Page 33 of Bargaining

A brother with an American accent? Really? Cole had rarely spoken about his family, but I knew he had two brothers: Lucas and Theo. I allowed my curious gaze to pass over the handsome stranger. There was some family resemblance, but not a lot. He had the Thorner height and dark hair, but he had an amiable smile and a playful glint in his eye. Not even a hint of brooding. Very un-Thorner-like.

“I’m actually a half-brother. I grew up in New York. I don’t see Dad’s side of the family as much as I’d like.” Reuben followed my gaze to Cole. “Typical. My brother arrives with a beautiful woman on his arm and still spends the evening talking business.” A strand of hair flopped casually over Reuben’s forehead. He brushed it backwith a flirtatious smile. “Cole is all work. He never switches off.” He presented his arm. “Luckily, you bumped into the fun brother. Shall we dance?”

I couldn’t help my laugh. “And you bumped into the fiancée.”

His eyes widened with incredulity. “I’m sorry?”

I flashed him the ring so huge it looked like a candy ring sported by a toddler. “Cole and I are engaged.”

His eyes widened further, as though it was preposterous. Perhaps it was. Cole probably turned up to these parties with a different woman every time. All of them no doubt more refined and elegant than me.

I waited for Reuben to burst out laughing and call me out for lying, but he chuckled genially and reached for my hand. “Well, in that case we’re definitely dancing. I need to get to know my new sister-in-law.”

Chapter 15

Cole

“You’re not an easy man to get an audience with,” I said.

Gabe’s smile was noncommittal as he scanned the party. “The football club takes a lot of my time.”

“I’m sure it does. I heard you’re thinking of selling La Dolce Vita.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Word travels fast.”

“I didn’t think you’d ever sell.”

“Property was my father’s interest. I’m not attached to the hotels. I’d rather invest in my team.”

I lowered my voice. “Whatever my father offers, I will better it. Shall we get a meeting in the diary?”

Gabe’s shrewd gaze roved over me. “This is a party. It’s no time to talk shop.”

“Fine, I’ll have my people talk to yours. This week?”

He wrinkled his nose. “I don’t think so. I’m not one to get in the middle of family drama.”

“No drama. I just want to throw my hat in the ring if you’re selling. You’ll find me an easier person to do business with than my father.”

He frowned. “I’ve heard a lot about you and your father, Cole. I get it. My dad could be a difficult man at times. Family grievances are never worth it. Life is too short, believe me.”

“This is business. It’s not personal. I’ll make you the best offer.”

“Not everything is about money.” He flashed a charming smile, but his voice was firm. “My wife is waiting for me. Excuse me.”

Gabe headed off into the soirée.Fuck!I eased my tie around my collar. It didn’t matter. You only fail when you stop trying. Failure wasn’t a viable option. I’d find a way in. My jaw ached with tension. I scanned the room full of fake-ass people having shallow conversations. I had to find my fiancée. She’d been so long she must have fallen down the toilet. I’d brought her here to make me look good, and she’d ditched me at the earliest available opportunity.

Among the sea of bodies, I spotted Charlotte in the arms of another man. Surprise froze me to the spot, but it morphed quickly to anger.Fucking Reuben!The sniveling little weasel had his hands all over her. I should have been the only one touching my fiancée, even a pretend one.

My fists clenched by my sides. Reuben was holding her too close, as if he had any right. Rage blistered through me. I wanted to plant my fist squarely in this bastard’s face. I weaved toward them, but a firm hand on my shoulder stopped me.

“You never grow up, do you, boy?”

The bitter words sent a shudder through me. My blood ran cold. He wasn’t supposed to be here. Theo had given me the guest list. This man wasn’t on it. I steeled myself to turn around and face my father.

Sir Philip Thorner’s cold eyes scanned me. “I saw you talking to Gabe Rivers.”

He hadn’t aged a day since I’d last had the misfortune of being in his orbit. His salt-and-pepper hair was perfectly coifed. His tux was immaculate. If Charlotte thought I looked like a vampire, thenthis was my sire. He’d taught me how to drain people dry in corporate boardrooms. How to toy with your prey before you sank your fangs into the jugular. Philip Thorner was a mean, soulless man. By the time he was done shaping me in his image, I wasn’t much better.