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“I can’t imagine a construction empire would have much need of a forensic computer programmer.”
More than he could guess. “Tech support is nice to have in-house.”
“Sophia has to be better than mere tech support.”
The observation jabbed me. “Just like Briana is better buried in a stuffy office, reading and writing contracts?” I countered, voice dropping an octave.
Michael held up his hands. “I thought she should have done trial law too. She’s a good public speaker.”
But not fiery enough to confront someone on the battle grounds of a trial.I shook my head, biting back the unspoken taunt. I knew she could do it; it didn’t matter if these fools couldn’t see it.
Suddenly having enough of this conversation, I downed the rest of my drink. “Dude, my balls are waterlogged. I’m going to have to go change.”
Not wasting the opportunity, I fled the scene—which was harder to do in sopping clothes than one would anticipate. I didn’t run into Briana in the hall, but I paused at her door. After hearing movement, satisfied that she’d returned, I went to my own suite to change. I wanted to intercept her when she emerged; couldn’t have her going to dinner without her knight in shining armor. That observation had me chuckling. If only she knew what a monster in sheep’s clothing was at her side....
~*~
I’d only ever goneto a dinner theater once to woo a potential politician to our cause. That show had been enjoyable, the business satisfactory. Tonight’s performance, however, was like dining in a house of horrors. The main characters were the Pelto twins, and there was something about the way the eldest siblings interacted that made them the world’s cutest couple or the strangest family freak show.
“They always like this?” I asked Briana under my breath.
A dry and slightly less cranky Briana pulled her focus away from Michael and looked across the bougee cocktail lounge. But it was her brother who answered first.
“They’re worse in private,” Michael said with a laugh, sucking down the rest of his bourbon. The ice clinked in his glass when he placed it back on the table.
“Can’t wait to meet the poor bastard who breaks up that duet,” I murmured.
Michael’s exhale hissed through his teeth. “Henry’s a Hilton. He’s like a handbag my sister acquired. Useful to accessorize with an outfit, but he’s not her other half.”
“Never can be with twins. Her half is clearly the Lannister she’s keeping as a dirty secret,” I chuckled.
Michael broke out laughing.
“Viktor,” Briana warned, looking like she was about to strangle me.
“Welcome to the family, Viktor.” Slapping my shoulder, Michael moved away.
He was a cool dude, especially when he wasn’t being nosey about my little sister. Even though he was wildly successful with his ventures, he didn’t use it to draw attention to himself. In that way, he was a lot like Briana.
Unfortunately, I realized all too clearly that my icy lawyer was desperate for her parents and siblings’ approval. Sophia had warned me what I was walking into, and the longer I was with Briana, the more I wanted to help her.
This is all temporary,a little voice reminded me.And yet, I still found myself scheming up ways to show her that success did not depend on the approval of family. I sighed. I was angry at myself for interfering, but I was even angrier at myself for caring that my interference might not be enough.
“If they annoy youthatmuch, you can go back to your room,” Briana hissed under her breath when her brother left, completely misreading my stormy mood.
I blew out a breath. “I’m not annoyed with them.”
“Well, something is clearly bothering you.” Briana crossed her arms.
“I’m here as a favor to my friend’s sister, that’s all. Everything else I need to let go.” I lifted a finger for the bartender to pour me another.
“Let what go?” Briana asked softly, moving closer.
“How’s it going, champ?” a loud voice suddenly boomed, just before Mr. Pelto brought a hard hand down on my shoulder, squeezing the muscle.
I looked down at the slight, almost delicate hand. I could break it in five places before he had time to react. “It’s going, sir.”
“Ah, I see you’re a vodka man.” Briana’s dad kept squeezing the muscle in my shoulder, and I had to clench my teeth. What was with all the touching in this family? There was only one of themIwanted to touch. Who I shouldn’t be thinking of touching. And yet, that was all I could think about.
