22
Lourde
It was so obvious now. I was just a fuck to him, nothing more. I watched as a redhead draped herself over him, his broad shoulders and back facing me as I walked down the stairs. I’d have doubled over in pain if people hadn’t already seen me.
Politely, I chatted with the few familiar faces that came up. Then, removing myself as quickly as possible, I walked over to the kitchen counter, and I helped myself to the tray of canapes, emotionally eating one after the other.
In the late afternoon, when Connor rang, I was shopping with the girls. He said Barrett was hosting another party, and they were flying in tonight. Caterers and party planners were at the house by the time I arrived, and I hid in my room, deciding I needed space from Barrett after last night. But as the music and laughter echoed up the stairs and the missed call from Connor, I thought I should make an appearance. Heck, why should they have all the fun?
The coconut shrimp danced on my taste buds, and I ate three more. Peering through the crowd, I could just make out Ari and Connor chatting with their dates, but my gaze fixed firmly on that dark mane of thick hair and the gorgeous woman playing with it.
Who the fuck was she?
My throat clogged with emotion while my skin burned with rage. Suddenly, my feet moved from the spot where I was standing in the kitchen as the adrenaline pointed me toward their table. He was my brother. I’d have to say hello. If I didn’t at least say a brief hello, I knew he’d pester me until he knew where I was.
Wearing a white shirt-dress with my lace emerald bra poking through, I steadied my needle heels against the floor as I moved from the kitchen to the living room.
I didn’t really recognize anyone. Ari had fashion connections from his late grandmother’s fashion house that still ran today, and Connor knew everyone from Manhattan to the Hamptons, so getting a last-minute crowd together on billionaires’ row wasn’t difficult.
“Connor!” I exclaimed, hardly recognizing my high-pitched voice.
“Sis!” He peered up from his seat and smiled. He tapped the woman on his lap, and she stood up quickly. He shot up to hug me, then released me. “You’re sunburned,” he frowned.
“This?” I pointed to my body. “It’s so much better.”
“Lourde, aren’t you a breath of fresh air?” Ari said, coming over. He kissed me on both cheeks.
Barrett was trying to get up when I said, “Stay. You both look busy anyway.”
I didn’t even look at him. I couldn’t look at him. He made zero effort to show remorse, let alone say hello.
“What can I get you, sis?” Connor asked.
“I can’t stay.”
“You just got here,” Connor said.
The gorgeous woman whispered something in Barrett’s ear, and nerves shot up my spine. Anger coursed through my veins, filling them with lead.
“I promised someone I’d go for a walk with him along the beach.”
What the?
In the corner of my eye, I noticed Barrett sit up straighter.
“Hang on a minute, who?” Connor asked.
“Just a friend,” I said, letting my lips curl into a smirk.
“Someone’s moved on quickly.” Ari laughed.
“Oh, I have.” My voice was deadly serious, hoping to get a rise out of Barrett.
“Barrett, have you met this friend?” Connor asked.
“Can’t say I have.” I met Barrett’s steely gaze. His jaw set into a razor-sharp line. In a show of strength, I straightened, lifting my chin. Two could play at this game.
I’ll show you that not all women are affected by Barrett Black. I can forget you just like you forgot me.
“Well, I’d like to meet him before you leave, okay?” My brother looked at me. Concern etched across his face.
Fuck.“Sure, I’ll just go get him.”
I caught Barrett’s eye just before turning. Darkness burned behind his dark greens. I smiled politely before retreating.
Walking inside and toward the living room, it didn’t take long to spot a gorgeous man.
“Hey, I’m Lourde. I have a favor to ask.”
“I know who you are. I’m Michael.”
Tall, fair, and shaggy brown hair, Michael looked at me with daring eyes.
“Yeah, no, it’s not like that.”
“Oh.” He frowned.
“It’s going to sound weird, but can we go for a walk along the beach, or at least pretend we’re going to? Before we do that, though, we have to meet my brother and his friends over there, and I need you to pretend you're into me.”
He looked from me toward the balcony where throngs of people now congregated. “Well, if it means I get to walk along the beach with Lourde Diamond, sure.”
I rolled my eyes. “Hey, there’s no funny business.” God, even Barrett’s words were rubbing off on me.
“Can’t say I won’t try.” He tossed me a grin, and I laughed.
“Michael!”