Rhys M y phone My eyesrings, searchjoltingformethefromclocka peacefulon my nightstand. sle ep. Fuck. Keira snuggles a little closer to my body. I kiss the top of her head. My phone rings again. With a curse, I reach for it. When I see the name flashing on my screen, I close my eyes on a silent groan. “Hey, Noah,” I say, acc epting the call. My voice is still groggy with sle ep. “Hey, Rhys. Sounds like I woke you up.” “You did.” “What are you still doing in bed, you lazy bum?” His tone is jovial. It’s too early for that kind of cheerfulness. “You’re calling me at six in the morning LA time to barrage me?” “No, I’m calling you at six in the morning LA time because I’m standing at your door.” I’m fully awake now. I bolt upright in bed. Keira frowns at me, upset I’ve disrupted her beauty sle ep. This fairytale is about to become a horror story, sweetheart. “Noah? You’re at my door?” “Well, the guard’s staring me down, unblinking, still needs the green light from you, but yeah, I’m at the security gate of your Fort Knox-like gated neighborhood.” I hold the phone away from my ear, blinking at it in shock, hoping to God this is a prank. “Rhys?” I bring the phone to my ear. “You’re at my door right here in LA?” I exaggerate each word. My gaze slides to Keira’s. I’m sure the worry I read in her wide eyes matches mine. I nod. “Man, you can’t function without coffee.” Noah chuckles on the other end. “Unless you bought another house in another ritzy gated neighborhood you didn’t tell me about, yes, I’m here. I’m a short distance from your big ass mansion. Come on, let your brother in. Tell the security guard I’m on your friend’s list. I want to see you and my sister.” Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming to LA? I would’ve arranged for a car to pick you up.” I’m grasping at stalling straws here. “Thanks, Mr. Billionaire, but I can afford a chauffeured car ride from LAX to Manhattan Beach.” “I didn’t mean it that way,” I say. “I’m yanking your chain. I know you didn’t. Had I told you or my kid sister I was coming, it wouldn’t be a surprise.” My eyes move to Noah’s little sister in my bed. She’s white knuckling the sheets underneath her nose, fear flashing bright in her eyes. I feel you. I should’ve called Noah and manned up. I thought I had time. He lives on the other side of the planet. I didn’t account for him dropping by. Who the hell flies thirteen hours for a visit, unannounced? This is the worst possible scenario. Him finding out like this is like signing my own death sentence. My head is reeling at warp speed as I desperately try to find a spin that’ll ke ep him from knocking my teeth out. “Shit,” Noah says. “What?” “I didn’t think of it.” “Think of what?” “Are you stalling because there’s a woman in your bed?”
I cringe. “You ke ep your uncomplicated fucks away from your home. Have things changed?” I pinch the bridge of my nose. Telling him I’m alone in my bed would not only be a lie, but it would also be a slap in Keira’s face. “I’m not stalling,” I say. “Give me five minutes to put on some clothes and brush my teeth.” I need to buy myself some time. “No rush. The last thing I need is to see your junk,” he says. “Once I’m at your door, I’ll wait as I enjoy the morning sun.” “All right. Be right there.” I hang up with Noah and call the security desk. Once I’m done, I drop the phone on the nightstand. “I’m knee-de ep in shit.” “Ohmy God,” Keira says. “Noah is here.” I rub my hands over my face. “Yes.” “This is horrible. He’s going to freak out.” “Yes, he will, and chances are I’ll be on the receiving end of him freaking out.” “We’re in this together,” she says. My eyes meet her determined gaze. “You know how protective your brother is of you. This”—I wave a finger between us—“isn’t what he meant when he asked me to look after you.” “I’m an adult woman and I can do whatever I want,” she says with a firm nod. Even in this dire situation, she’s as spunky as hell. “Baby, I need you to listen to me, and you can’t argue.” “But––” “What did I say?” “Fine. I’m listening.” She crosses her arms over her bare chest. And fuck if my cock doesn’t react. Great. I’m about to walk the green mile and my cock is ready for a morning quickie. Focus. “We need to get up. I don’t have time for a shower, but you do. You need to wash my scent off your body. While I distract Noah, make sure to clean my bedroom. Hide the prop