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“I promised the interview to someone else.”
“And why, exactly, would you go and do a thing like that?”
It was a wonder the steam didn’t crystalize from the ice in her tone. “I don’t want anyone crying about preferential treatment, especially if they get wind of our personal relationship. So, I called Johnny over at Channel Five and promised him the post-ceremony interview.”
“Dammit, Cyrus.” She resumed scrubbing with a restrained fury that made him glad for the shower wall between them. “You couldn’t have told me sooner? I already have a camera guy lined up and my editor is expecting an interview.”
Guilt pricked at him. “You’re right. I should have told you last night. I’m sorry, Ace.”
“I’m trying really hard not to be pissed, because I know that you’re under a lot of stress right now.” Straightening, she jabbed the washcloth in his direction. “But you and me, we’re going to have a serious problem if you keep shit like this from me in the future. Got it?”
“Loud and clear.”
“Good.” With a dainty sniff, she turned to let the spray wash the suds from her skin. “And dinner is on you tonight. You owe me that much.”
“Of course.” Satisfied they’d made it through that particular minefield, he set their coffee cups aside and opened the shower door. “Looks like you missed a spot, Ace.”
“I thought we were running late?”
“They can wait.”
* * *
The ceremony was just as longand boring as he’d expected it to be. His own part, ironically, had only lasted about a minute when he’d stood to accept the position with a short speech promising the Guild would continue their tradition of keeping harmony and balance, blah blah blah. A sentiment he’d repeated during his interview with Johnny, who had actually turned out to be rather pleasant to work with. He’d have to keep him in mind whenever he needed to toss the press a bone in the future.
And now, several hours later, he was finally settled in his office, looking out over the capital. It was, he had to admit, a stunning view with the Washington Monument rising tall and proud off in the distance. The Zodiac Circle was more central, and from his office, he had a clear view of each sign’s monument.
A knock at the door drew his attention away from the window. “Come in,” he called, turning to greet his visitor.
It was Harrison, of course. The man had been practically glued to Cyrus’s side all day. “How are you getting settled in? Is there anything we can get for you? Anything you’d like changed?”
“Everything is perfect.” When Harrison made no move to leave, he sighed inwardly. “Did you need me for something?”
“Ah, well, there is someone here who would like to meet with you.”
“If it’s another reporter, I’ve already given an interview. Have them make an appointment.”
“Not a reporter. He says he’s your brother.” Harrison’s tone was flat, but there was a hint of excitement in his tone, as if he were in on some juicy gossip. “I assumed since your family wasn’t on the invite list for the ceremony that you hadn’t invited them, but…”
“I didn’t.” But he should have known it wouldn’t keep them from showing up anyway. With all the press, it had only been a matter of time before they learned of his new role, as much as he would have preferred to keep them out of his life for good.
The more pressing question was, what the hell did his brother want? If Cyrus sent him away, he’d simply show up again, like a bad penny.
“You can send him in.”
“Of course. Would you like me to have Katelyn send up some refreshments?”
“That won’t be necessary.”Because he won't be staying long. Cyrus kept the other half of that statement to himself, as it would only fan the flames of curiosity with a man like Harrison.
“All right. I’ll be right back.”
It was at least a ten-minute round trip for Harrison to collect someone from the lobby, time which Cyrus was grateful for to get his riotous emotions under control. He hadn’t seen any of his family in over a decade and having any of them sprung on him without notice was…disconcerting.
But when Adrian stepped through the door of his office, it was like no time had passed at all. There were a few lines around his eyes and mouth Cyrus didn’t remember being there before, but other than that, nothing had changed. He still had that same cocky tilt to his mouth, the same dangerous glint in his eye.
“I was beginning to wonder if you were going to have me thrown out on my ass,” Adrian said, the ever-present smirk shifting to a mischievous grin. “I’m shocked you allowed me in. It’s been too long, big brother.”
“What do you want, Adrian?”
