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“It’s like a trip hazard in here.”
“Is everything all right, Connor?” I heard Barrett ask.
“Yes, I’m fine. I’m just busy, and my housekeeper has the flu.”
Good one.
“So does Pepper. Must be going around,” Lourde said
My breath hitched in my throat at the mention of my name.
“Must be. Now I’ve got a mountain of files to review before tomorrow’s board meeting, so I think you guys should leave.”
“Leave? We just got here!” Lourde said, ignoring him and making her way into the kitchen. “At least let me have a quick espresso.”
“Make it quick. You know where everything is, Lourde,” Connor said in a resigned tone.
You couldn’t argue with Lourde when she was like that, and only doing so would make Connor appear guilty.
“Well, Jesus, not through this mountain of plates and glassware. It’s like you had a party here or something.” She clattered around, opening cupboards. “Do you guys want one?”
“Yes,” they both said at the same time.
“So, is Alfred busting your balls again?”
“Always.”
The sound of the coffee machine cut through their exchange.
“I’m just busy doing board stuff, you know? So tell me, what’s happening with you? Any closer to finding out who’s after you and determined to ruin you?” Connor asked.
“Getting there. But are we seriously going to talk about this right now, or are we going to address the beef between us?”
“What can I do? You fucked my sister. I can either punch you out or accept it.”
“Okay, for starters, you know you couldn’t punch me out. I’ve got at least twenty pounds of muscle on you.”
He let out a laugh. “It’s not about brawn, and I’d call it ten even.”
“I know I’m not what you and your mom wanted for her. I’m not old money. But we’re happy. I promise you, she means the goddamn world to me, and I’d do anything to protect her. I love her, Connor. She knows me, she knows everything about me, and she accepts me for who I am. She doesn’t want to change me. She loves me. Do you know how rare that is for guys like us?”
Oh wow. I doubt Jake would ever speak of me like Barrett had just spoken about Lourde.
The smell of coffee filled the penthouse, and I heard Lourde’s heels click against the wooden flooring, presumably to hand over coffees to Connor and her lover.
“You guys are the real deal, aren’t you?” Connor questioned.
“I’m all in when it comes to your sister.”
“Me too,” Lourde said.
Oh. Emotion overwhelmed me. I was so truly happy that Lourde had found her person.
A few moments passed, and I couldn’t tell what was happening.
“Well then, fuck it, I can’t stop you.” Connor let out a sigh.
“Are you serious?” Lourde asked. And I had to admit, I, too, was surprised by Connor’s complete turnaround.