basket. Hide the whip. Hide the pink fuzzy leather cuffs. Hide the fishnet stockings. Hide the high heels. Hide it all.” “Okay.” “Don’t forget, your phone is still in the i Phone dock in the closet. ‘You Can Leave Your Hat On’ sends a definite message.” “Got it.” “Let’s play it safe. Let’s find out how long he’s in town for. We’ll give him a couple days to settle, and then, I’ll talk to him. I don’t want to drag things on too long. It’s too much of a risk.” “I want to be there when you talk to him, Rhys.” “It’s best if I do it man to man—” “Like I’m not in volved?” “Keira, we don’t have time for this.” “Fine.” She purses her lips. I fling the sheets off my naked body and rush to the bathroom. I take care of business, brush my teeth, and splash cold water on my face. To hide the smell of sex, I spray a generous amount of expensive cologne all over my body. Shit. The scent is overpowering. I might have overdone it, but at least it might extend my life for a few more days until Noah curls his hands around my neck and chokes me for fucking his kid sister. Pushing my imminent death aside, I run back to my bedroom. In a mad rush, Keira picks up damning evidence from last night’s naughty pe ep show.
Good girl. I race to my walk-in closet, jump into a pair of jeans and pull a t-shirt over my head before sprinting barefoot to the front door. When I swing it open, my best friend greets me with a warm smile. He doesn’t wait. He st eps inside my home and grabs me in a back thumping man hug. “Jesus, Hartford.” He breaks our embrace, taking a long st ep back. “Did you pour the entire bottle of cologne over your body? Those damn New Yorkers can smell you all the way from the east coast.” “Sorry. I was rushing. I didn’t want to make you wait too long.” “You’re excited to see me too, right?” His blue eyes sparkle with glee. Finding out Keira and Noah had different fathers explained a lot. They’re complete opposites. With his light blue eyes, blond hair, and super pale eyelashes, Noah looks like a Viking. “I knew I did the right thing by surprising you.” He grabs me again and squeezes the life out of me. “It’s been way too long.” When he lets go, I can breathe again. “It’s a surprise for sure.” “Since I couldn’t make it to Vietnam while you were there, I figured I’d make up for it.” “What about the show? You always complain about how hard it is to get away.” “New Zealand was hit by a series of severe storms this past month. It’s caused some serious delays in filming to ke ep everyone safe. There was a small window for me to get away, so I jumped on it.” He slaps me on the shoulder. “Where’s my kid sister?” He glances over my head. I’m six-two. Noah is six-seven. I’m quite tall. He’s a tree. A very large tree. My eyes land on his wide chest. Jesus, he’s bulkier than before. Has he put on some extra muscle? Dread washes over me. The man has always had a mean punch. With more muscle, he becomes a destroyer. How much plastic surgery will be required to set my jaw once he breaks it? “Rhys?” I snap back to the moment. “Sorry. I’m a little tired. My brain hasn’t kicked in yet.” “Did you leave my sis home alone while you got some pussy at Dark Compulsion?” He doesn’t give me time to respond. He leans into me. “You and I could drop by tonight...” “No. I wasn’t at the club,” I say. “I haven’t been there in a while.” “Then, my timing back in town is perfect.” He grins wide. I’d argue with that. “We should go tonight. I love being your guest.” “Don’t you want to spend time with your sister?” “I will. During the day. But we’re talking about tonight.” “You’re on your own, Noah. I can make arrangements for you, but it’s unlikely I’ll be your wingman.” “Why the hell not?” He frowns, crossing his bulky arms over his massive chest. He looks as menacing as fuck. I offer him an evasive answer. “Too much on the go.” “This COO gig is killing your sex life, Hartford.” He chuckles. I beg to differ. “Like I said, you can go without me.” “Nah. If you’re not going, I’m not going. I’ll stay here with you and my sister. Speaking of which, where is the little devil?” “I announced your arrival. She must be in the shower.” “I can’t wait to see her.” “Where’s your luggage?” I change the subject. “It’s only one suitcase. I’m only here five days. Let me go grab it.” “Okay.” He returns in a flash. I close the door and lock it behind him. “Leave your suitcase at the door.
