“You weren’t kidding about the sound traveling from downstairs,” she says when I sit in a club chair across from the upholstered banquette where she’s seated beside Ogram. “Now I understand why you’ve never rented out this room.”
“I’d definitely have to invest in soundproofing if I wanted to make use of it for business.”
Hope’s gaze travels the room before landing on my face again. “It’s such a warm, cozy space. I can totally picture amusician on the small platform there, playing or singing for an intimate group.”
Old, tamped-down emotions rise to form a ball in my throat. “Yes, that’s how I envisioned it as well.”
“I bet it’d be super popular with locals and the tourist crowd. Is it the expense of upgrading the building that’s held you back? Because I bet we could fundraise.” She raises one finger when I open my mouth, probably because she knows I’m about to protest. “You could figuratively repay people who donate by offering free or discounted admission to performances in the first year, etcetera. And of course, the drinks up here would cost more than downstairs, because of the exclusivity factor. That’d help offset the free admissions.”
“You’ve given this a lot of thought,” I say with a smile.
Ogram, her huge troll mate and soon-to-be husband, looks at her as if she just single-handedly hung the moon. “There’s no stopping Hope’s beautiful brain from formulating a plan once the seed of an idea takes root.”
“Oh, I’m aware,” I say. “Hope had some very helpful ideas while working downstairs. But this particular seed isn’t going to have an opportunity to grow into a full-fledged plant for reasons other than the cost of building upgrades. And that’s all I’m prepared to say on the subject at this time.”
“Understood.” Hope makes a zipping-the-lips gesture. Or starts to. Her hand is only halfway across when her eyes open wide and her mouth does the same. “He came!”
Smiling widely, Ogram rises from the banquette in tandem with Hope, their full attention directed toward the archway entrance. Though he’s pleasant and warm, Ogram has always been solitary. He’s stepped out of his seclusion since Hope entered his life, but he still isn’t one to have social friends. With his fated mate tucked under his arm, there’s only one person’s arrival that could put a smile like that on the troll’s green lips.
Someone whose name didn’t come up while discussing tonight’s party or the wedding. The one person I want to see more than anyone in the world, while simultaneously wishing I never had to come face-to-face with again.
Shit.
Chapter Four
GRÜSH
Fuck.
Coming here was a mistake I didn’t have to make. I could’ve spent the evening in my little rental cabin, then apologized to my brother tomorrow and told him I missed tonight’s party because I was jet-lagged and fell asleep.
Ogram would’ve believed me. Would’ve responded with understanding, not uttered a single disappointed word. Because it wouldn’t occur to him that attending this party—beinghere, in this location—is an issue.
He doesn’t know my history with Cate.
Nobody knows, unless she’s shared that information in the years since I left, which I doubt.
We found each other before monsters came out of hiding and integrated into human society. Most humans weren’t aware of our existence, and those who were, in my experience, had no interest in mixing romantically. Hell, it’s not somethingI’dever given a single thought before meeting Cate.
Our time together was spent in secret. As many stolen and created moments as possible. She wanted a life with me before itwas societally acceptable. She loved me for who I was, simple as that. And it did seem simple for a while.
Then integration happened. I had the opportunity to play music publicly, on stage in front of anyone who wanted to hear me, something I never thought would happen. Cate agreed to go with me so I could pursue a career, but I knew her heart wasn’t fully in it. She loved me, but she’d worked hard building her business. I knew she didn’t want to walk away from it, and I had no idea where the road might take me or for how long. It didn’t surprise me when she changed her mind at the last minute.
Maybe I should have pushed for her to join me. To try it out for a while. But that would’ve been selfish. She wouldn’t have suggested I give up my dream, and I owed her the same respect. I told her I loved her. She said that she loved me. I believed we’d figure it out. Be together always, even when separated by thousands of miles.
“Grüsh!” Ogram booms when he reaches me, pulling me in for a hug that nearly cuts off my ability to breathe. Despite being younger, he’s always been the bigger, stronger one, and his farming versus my concert life over our years apart has amplified the difference.
After releasing me, he immediately pulls his fiancée into his arms. His very pregnant fiancée. That’s some news he didn’t share. Even with the large, protruding baby belly, she’s still small by comparison.
“I’m Hope,” she says, offering a hand for me to shake. “It’s so nice to finally meet you. Ogram has told me a lot of stories.”
I huff a laugh. “I bet there are still plenty you haven’t heard, if you’re interested in the less wholesome slices of life from our younger years.” The next sound to leave me is a grunt as Ogram’s massive fist connectsplayfullywith my abdomen. Fucking beast, my baby brother.
“Hope knows every detail I remember, and if I have forgotten any, I welcome your additions,” Ogram says, his attention focused entirely on the woman tucked against his side. “True mates share everything.”
That four-word statement lands heavier than any punch. Fortunately, the soon-to-be newlyweds are too engrossed in each other to notice the grimace I feel settling on my face.
Apparently, the bottom falling out of my stomach isn’t a shitty enough sensation, because rather than change the subject and start a new conversation with my brother, I scan the room for Cate.
