Page 55 of Betrayal

“I don’t do jealousy.It’s too destructive.I suspect you don’t either.”

She chose loyalty, and if Hunter couldn’t offer the same, they had no chance of a future.

“You’re right.”But in his experience, too many people liked to keep their partner second-guessing about whether they’d stay or go, seeing it as part of the thrill of romance.In Hunter, it had bred a cynicism, which Anna was blasting away.

“You know my rules.We talk, we share, we trust.Reduces misunderstandings.”

“Uh-huh.What about Niall’s friend?”

“Lucy McTavish—an unknown quantity.”Anna frowned.“She’s his landlady.Maybe more.”

“You sound disapproving.”

“I’m reserving judgment.But I’ll learn more tonight.”

“Poor Lucy.”

Sliding off her stool, she moved to stand between his thighs.“Hello, Hunter,” she murmured before initiating a slow kiss.

Hunter anticipated sumptuous, because he was learning all Anna’s kisses were sumptuous, but this one went deeper.

“Thank you for coming to meet my family.”An “It Ain’t Me Babe” ringtone sang out.“That’s Kate.”

“Why that song?”

“A family joke.Johnny and June Carter Cash.One of the first pieces of music Kate and Liam shared on a road trip.”She stared at the message.“Oh.”

“Something wrong?”He even found the pucker between her eyes sexy.

“Niall doesn’t want us to discuss his exhibition tonight.I’ve sent Kate a thumbs-up emoji, but something’s wrong.”

“But you’ll do what he asks because he’s your friend.”Hunter added this new proof of her loyalty to all the other examples he’d seen.

“Goes without saying.”She hesitated, then added, “I saw him last week.I’m doing the exhibition promotion and have designed an extra page to add to his website.All the promotion should be live by now.He’s running out of time to meet his deadlines.”

“Any ideas?”

“Lucy.”Anna scowled.

“I’ll kick you under the table if you make faces like that at dinner.You look like a thundercloud on performance-enhancing drugs.Everyone will know something’s wrong.”

“Promise.”

“You’re serious?”Hunter asked.

“Niall’s waited years for this exhibition.A few months ago, it was all he could talk about when we had a family catch-up.I don’t want to say something I regret.So, yes, please.Kick me, step on my foot, spill a drink on me, kiss me if it’s looking like I might disgrace myself and embarrass Niall.”

“I’ll distract Lucy.After all, she and I are fellow travellers.The outsiders under the microscope.”

“You’re here because I love my family and want them to meet you.”

“That’s what I said.”He grinned.

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They were assessinghim.

I was expecting that.