I shrug lightly and spot an opportunity to do some damage control. ‘He’s better company than Asher.’
Sloane snorts. ‘No, he isn’t.’
Emmy’s perfectly sculpted brows lift. ‘Oh?’ She turns her attention to Sloane, a calculating gleam in her eyes. ‘And how would you know, exactly?’
I glance between them and immediately recognise that glint in Emmy’s eye. It’s the one that means she’s found a new thread to pull.
Sloane’s expression doesn’t change, but I know her well enough to spot the flicker of irritation tightening her jaw. ‘I just do.’
Emmy smiles like a lion who’s just scented blood. ‘Interesting.’
Sloane’s mouth curves into a dangerous half-smile. ‘Not really.’
I can feel the tension stretching between them, and while they’re locked in some kind of silent power struggle, I let my gaze drift over Emmy’s shoulder.
That’s when I see him.
Asher.
He’s standing across the room, surrounded by a cluster of people I vaguely recognise. A daughter of a duke, several athletes, a model or two, a son of a real estate mogul. But standing beside him, and leaning in just a little too close, is a woman I don’t recognise. She’s beautiful, of course. She’s got glossy brown hair, perfect full red lips, and a dress that looks stunning on her but was most definitely not made to sit down in.
She says something that makes him laugh and an unexpected wave of jealously hits me.
I force my eyes away, my throat tight. He’s doing exactly what we agreed to do. Flirt. Perform. Sell the illusion that there can never be anything between the two of us. I should be relieved that he’s playing his role so well.
But I’m not.
I drain the rest of my champagne and turn abruptly back to Sloane and Emmy, who are still circling each other like rival predators.
‘I’m going to get some air,’ I say, setting my empty glass on a passing tray before either Sloane or Emmy can respond.
But before I can slip away, Teddy reappears with two champagne flutes in hand, grin still firmly in place. ‘Did I miss something?’ he asks me in a hushed whisper, glancing between Sloane’s frosty expression and Emmy’s strained smile.
‘I’m not sure,’ I say truthfully. Whatever it is that’s going on between Sloane and Emmy has been simmering under the surface for a while now and maybe it’s all about to finally come out.
Teddy shrugs and then offers me one of the glasses. I take it automatically, grateful for the excuse to look away from the tension radiating between Sloane and Emmy.
Unfortunately, my traitorous gaze automatically drifts back across the room.
To him.
I let out an irritated sigh and Teddy follows my gaze. He’s quiet for a long moment, watching Asher and the womanwith an expression that’s surprisingly thoughtful. Then he makes a soft, sad noise. ‘Well, that must suck for you.’
The words hit like a dart, and before I can stop myself, I forget to pretend I don’t know what he’s talking about.
‘Yeah,’ I breathe out.
Teddy looks at me for another moment, something flickering behind his easy grin. Sympathy, maybe? Then he clinks his glass lightly against mine.
‘Come on, future sister-in-law,’ he says brightly. ‘Let’s get you out of the blast radius.’
I let him lead me away, champagne fizzing on my tongue and jealousy burning in my chest.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONEAsher
Harlow is still talking. I think she’s saying something about her latest campaign shoot in Paris, or maybe it’s Milan? Honestly, I stopped keeping track about five minutes ago. I nod when she pauses, offer a polite ‘that sounds incredible’ and hope it’s close enough to whatever she just said to keep me from looking like a complete ass.
Because the truth is, I haven’t heard a single word. I’m too laser-focused on the fact that Imani is currently giggling with my brother.
