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Stefan came to his feet and pulled Victoria’s chair out for her.
“You married a prince and he pulls out your chair,” Mia said, then turned to Bronson. “Are you taking notes?”
Bronson laughed, and glanced at Stefan. “Give a guy a break, would ya? You’re making me look bad.”
Victoria wrapped an arm around Stefan’s waist and squeezed. “Can’t help it if my man is always a gentleman, Bron. Looks like you need to step up your game.”
Stefan didn’t miss the way Bronson studied how Victoria was holding on to him, and he didn’t miss the way the look of surprise resonated when Victoria said “my man.”
Just where were they headed? And why the hell was it important for him to know? He was a man for crying out loud. The sex was amazing, she wasn’t demanding of his time and she hadn’t asked him for anything. Why was he suddenly analyzing everything like a damn woman?
Anthony came back in as they were all moving from the room. “She’s all ready to go,” he announced, handing Carly back to Charlotte.
Olivia went to get Lily from her high chair when Bronson spoke up.
“You ladies go on ahead,” he said. “I’d like to talk with Anthony and Stefan.”
Okay, so now the moment of opportunity had presented itself, but Stefan had a feeling this wasn’t going to be the time to bring up his favor, not with the look Bronson was giving him.
Because he tended to be spiteful, Stefan leaned down and gave Victoria a kiss—and not a simple see-ya-later peck.
What he and Victoria decided to do with their marriage was nobody else’s business, and he would fight for their privacy no matter who he went up against.
“Fine with me,” Olivia said. “I’m just glad you’re all not talking about the film.”
“We just haven’t gotten to it, yet,” Anthony piped up. “We will. Don’t worry. We’re only a few months into the shoot, still plenty to discuss.”
“Yes, I’m aware of the time frame.” Olivia rolled her eyes and adjusted a wiggly Lily in her arms. “I should’ve known better than to think we’d get through the night without shop talk.”
“Play nice with the other boys,” Victoria said with a wink.
Obviously she missed the way Bronson was throwing daggers. “Always,” Stefan promised.
Once the ladies and babies were gone, Bronson crossed his arms over his chest. “What the hell kind of game are you playing with my sister?”
“No game.” Relaxed, Stefan rested a hand on the back of his chair. “And before you get all big brother on me, let me tell you that I will not share how Victoria and I treat this marriage. It’s none of your concern.”
Anthony cleared his throat. “Excuse me, but did I miss something in the two minutes it took to change a diaper?”
“Stefan seemed to be on more than friendly terms with Victoria,” Bronson supplied. “I’m just trying to make sure he’s not playing a game with her. She’s been hurt before.”
“Bronson.” Anthony sighed. “Simmer down. Stefan and Victoria are grown adults. If they want to...whatever, then that’s their business.”
Bronson cursed. “Did either of you pay attention when that jerk broke her heart? Did you hear her crying? See the way her self-esteem lowered? I won’t watch someone I love go through that again.”
Guilt tore at Stefan that Victoria had gone through all of that and he hadn’t been able to help her more. But with his father’s illness and death, there was just no way to be in two places at once.
Just the thought of her crying over some jerk who wasn’t worth her tears made his gut clench. She deserved all the happiness and love life could give.
“Listen,” Stefan said. “We know what we’re doing. Yes, we’ve grown closer than just friends, but that’s our business. I won’t explain our actions to you or anyone else.”
Anthony chuckled. “Guess that settles that discussion.”
Refusing to back down, Stefan continued to stare at Bronson. No, he hadn’t heard the cries from Victoria because she’d always been so strong on the phone, but he knew she’d been hurt. A woman like Victoria who loved with her whole heart and was loyal to a fault couldn’t come out of a relationship like that and not be scarred.
And he was no better than Alex. Wasn’t he using her as well to gain a title? The only difference was he’d told her up front.
“I won’t let her get hurt again,” Bronson said. “I hate to sound all big and bad, but I had to tell you where I stand.”
