Chapter 39

Aiden

"What the fuck was that?" Freya asked, seething, as we stepped out of the elevator. I knew her anger was building throughout the ride home.

I, on the other hand, was livid. Watching her at lunch with another man, laughing and smiling, seared my insides with white-hot jealousy. I could barely concentrate on the meeting. Soon, I stopped pretending to listen and excused myself.

"Why were you at lunch with him?" My voice was calm, a stark contrast to the turmoil inside.

"Don't! I asked you something. What was that?" she hissed. I shoved my hands in my pockets, looked away, but she stepped closer.

"You can't just show up and walk me away like that," she said.

"Is that why you want to move out? Because you're dating Connor Warren?" Ignoring her, I gritted out the question. The words tasted foul. The thought of Freya with Connor Warren—fuck—made me want to break something.

Freya's expression twisted with confusion. "What? No! I'm not dating him."

"Then why did he take you to lunch?"

"We discussed business," she said incredulously, as if a business lunch was self-explanatory.

I scoffed, remembering how happy they looked, smiling at each other. "Yeah, he seemed pretty invested in your 'business.'"

Freya closed her eyes, sighing. She stepped closer until we were inches apart. Her coffee scent filled my nostrils.

"Why does it matter, huh?" She jabbed a finger against my chest. "I don't ask you about who you meet, do I?"

I stared at her finger pressing through my clothes. My mind wrestled between pushing her away and kissing her senseless. Any physical contact felt wrong, even through layers of clothing.

I grabbed her wrist. "What did he mean by 'you'll come by later'? Another date planned?"

Annoyance flared in Freya's eyes, then something else. Her gaze searched mine as she taunted, her words stinging. "Given your reaction, I'd say you're jealous." Her eyes flicked to my lips before returning to my face. "So, are you?"

It was a struggle not to kiss her. I reminded myself she'd been through a lot and probably wouldn't appreciate it. Fuck!

I pushed away, creating distance. Freya looked flushed, showing she wasn't unaffected.

"Careful, Freya. Don't ask questions you don't want answered," I warned, walking to my room.

Later

I stared at the incompetent employee. I'd have to speak to HR.

She blinked, looking relieved. "Of course."

I felt Gillian's judging gaze from across the desk. He paused before speaking.

I looked up from my computer. "Thank you for your unsolicited advice."

7:37 PM

Chapter 39

Did he take the hint? Nope.

"That's the third employer today, brother. Unless someone shat in your breakfast bowl, I'm guessing a lack of good sex has you cranky." He continued as if I were in therapy.

"I'm sure you have work to do."

He didn't mind my lack of eye contact. Younger siblings are relentless and undignified. "I am. It's my job to look after my dear brother."

I hummed. "Spare me the bullshit."

"What happened, brother? Baby mama not giving you any?" Cillian leaned in, whispering like gossiping teenagers.

"I'm going to call security," I deadpanned.

He laughed. "You can't. You love me."

"Don't try me."

He was a persistent pest, but just when I expected more nonsense, his expression sobered.

No. Not this. Not now.

"I visited Mom last night." Called it.

"For fuck's sake," I cursed, leaning back. I knew it. He was here for Mom, to convince me to attend a family dinner.

"Why can't you just go to one dinner to make her happy?"

"I'm under no obligation to make anyone happy," I gritted, not caring how much of a jerk I sounded.

He rose, rubbing his temple, then looked serious. "Aiden, she was upset. Don't forget what she's been through. Don't punish her for our father's actions."

I was tempted to explain why I didn't give a damn about our mother. He'd understand, but it would shatter his respect for her. He loved her, and I wouldn't take that away. So I gave in.

"Fine." Regret was immediate.

"This weekend?"

I sighed. "I'll clear my schedule."

Cillian nodded but didn't leave. His contemplative gaze told me to brace myself.

"One more thing." He leaned on the chair.

"I told them you have a daughter," he said cautiously. Seeing my silence, he continued. "And they expect you to bring her."

I blinked, thinking I'd misheard. He'd told my parents about my daughter?

"You did what?!"

"Come on, you can't hide Gia forever."

I could have, if I'd had the chance. But Gia didn't know I was her father, and I'm supposed to bring her to a family dinner!

"Leave," I gritted, fighting the urge to throw him off the building.

"Have a good day, brother."

A fantastic day I was having!

2:32 PM

Chapter 40