Page 67 of The Brothers Hawthorne

The employee made an attempt at seeming all business, but Grayson couldn’t help noticing the way his gaze lingered on Savannah. “Right this way.” He led them back to a computer. “Are you an authorized user on the account?”

“Presumably.” Savannah’s reply was virtually arctic. “The box is under the name Tobias Davenport.”

“And you have the key?” the man asked, typing in the name.

Savannah brandished it, holding it between her index finger and her thumb. The man reached for it, and she let it drop into her palm and closed her fingers over it. “I’ll hold on to this until we go back, thank you.”

The man visibly flushed. When he spoke again, his voice was terse. “Your identification, please.”

You’re not making friends here, Savannah, Grayson thought.

“Mine,” Savannah said, sliding two IDs and a piece of paper across the counter. “Along with the box owner’s and a signed and notarized statement granting me access.”

She’d forged a notary’s signature and seal? That was a felony.

“I’m afraid you’re not listed on the account, Ms. Grayson.” There was just the barest hint of satisfaction in the bank employee’s voice. Grayson wasn’t sure when, precisely, the man had tipped from wanting to prove himself to her to wanting to have power over her, but he unquestionably had.

“Hence the signed statement,” Savannah replied calmly. “As I said, I may need to speak to someone more senior.”

Grayson almost intervened. The tension around the man’s mouth was visible now. “I assure you, even the bank’s CEO would tell you the same.”

“I’m afraid you misapprehend the situation.” Savannah was utterly unflappable.

“I apprehend the situation just fine.” The man glared at her. “The only people authorized to access this box are Mr. Davenport himself and Acacia…” The man seemed to realize what he was saying a second too late. “Grayson.”

“Thank you,” Savannah said, her lips tilting slightly upward on the ends. “You’ve been very helpful.”

Grayson waited until they were back outside to speak “You were never trying to get into the box.”

“Unlike my sister, I’m a realist.” Savannah cut Grayson a pointed look. “Andmylast name isn’t Hawthorne.” Her stride was nearly as long as his own. “I’m surprised you’re not fighting me on this, telling me that you can handle it.”

I could, Grayson thought, but that wasn’t what he said. “I’m not your enemy, Savannah.”Lies.

“Maybe not.” Savannah’s cool agreement felt more like the thrust of a blade. “But you’re also not my keeper—or Gigi’s. We do not need you.” Savannah’s pale blonde hair shone in the sun. “I have everything under control.”

CHAPTER 48

GRAYSON

Back at the Grayson house, Gigi went in search of her mother while Savannah kept an eye on Grayson in the foyer.

“Mom’s in the library,” Gigi reported when she came back, her tone morose.

Savannah reached out and squeezed her twin’s shoulder. “Mom’s fine, Gigi.We’refine.”

Weas in the three of them. Their family.

Gigi turned toward Grayson, her brow furrowed. “We don’t interrupt Mom when she’s reading. It’s been a rule for pretty much forever.”

“You’re welcome to wait out back,” Savannah told him icily.

Not an offer. An order.Grayson watched as Savannah stalked out of the room.

“Mom has her library,” Gigi said quietly. “Savannah has her court.”

In his mind’s eyes, Grayson could see Savannah standing on the free-throw line, shooting baskets the way he swam. “And what about you?” he asked Gigi.

Getting close to them was a mistake. Feeling this way was a mistake.