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Chapter 46
Brotherly Love
Gregor
Five months later…
This night has been so far beyond a success. I couldn’t be more proud of Chlo. I’m watching her live her dream.
I look down at her. Her face is glowing. The tight black dress she has on is showing off her tight body and gives her a classy, sexy look. She’s commanding the room tonight.
“You did your thing,” Sid says and pulls Cee into a hug as she and Clayton come over to the painting we’re standing in front of.
This is the one I purchased for my home office. It’s one of the ones inspired by the hot-air balloon ride. This painting fills my chest with so much joy and peace. I had to have it.
“This is all so amazing,” Marnita says as she rushes over and wraps her arms around Sid and Chlo.
She rocks the other two women in her arms. I don’t miss the rosy tint to her cheeks. I’ve come to learn how much Marnita is another part of this close-knit friendship. Something I couldn’t understand from a distance.
“God, I’m so proud of you,” Sid gushes.
“I am too,” Marnita adds.
“This was a great turnout,” Clay says, placing a hand on Sid’s back as the three women separate.
I don’t miss my brother isn’t giving Sid more than a few inches of space. I can’t say I blame him. It’s only been a month since she was attacked.
A lot has changed within four weeks. With Dupont and Fran out of the way, deals haven’t been falling through as much and I’ve been able to focus more on helping with the Cane and Ally situation.
I look across the room and my gaze lands on Cane. Yeah, I’m going to have to address that before we leave for the night. Ally has been giving Chloe a wide berth all evening and I don’t think it’s out of respect for how important the night is.
“Congratulations,” my friend Stew, the gallery owner, says to Cee as he joins us. “This has been the best turnout I’ve ever seen for a debut artist. You’re officially sold out. Every piece has gone and for nothing less than half a million. Thanks to Mr. Claremont driving the pieces into bidding wars.”
“Are you serious?” Chlo breathes.
“It was my pleasure to do my part,” Wade says as he joins our little group.
“You’re good for something,” I say as I look my brother in his blue eyes.
I’m still working out how I feel about him being my younger brother and not the cousin I’ve thought him to be all my life. Wade has been a pain in my ass for years. However, I never knew my father’s secret.
The old man is full of them, I’m learning. We’ve yet to have a conversation about all he’s been hiding. I haven’t been in a forgiving mood when it comes to him. Let him stew in the mess he has made.
“Where’s the love?” Wade croons.
Sid shakes her head. “I’m still getting used to the fact that you’re their brother.”
“I know, it’s hard to believe you missed out on being my woman and now you’re my sister-in-law,” he teases.
Clay’s nostrils flare. “You keep playing with me, Wade.”
Wade holds his hands up in the air. “I’m just joking. Damn, that temper is nasty.”
Clay frowns and waves a hand at Wade. “You’re going to learn when to stop joking with me. I don’t play when it comes to my wife.”
The ladies giggle behind their hands. I even have to grin a little. That is until Cane comes over and leans into my ear.
“I need to talk to you.”
