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The popping of a champagne cork is a welcome surprise.
I snap my eyes up and meet Dad’s knowing gaze. He sends me a wink. “Let’s celebrate. I happen to have purchased a few cases of Moët and Chandon. Do you like champagne, Angélique?”
“Who doesn’t?” She cracks a smile and the tension fades.
Over the next hour we chat and drink and I end up calling Connor as Dad opens yet another bottle of champagne. He kind of officially meets Angélique, even though he’s seen her before at the last meeting. Then Mason reports that the boys have dropped Carter off, so that leaves us to simply wait until he gets back to us. Not the kind of position I like to be in, but I guess the outcome so far could have been worse. Besides, I’d like Connor and Mia to meet so they can improve our security network. Perhaps work out a plan to hack Carter’s father’s practice so we’re sure the little weasel will stay on our side. After all, I’ve become an expert in digging up dirt over this last period. And there’s nothing more pleasurable than digging up dirt that’s not ours. Yeah, I’ll play with Carter Hutchinson. Just like the good old days. Hell, he’s once again become my favorite toy.
That’s what you get for pissing me off.
By the time Mason takes us back to the hotel, it’s dark and rainy outside and I’m feeling edgy again.
“Even in this sad weather, the city looks amazing,” Angélique mutters, her head against my chest, her eyes glued to the outside view. I chuckle and press a lock of hair behind her ear.
“From inside a car, yes. But trust me, those people running around looking for cover, don’t feel the same.” When we get to the hotel, we jog our way inside, coats pulled over heads.
“Bring Angélique upstairs,” I instruct Mason. “I’ll be right up.”
She turns her head and gives me a surprised look. “Where are you going?”
Nowhere, but she doesn’t have to know. I need a moment to calm down. Instead of sharing that with her, I hold up my phone. “Important call.”
Once they’re both out of my view, I make my way to the bar and order a whiskey. It’s quiet at this time of the evening and instead of taking one of the dark purple chairs, I find a stool in the far corner. Habit, I guess.
My brother picks up straight away. “Hey bro, what’s up?”
I exhale, feeling instant relief when I hear his voice. We never discussed the weird call the other day. I sense that he doesn’t want to talk about it. I trust that he’ll talk to me if he needs to. “I’m good, yeah.” I roll the whiskey in my hand. “Actually, I kind of need a favor.”
“Anything man, tell me.”
I sigh. “I don’t want her to go.” As I say the words, my body feels instantly lighter. There. I said it. Connor doesn’t speak for a moment, and the next thing I know I hear something that sounds like a chuckle. What the fuck?
“I can’t believe it.” The sound transforms to a full, annoying laugh. It’s contagious and makes me crack a smile.
“Yeah.”
“So my big, bad bro has finally fallen for someone, hey? I’m so happy for you. Presuming it’s mutual?”
“Yeah,” I repeat sheepishly. “I think it is. I want to, you know…”
“Come on, spill the beans.” He lets out another chuckle and I grind my teeth. “You can practice on me.”
“Oh, fuck you. I want to propose, you happy now?”
“Very.”
“Will you be my best man if I get that far?”
“I’d be honored, you know that.”
I inhale deeply and let the ball of fire consume my insides this time. “Ok. I gotta go, I’ll keep you informed.”
“Good luck bro, love you.”
I down the rest of my whiskey and ask the desk employee to get Angélique to the roof terrace. On my way, I find an umbrella that I’ll temporarily borrow. When I get to the roof terrace, it’s wet and deserted. Despite the rain, the city’s alive, like my city always is. I feel fucking great.
It doesn’t take long before I hear the door slam closed behind me. I keep my position, facing the view in front of me, and Angélique creeps up against my side under the umbrella. We stand like that for a moment, both looking at the scene in front of us. Then I feel her eyes on me.
“Are you all right?” She asks.
