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Felicity grinned like they were sharing a secret, and Amber knew she knew there was more Amber wasn’t saying. “Come on then. I don’t know about you, but I am positively famished!”

Amber smiled and followed her into the room where the rest of the party was already gathering.

Of course, sitting near Felicity also meant sitting near Christopher.

He glanced at her. “I’m surprised your cousin is letting you sit so far from him.”

“Apparently, Felicity arranged it.”

“Did she now,” he sighed. “Why am I not surprised?”

Amber couldn’t help but feel a sense of whiplash. He was being far colder with her than he had even just earlier that day.

“Is something the matter?” she asked.

“What do you mean?”

“I don’t know, only that you seem… off somehow.”

“Do I? And you are so used to recognizing my behavior and moods?”

Amber frowned, opening her mouth to say something, but Felicity beat her to it.

“Get that bee out of your bonnet before I get it out for you.”

He rolled his eyes but fell silent.

Christopher couldn’t tell her what was rattling around in his head. She couldn’t know just how worried he was about ruining Felicity’s life and her prospects.

“Excuse me!” Felicity called, snapping him out of his thoughts. “Did you hear a word I said?”

“Of course, I did. You know I always hang on your every word.”

She pouted, turning to Amber, the source of all of his problems.

If she had never tempted him, he wouldn’t have to worry he was risking Felicity’s future. If he were a better brother, he wouldn’t even consider helping Amber.

It wasn’t too late.

He could tell her it was too risky.

Amber would understand. She didn’t even seem to expect him to agree when she had first asked.

“Why are you seated all the way down there?” Thomas whined.

And just like that his decision was made.

Again.

The meal passed in pleasant conversation, but all he could think about was how best to help Amber without risking Felicity.

The whole time, he couldn’t stop sneaking glances at Amber, and he couldn’t help but notice that she seemed to be doing the same.

Then he made the mistake of meeting Felicity’s eyes and seeing her smug grin.

He turned away, ignoring her with renewed determination.

“Do you want to join us in the land of the living?” Felicity laughed, tapping her brother on his arm.