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“How come you know all this?”

“Because despite being his second son and your brother, I did due diligence. I couldn’t afford to overcommit myself. Then we’d all have been cactus.”

“Then explain his behaviour.”

“I’m not convinced it’s abnormal yet. I can guess that being threatened might make him reassess what’s happening in his world, where he wants to be in five or ten years’ time. Knowing his son was prepared to give up his own dream to help him would have shaken him. Parents are supposed to look after their children, remember? You told me that. I’ve certainly reassessed my life since meeting Anna. I don’t want the same things. To be blunt, you sound like you’ve been reassessing as well.”

“Beatriz says I’ve got more business acumen than I give myself credit for.” Cas wasn’t sure why he’d said that except it brought Beatriz into the conversation.

“Whoa. That’s what this is about? Beatriz?”

“I could be useful to Dad.”

“Beatriz said you could be useful to your dad?” Hunter scoffed his disbelief. “In what universe? You’ve been making connections in the textile printing world for years, making connections with distributors, testing out your designs at markets and small trade fairs. You could be far more useful to yourself.”

Hunt wasn’t letting him off the hook.

“Beatriz says I have the skills and experience to make a go of my own business.” Cas sighed. Beatriz made him believe he could run his own business. He just wasn’t sure he wanted to do it without her.

“Smart woman, Beatriz Gomez.” For Hunter, that was a question. “Kind of cute too.”

“You’ve got your own woman.”

“Who’s occasionally cute.” Hunter grinned. “So, is Beatriz your woman?”

“Because it’s you, I won’t clock you for that sexist remark. Beatriz and I are—”

“You can’t finish that sentence.”

“You’re not going to call me on messing with Anna’s friend?”

“From what I’ve heard so far, neither of you is messing.”

“She needs money.” Cas deflated.

“Has Beatriz asked you for money?”

“Never.” And she never would. Cas knew that, which made winning her back harder. “She can’t move in with me, because she can’t pay her share of costs.”

“Sorry if I seem a bit dense here, but how did the topic of Beatriz moving in with you come up? When we left for our honeymoon, you were in Jaddatee’s flat.”

“We’re staying in Anna’s apartment.” Cas waved a hand in the air. “It started as a mix-up. Beatriz went there seeking refuge from her sisters. Maha asked for her granny flat back.”

“It’s got two bedrooms.” Hunter’s voice was bland. His eyes twinkled.

“Did Anna tell you?”

“Anna mentioned a mix-up. Said you’d reached a compromise to share—”

“Al’ama. Anna told you we’re sharing a bed.”

“Anna didn’t use those words.”

“Is that why Anna’s out tonight?”

“Part of it. She said Bea asked her for another week. Anna got her to accept two.”

“Two weeks won’t make a difference except to drive me crazy. I’ve moved out.”