Katia stiffens. “No.”
“I saw you talking to Oliver,” I continue. “It didn’t look like you were exchanging pleasantries.”
“We weren’t.”
I sigh. “I’ve been wondering if it’s time for you to step back with everything that’s happening.”
Katia’s eyes harden, and she grows even more still. “You can’t be serious.”
“I am.”
Katia scowls. “I haven’t told him anything. I wouldn’t betray you like that.”
“Not even to save someone you care about?”
There’s a small twitch in her eye, but it’s gone in the next blink, and I’m left wondering if I’ve imagined it.
The thought of her looking at someone else, much less my little brother, is too ridiculous to consider.
Almost as ridiculous as you falling for someone who isn’t even from the same world.
“Oliver is a Payne, an extension of you,” Katia replies. “I only care about his safety and making sure he doesn’t get in over his head.”
“Is he in over his head?”
Does my brother know he’s being watched?
Is that why Carlisle can’t find anything else on him?
Is it possible that Katia has uncovered something and is trying to do damage control in a twisted attempt to make things better?
“I think that’s a question for your little pit bull, not me.”
I curl my fingers around my glass and frown. “If I find out you’re hiding something from me, our history won’t matter.”
“I’m aware.”
“Are you? Because my father is right. I’ve let my… affection for you blind me to some things, but make no mistake, Katia, if I discover something, nothing will spare you from my wrath.”
Katia nods brusquely. “I’d expect nothing less.”
“I expect more from you. Carlisle, I could almost understand if you like that sort of thing, but Oliver… he’s not your type, is he?”
Katia meets my gaze with a blank look. “I know what you’re trying to do. You’re trying to make me feel like I can confide in you, like I can tell you things, but I can’t tell you something that isn’t true.”
She leans forward. “I know you don’t think much of me lately, and I will earn your trust back, but I am not stupid enough to get involved with anyone, least of all a Payne.”
“You mean a Payne who isn’t me?”
Katia presses her lips together and says nothing. I frown. “Why are you here and not watching London?”
“She’s been in the manor all day,” Katia replies. “She’s in the west wing now, and yes, I’m sure, because I had a camera installed in the hallway.”
“I’ve also made sure there are eyes and ears on her whenever I’m not there,” Katia adds. “I won’t underestimate her again.”
“Good. And the other matter?”
“Her parents haven’t done anything.”
