Chapter 51

FREYA

“How do you know him?” Cillian asked as soon as Connor was out of earshot.

“That’s a long story.”

“Huh.” The doubt in his tone was clear. I turned to face him fully. “I’m not sleeping with Connor,” I deadpanned. He looked surprised, probably not expecting such a direct response.

“I didn’t say you were.”

“But you were thinking it.” That shut him up. He pressed his lips together. I understood. He was concerned for his brother, and understandably so. I sighed. “I am not cheating on your brother.”

He looked me in the eye for several seconds before sighing. Perhaps he sensed my sincerity.

“Speaking of whom, where’s my brother?” Cillian asked, scanning the room, presumably looking for Aiden.

“Over there, talking business, I guess.” He followed my gaze and saw his brother speaking to a man in his late thirties. I expected Cillian to approach them, but instead he remained where he was, watching Aiden before looking away. It hit me then.

“You haven’t spoken to each other since that dinner, have you?” I asked, noticing his reluctance to approach his brother. Cillian stared at me, a mix of annoyance and amusement on his face.

“Aiden has this habit of understanding unspoken things. Turns out you share his annoying habit.”

“It’s been three days,” I stated, ignoring his deflection. He knew I’d figured it out.

“I don’t know what to say to him,” he sighed. “Whatever Dad did and said was unacceptable. I’m sorry he spoke to you that way.” He glanced at me apologetically. It was hard to believe this charming, cordial man was related to that insolent old man.

I shook my head. “Wasn’t your fault.”

“Dad has always been horrible to both of us. But Aiden’s seen more of it than I have. He never shared it with me, but I know he’s seen the worst of him.” He shoved his hands in his pockets, a sad smile playing on his lips. That alone told me he’d tried, and failed, to get his brother to open up. Aiden wasn’t an easy man; he didn’t let anyone see him vulnerable.

Cillian regarded me thoughtfully.

“Maybe he’ll tell you,” he muttered, looking serious.

“What makes you say that? This sounds very personal, and our relationship is new. I’m not exactly one of his closest confidantes.”

“Ah, you have no idea,” he clicked his tongue. “In fact, I have a feeling you’re right at the top of that list.” He said this with narrowed eyes, his tone suggesting displeasure.

“Are you jealous that I stole your brother?” I quipped, barely concealing my smile.

He grinned. “You…seriously, go talk to him.”

Cillian shifted his weight, contemplating before taking my advice. Smiling, he walked toward Aiden.

My eyes fell on Erica, approaching us. She wore an off-the-shoulder emerald green dress with a corset bodice and a thigh-high slit. She looked like a goddess who could easily rival professional models.

The moment her eyes landed on Cillian, her smile faded. Both slowed their steps, exchanging glares. Erica broke the gaze first, looking annoyed, and they walked past each other.

4:00 PM

Chapter 51

Okay, these two! Weird.

“Freya, hey!” Her smile returned.

“Hey.” I smiled back. She stopped before me, her smile turning into a grimace.

“I’m sorry about last Friday night.”

“Friday night? Why are you apologizing?” I was genuinely confused. As far as I remembered, she hadn’t done anything wrong.

“Actually, I shouldn’t have been there. It was a family dinner, and I’m not family.” She looked embarrassed. I wasn’t sure what to say.

“Well, you seemed very close. They like you.” I messed up. Something like, “I’m sure they consider you family,” would have been better. Erica didn’t seem bothered, though. She shrugged.

“Yeah, we grew up together. Same school, same college,” she said, searching my eyes. “But there’s nothing between us; we’re just really good friends. I know Aiden must have clarified things by now.”

I nodded, embarrassed that I’d jumped to conclusions before hearing Aiden’s side. “He told me…”

“Good. I mean, that was awkward.” Erica chuckled, shaking her head.

I laughed. “Tell me about it.”

A waiter approached. Erica picked up glasses of champagne and offered me one.

“Now that we’ve cleared the air, can we be friends? We could get coffee sometime.” She was trying to build a friendship. I figured it wouldn’t hurt; she was sweet and considerate.

“Are you asking me out on a date?” I teased. She gasped, dramatically placing a hand on her chest. “My, I wouldn’t dare! Aiden would feed me to his pet piranhas.”

I laughed. It didn’t seem impossible that Aiden would own piranhas.

My eyes automatically found him across the room. As if sensing my gaze, he turned. Our eyes met, a weighted stare sending a jolt of electricity through me.