I nod. “I’ve made a decision.”
“About what Alexander offered? The casino project. You’re going to take it?”
“No.” Just the single word lifts the weight from my chest. “I’m out.”
“So, out with it. What did Alexander offer Artem?” I pour wine into Megan’s glass and settle on the couch in the hotel suite we’ve been locked away in.
Four Rapunzels waiting for their heroes to come climb the tower to save us. Except it was them that locked us in the tower in the first place.
I think maybe we’ve gotten our fairytales wrong.
“Why do you think I know?” Megan laughs, popping a piece of white cheddar into her mouth.
“Seriously?” I lift my brows. “Because you are just as nosy as me.”
“I’m a little concerned that you don’t already know.” Vee pipes in, grabbing a fry from the basket on the coffee table.
The guys have been gone forever, so we ordered half the room service menu for a little buffet.
“I know they offered to bring him in on whatever they’re planning. To be partners. He just didn’t have time to tell me how.”
“Why not?” Vee asks.
“Because his dad went and died,” I deadpan, feeling slightly guilty taking such a light tone over Seamus’ death. I didn’t know him well at all, but I get the sense that he’d probably be fine with it.
“You know the casino Kaz has been dealing with all the zoning issues over?” Vee starts to explain. “I heard Ivan saying they should give it to Artem.” Her gaze shifts away, then back. “And you.”
“Me?” I laugh.
“Kaz thinks you’d be good at running it. You know, after Alexander makes you finish your business degree,” Megan fills in.
“I’m not finishing my degree. I hate school.”
“I tried to tell him that, but you know your brother.” Megan bites into another piece of cheese.
“What do you want to do, then?” Vee asks, pulling up her feet onto the couch.
“I don’t know.” My shoulders drop.
“Yes, you do.” Sienna snaps her mouth closed. “Sorry. I know I’ve only met you recently, but I think you do know; you just think everyone else is going to be against it.”
“Elana has never cared what anyone else thought about her decisions,” Megan defends with a gentle tone, but then she looks at me, and her mouth drops open. “But I guess there’s a first time for everything.”
“What’s happening here?” Vee looks around us with confusion.
“Elana?”
I down the rest of my wine, place the glass on the table and get up from the couch. All while three sets of eyes are glued to my every move.
“What is it?” Megan gets up with me, grabbing my arm. “Come on, it’s us. No judgment here.”
“Right.” I swallow. “Every one of you has fought my brothers to have your own life, your income, your independence.”
“So?” Vee gets to her feet. “And I wouldn’t say I have a career.”
“No, but you have work. You go out and earn your own money.”
“What are you saying? You don’t want to work?” Megan prods.
