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“But Gabriel’s in Phoenix, running his club. You’ve got his lunatic brother.”
“Yeah. Caleb’s a bit of a loose cannon,” Merrick admits, smoothing a hand over the back of his neck as if to release tension. “I’m learning how to handle him.”
Henry’s eyebrow arches in question, earning Merrick’s scowl.
“Not likethat.”
Henry carves into his tenderloin. “I’m just saying, guys like that will always cause you problems, and you’ve had enough of those to last three lifetimes.”
“Yeah, maybe. But it’s too late now.”
The two men realize I’m listening to them, and they both adjust in their seats.
“We’ll have to thank the chef personally. This meal is fantastic,” Henry says around a mouthful, as if they weren’t just talking about lunatic brothers and the FBI up Merrick’s ass.
“Raj said they were the best.”
A few awkward beats pass. Clearly, I wasn’t supposed to be eavesdropping.
“So, Abbi … looking forward to the party tonight?” Merrick slides a roasted carrot into his mouth.
I force a smile. “I’m sure it’ll be great.”
“It will,” he agrees with an exaggerated nod, but humor dances in those blue eyes. “Especially in your costume.”
I grit my teeth. An exclusive, elite costume party and I’ll bet every female in there will be wearing something sexy. Meanwhile, I’ll be picking hair out of my mouth to get a drink. The more I think about it, the angrier I get. Merrick picked aterriblecostume for me. He knows it, and the jerk is gloating.
Henry sees right through my act. “What’s going on, Abbi?”
Merrick glares in warning.
“Nothing.”
“Abigail.” There’s that tone.
I can’t hold it in anymore. Besides, I have no loyalty to Merrick and what’s he going to do to me? “You told me I would look good tonight.”
“Yes.” Henry frowns. “And?”
“And Merrick told me it’s a circus theme.”
“Did he now.” Henry glares at Merrick.
Merrick shakes his head at me in dismay. “Sorry, man. She looked up at me with those big, beautiful eyes, and I couldn’t lie to her.”
“He has me going as the bearded lady!” There’s a touch of whine in my voice that I’m embarrassed about.
“To be fair, she guessed that part.” Merrick takes a sip of his wine.
Henry purses his lips for one … two … three seconds before his head tips back and a loud, booming laugh escapes him.
“She pounced on me the second you were out of the room. Played out just like you said it would, man.” Merrick holds his glass up.
Henry clangs his against it in a toast. “Fuck, I missed you, Mer.”
Wait a minute. I gape at Merrick. “Were you lying to me? I’m not going as the bearded lady?”
He winks. “I told you not to bother trying.”
