Page 69 of Forty, Flirty & Framed

The way his eyes glint makes me uneasy, as if he knows something I don't want him to know.

"Some of us succeed on merit rather than nepotism," I manage, proud that my voice doesn't waver.

"Merit…An interesting word.So subjective, don't you think?People aren't always what they seem."

A chill runs through me.

Is he implying something, or am I just paranoid?

"Richard."Callum's voice cuts like a blade."A word.Now."

"Can't it wait?I was just catching up with my favorite ex."Richard's smile doesn't reach his eyes."Did you know Karina makes these little noises when she?—"

"That's enough," Callum growls, the sound a low rumble that seems to make the floor shake.

"Is it?Because I could tell you so much more about?—"

"Excuse me," I interrupt, sudden nausea rising."I need some air."

Before either brother can respond, I turn and weave through the crowd, desperate for escape.

The massive house suddenly feels suffocating, Richard's insinuations ringing in my ears.

I find myself on a terrace overlooking Puget Sound, the night air cool against my flushed skin.

Stars have emerged above, indifferent to human dramas below.

The water stretches dark and mysterious, dotted with lights from boats and distant shorelines.

"Idiot," I mutter to myself."Complete and utter idiot."

"I hope you mean my brother and not yourself."

I whirl to find Callum standing in the doorway, his expression is in the dim light.

"Both of us.”I turn back to the railing."Him for being...him.Me for ever thinking he was worth my time."

Callum moves to stand beside me."People make mistakes."

"Three years is a bit more than a mistake.It's a full-blown catastrophic error in judgment."

"You're being too hard on yourself."

I laugh bitterly."Am I?Because your brother just implied...things.Knowing Richard, he's probably feeding Duncan all sorts of stories."

"About what?"

I stare out at the water, avoiding his gaze."About me.About us.About anything he thinks might cause trouble."

“He’s a liar.And you’re not.Period,” Callum says firmly.

My anxiety ebbs slightly, though not completely.

There are still secrets between us—things I can't tell him.

Not yet.Maybe not ever.

From inside, the orchestra strikes up a waltz, the music spilling onto the terrace like liquid silver.