was giving my girl.

Fuck, get a grip. My moods were shooting from zero to a hundred in a heartbeat. It had to be work messing with me.

News of the fire at 21 Park wasn’t ideal, but I was rattled when the crane accident happened this week, and nothing ever rattled me.

I watched Lourde laugh and sip while chatting with Grace, all the while stealing subtle glances my way. Carefully, of course, because Connor was seated next to me alongside both Ari and Magnus. Oddly quiet, Connor sipped on his whiskey, and I hoped he couldn’t smell the delicious scent of his sister’s cunt on my lips.

I felt her before I turned round to find Grace and Lourde by the couch.

“Have you guys seen Pepper? I thought wherever she’d gone to, she’d be back by now.”

“I saw her a while ago,” Ari said.

“Wasn’t she talking with you on the balcony, Connor?” Magnus shot Connor a look.

“Before, yes.” We all stared at Conner, waiting for more.

“What? She was upset, telling me about how she split from Jake.”

“They split?” They appeared so happy in the Hamptons. Why wouldn't Lourde have told me that?

“Yes, they split! What the hell do you care?” Connor's tone took me by surprise. In fact, looking around, all eyes were on Connor now.

I put my hands up in mock surrender. “I don’t care, Connor.”

Connor glanced away but not before I took note of a vein popping in his neck. Christ, what the fuck was his deal?

Lourde cleared her throat. “We all thought they were solid. Regardless, she's not picking up her phone, she’s not here, and I’m worried.”

Connor ran a hand through his hair. “I’m sure she’s fine, Lourde.”

“I wouldn’t worry, hun. Pepper always finds her way,” Grace added, looking like she’d had one too many champagnes and taking refuge on Lourde’s shoulder.

Only a handful of people remained at the party, the ones who were slowly filing out, as final drinks were being served while the handful of others swayed precariously to the cool beats playing from the speaker system.

“Well, this has been fun, sis. I’m glad you’re all set up here.” It hadn’t gone unnoticed that Connor changed the subject. Ari and I exchanged glances, the curiosity in his gaze matched mine.

Lourde sat down next to Grace, who had slumped down beside her and closed her eyes momentarily. “If I'd known living on my own would be this much fun, I would have moved out earlier.”

“Have you seen the old ball and chain?” Connor asked, and we all laughed. Grace opened her eyes and sat upright.

“No, not since I’ve moved out, I’ve been working.” Lourde smiled at me, but behind her seemingly innocent smile held a mischievous look I was all too familiar with. My mind went to all the places we were going to go as soon as everyone left.

Connor slapped me square on the shoulders, dragging me away from imagining bending Lourde over the cool countertop, spread eagle and wet.

“God forbid you would want to walk over to the little company called Diamond Incorporated and help a brother out.” He scratched at his forehead, his gaze dropping. Lourde looked from me to her brother.

“I didn’t know you needed help, Connor.” Her voice was soft, laced with concern.

“I don’t need any help.” He stood. “Anyway, it’s late. I’m going.”

“Already?” Ari asked.

“Yes,” he snapped.

“Nah.” Magnus folded back into the lounge and picked up his beer, taking a sip.

None of us made a move to join him. Why would we? So when the three of us remained seated, he threw us a shaded look, letting out a groan.

“Whatever. See you later.” He leaned over, kissed Lourde on the cheek, and walked toward the entrance, leaving the rest of us confused and at a loss for what just happened.

I watched Lourde watch her brother leave. Her arched eyebrows pinched together on her pretty porcelain face. “I hope he’s okay.” She got up and stepped over Grace to sit beside me, filling the space where Connor had just left.

With the last of the crowd filtering out and Grace curled up on the corner of the lounge, Lourde leaned into me, her hand resting on my thigh. I pulled her closer into my chest, loving the feel of her even more that she wasn’t afraid of showing her affection in public.

“So it is true then.” Magnus stared at Lourde, then me, his gaze piercing. “I knew it.”

Lourde nodded. I'm going to tell Connor tomorrow,” she said.

“You are?”