Page 140 of House of Payne

Mathew’s eyes tighten around the edges. “You’ll fuck up enough and make my job easier.”

I snort. “You’re delusional if you think that will be enough to convince Father.”

I’d been his first choice, but I wasn’t his only one.

Our father has circled Oliver for years, and while I hate that I haven’t been able to keep him out of the loop, I’ve done everything I can, including making sure he stays on another continent.

Making a deal to keep my younger brother far, far away from all this wasn’t hard, not when he reminded me so much of my mom.

He was one of the last reminders I had of her, and I promised her I would protect him.

I will see that promise through, and nothing, not even my twin, will stop me.

Mathew walks over to the cart in the corner. His eyes stay on my face as he reaches for the decanter and pours another drink. “Father know you’re keeping her around? He’s going to lose his shit when he finds out.”

“He knows.”

Mathew stops pouring and looks at me. “Damn, I should’ve tried harder to charm her. She must really be something if you’re willing to piss him off.”

“Stay the fuck away from her.”

Fucking hell. What happened to playing it cool and making sure he knew London was just a means to an end? You can’t have him finding out that she’s chipping away at the mirror.

Still, the words are out of my mouth before I can stop them, and I can tell it’s exactly what Mathew wanted.

He didn’t just come here to challenge my position.

Mathew has always lurked in the shadows, waiting for his moment.

I can tell he thinks his conniving and scheming ways have paid off. He’s going to use her against me, but I haven’t figured out how, and I want to kick myself for overplaying my hand.

Goddamn it all to hell.

Why can’t I play it cool anymore?

Mathew has never been able to get the upper hand, but for the first time since I can remember, he has an edge.

Mostly because he doesn’t know how to feel.

You can still salvage this. Play it off. Don’t let him see how much she means to you. Do whatever it takes, or you know what’ll happen.

Mathew picks up his glass and tilts it in my direction. His lips spread into a slow, knowing smirk. “So, the rumors are true. The indomitable Mason Payne has feelings after all. I haven’t seen you this riled up, in…ever.”

I raise an eyebrow. “You have no idea what the fuck you’re talking about. You know I don’t like to share. That’s nothing new.” I eye him. “She’s just here to take the edge off. I’ve grown tired of Katia, and it’s good to change things up. You should see how naive she is.”

Mathew’s expression lights up, and he licks his lips. “I bet she’s into all kinds of dirty stuff.”

I shrug. “She’s getting there. Stripping it all away and exposing those parts of her… that’s the best part.”

I hate talking to him about London and everything we share, but he’s buying it.

She’s safe for now.

Mathew chuckles. “Sounds like you’re enjoying yourself.”

I force myself to smile. “She’s a good fuck, but she’s not worth any trouble. You can have her when I’m done.”

Mathew’s smile sends a chill down my spine. “I was hoping you’d say that.”