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Oh no. No, no, no.
My concern transitions to alarm when Pierce smiles and pushes past me into the apartment. This can’t be happening.
I feel Kim and Tristan’s confusion, like I’ve somehow betrayed them by bringing Pierce here. As if I’d wantanyof this. I wish I could explain, but it will have to wait.
“Brian Trellis?” Pierce asks.
“Hey, what’s up? Pierce, right?” the man says. “How’s your dad doing?”
They shake hands, and my anger at Tristan dissolves into concern when he goes pale.
This isn’t good.
“He’s doing great. Talking about retiring soon, but you know him. He’ll never truly stop.”
Brian smiles politely. “We just met a few days ago for one of my cases. I like the new office. Very impressive.”
“Yeah? I’ll let him know. I’m hoping to be running it one day.”
“Oh? You going into the family business like your brother?”
“Last year of law school.”
“Good for you.”
“Thanks. You here for Tristan?” Pierce asks with fake nonchalance. I hear the gloating undertone, but Brian reads it straight and nods.
“Are you two friends?” Brian asks.
“With Tristan? No,” Pierce says with a laugh. “I’m with her.”
He motions to me, and I swallow my protest. The last thing we need is drama. I can already tell by the way Pierce keeps sneaking discreet looks at Tristan that he’s plotting something. He’s definitely enjoying his power and this chance to torment him. Tristan must sense it too, because his fists are clenched, along with what seems like every muscle in his body. He looks like a gladiator about to enter the arena, while Pierce sneers back as the entitled aristocrat in his private box.
Let the games begin.
“I just brought dinner for everyone if you want to stick around,” Pierce says to Brian. “I even got the wine you asked for,” he directs at Tristan.
Oh god.
Brian’s expression darkens as he shoots a look at Tristan. “You’re not allowed to consume alcohol. I told you that last week.”
“I know. I—”
“Really?” Pierce asks innocently. “Hey, man, sorry. It’s just that I saw you drinking and partying at Palisades last night, so I only assumed...”
What?!
I’m furious as Tristan visibly reddens in anger.
“What the hell are you talking about?” he snaps.
“You were in a bar drinking?” Brian asks in a stern tone.
“No!” Tristan says.
My heart hurts at the fear on his face. Kim looks ready to punch someone.
“He wasnot,” Kim says, glaring at Pierce. “He’s making that up.”
