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“It means you’re being overprotective, like you’re afraid I’ll run away.” She smiles. “I’m not going anywhere, I promise. I’m not your hostage …yet.”
“I like to have my eyes on you at all times,” I admit, meaning every word.
That twinkle in her eye reappears. “I’ve noticed.”
The song ends and she gives me a devilish grin.
“I’ll get some champagne and slowly make my way around the room. Twenty minutes, then we’ll report back,” she says, and I glance down at my watch, giving her a nod.
Lexi turns and struts across the room like a fucking queen. Her chin doesn’t drop once, and the invisible crown stays put. I shove my hands in my pockets, utterly mesmerized as she works the room like it’s her stage. She steals a glance at me over her shoulder and licks her lips.Flirty as fuck.
I shake my head and she barely hides the smile before bringing her focus back forward. Lexi is the main character.Alleyes are on her, especially mine.
It takes all my strength to pull my attention away, and as soon as Weston ends his conversation with someone, I join him.
Across the room, I spot Lexi chatting with our sister. They’re laughing about something and it warms my heart. Billie has never once clicked with any woman I introduced to her.
Another first.
My brother clears his throat, keeping his voice low. “I know that look.”
“Not sure what you’re talking about.”
He chuckles at me, taking a sip of his champagne. “This will be the greatest show of the fucking century. I’m ready for this season, little brother.”
My jaw clenches. “Did you tell anyone?”
I don’t have to finish. He knows what I’m referring to.
“No. Absolutely not.” He gives me his firm tone, the one we use when we’re not fucking around.
He’s avault. But then that means …
“Stop overanalyzing shit and have fun. You still have five days. Make it count.” He pats me on the shoulder.
Billie and Lexi look like they’re friends, and maybe they will be.
“I can’t believe you told her about the car and yourissue.”
“I havenothingto worry about. In thirteen months, everything will go back to normal.”
“You sure about that?” he asks.
“Absolutely,” I confirm, knowing Lexi is emotionally unavailable.
Even though we’re twinning, she finds me in the crowded room and lifts her glass to me. I nod and Weston laughs.
“Do you have something else to say?” I ask, glancing at him.
He smirks. “The chase. Thefalling in lovepart is the fun and games. I’m almost jealous.”
I shake my head at him. “That’s not happening.”
“Deny, deflect, distract. I know the tactics.”
I’m trying to ignore him because I don’t have answers. When a man approaches Lexi and Billie, my jaw clenches. I don’t like how he looks at her or how he reaches his hand out to take hers. I don’t fucking like it at all.
“Excuse me,” I mutter, my brows furrowing.