Page 160 of Empire State Enemies

“No, thanks.” Thank the gods for small mercies, because my wine collection is courtesy of Walmart’s discount aisle.

He remains standing, gaze laser-focused on me. “Look, I’ll get right to it. What exactly is going on with my brother lately, Lexi?”

“I, uh, I’m not sure . . .” I stammer, feeling my traitorous cheeks burn.

His raised eyebrow and disapproving stare make me feel like a scolded child. A gesture so reminiscent of Connor it disorients me for a second.

“I don’t usually go to strangers for information. And let’s just say your track record with my brother doesn’t exactlyinspire trust.” He steps forward, the floorboard creaking under his polished loafer like it’s screaming in terror. “I don’t know you, Lexi, but your history with my brother makes me uneasy.”

“I made a mistake, which was not in my character,” I fire back. I’m not having a second Quinn judge me for crimes against billionaires.

“He told me. And I’m going to give you the benefit of the doubt. But I also want to protect my brother.”

I resist the urge to warn him about the wonky floor. Now’s not the time.

“And Connor’s been spending time with you,” Killian continues. “So I’m coming to you for help.”

I open my mouth but only manage incoherent stuttering.

Crap crap crap.

“He’s distracted—walking out of pivotal negotiations, abandoning media appearances.” Those glacial eyes drill into me, unrelenting. “Is it drugs? Alcohol addiction?”

I’m so thrown by the question that my mouth just hangs there. “What? No! It’s nothing like that.”

He folds his arms, looking every inch the older, slightly more world-weary version of his brother. There’s a touch of gray in his brown locks, but those ice-blue eyes are exactly the same. A genetic Quinn family trademark, I imagine.

“There is something then,” he deduces. “What is it?”

I gulp, feeling like I’m in aLaw & Orderinterrogation.

“It’s crucial you tell me.”

This feels like a no-win situation. “Shouldn’t you be talking to him about this?”

“I’ve tried repeatedly. He shuts me out.” His jaw tightens, and I think I hear his teeth grinding from across the room. “I’m turning to you, Lexi . . . for his sake. Help me understand what’s happening before he self-destructs. If you give a damn about him, you’ll let me in on what’s happening.”

Wow, going right for emotional manipulation. Talk about being between a rock and a hard place in the shape of Quinn brothers.

Nervously, I shift on my feet. I have no idea how to handle this crisis. I’m damned if I do, damned if I don’t.

I can’t spill Connor’s secrets, but part of me wants Killian to know the truth. Underneath it all, it feels like the right move for Connor. Killian may seem tough, but he’s here because he cares. Connor loves his family deeply—by shutting them out, he’s only hurting himself when he needs their support most.

“I . . . it’s not really my call to make,” I hedge feebly.

Killian leans on the table, gripping the edges hard. If he breaks it, he pays for it. “Lexi, I’m really concerned about my brother.” Now I see genuine concern in his eyes. “Please, if you know what’s going on, tell me.”

The guy’s pulling every heartstring with that appeal, but betraying Connor doesn’t sit right with me either.

“Look,” I say gently, tugging on a strand of hair like I’m trying to pluck it out. “I can’t share details. It’s Connor’s story to tell. But he’s under a lot of stress, not partying or anything bad. Ultimately though, he needs to open up to you himself.”

He frowns. “If it’s not drugs or alcohol, what is it? Something health related?”

I bite my lip, pulse racing with stress. Suffocating silence hangs between us.

Dread flashes in his eyes. “Christ. It is health related,” he confirms grimly.

I keep my mouth shut.