We’ll grab it later.” “No problem,” he says as he removes his shoes and then his socks. “Let’s go to the kitchen. I’m sure you must be hungry.” “I’m starving,” he says. “What time are you leaving for work?” “Since your visit is unexpected, I’ll head to the office later––probably after lunch. I’ll text my assistant to warn her.” “It’s good to be the boss,” he says. I chuckle. “On most days it is.” He follows behind me. “Fuck, Hartford, you’re living large.” His booming voice resonates. “Wait till you see the rest of the house. I’ll give you the grand tour after coffee and breakfast.” “The last time I saw your place, it was the beginning stages of the renovations.” New Zealand to LA is a long haul, which makes this unexpected visit even more mind-boggling. “Lots of changes since then,” I say. “Speaking of transformations, I still can’t get over Keira’s. She sent me tons of photos. I love the new hair. It suits her.” “I agree.” We enter the kitchen. “Take a seat at the island. I’ll get started on breakfast.” “You need help?” “Nah. You relax. Keira will be down soon. She has a lot to share. Not to mention, my chef has stocked up my fridge.” “Show off.” I grin. “I couldn’t resist.” “I just spent God knows how many hours strapped in a confined airplane seat. I need to stretch my legs,” he says. “No problem.” I head to the fridge and rummage through it, pulling out the ingredients I’ll need for breakfast. “Eggs, pancakes and bacon, or quiches my chef pr epared?” I give him his options. “I’m up for anything that in volves bacon. That’ll hit the spot nicely.” He nods a few times. “Excellent.” I get started to ke ep myself busy and channel the nervous energy running through me. “I guess I shouldn’t be surprised,” my best friend says with a slow head nod, “the chef comes with the restaurant style kitchen.” He scours the space. “Keira isn’t roughing it at your place.” The only rough action she gets is in my bedroom. “I’m proud of the house and it’s great to have Keira around.” “I’m sure I sound like a broken record, but thanks so much for everything you’ve done for her.” “Don’t mention it.” “You’re taking good care of all her needs.” In every sense of the word. “I’m doing my best.” “She ke eps going on and on about you, Rhys this and Rhys that. In her eyes, you can walk on water.” “The last time she saw me, I was in a different place in my life. I was crawling out of a hole. She’s seen the before and after. She hasn’t seen the ups and downs in between.” “You know how she is. She can easily be impressed.” His comment rubs me the wrong way. “We can all have twinkles in our eyes when we don’t know the full story,” I say.
“I guess you’re right,” he says. “I hope she isn’t breaking your balls.” I wince. No, but she’s doing a great job emptying them. “Keira is Keira, right?” He chuckles. “Some things never change. The guy who goes after her is in for a rude awakening. You need balls of steel to be with a woman like my baby sis... either that or no balls at all.” He lets out a boisterous laugh and play-punches my arm. My body vibrates from the impact. The beating is going to hurt real bad. He leans in closer. “Seriously, she isn’t driving you nuts?” “Seriously, she isn’t.” “Good. If anyone can handle her, it’s you. It’s a good thing your cojones are big enough to handle that fiery temper of hers, huh?” I wish he’d stop talking about balls. “Her personality sure ke eps me on my toes.” “Don’t worry. I’ll make sure she doesn’t invade your space for too long.” He took my words the wrong way. Shit. “While I’m here, I intend on having a serious discussion with her. She needs to get her life back on track so she can afford to move out.” “There’s no rush,” I say, “No rush at all.” “Rhys, I’m abusing our friendship.” I drop the knife I’m holding on the counter. “Listen, Noah, I know firsthand what it’s like to get back on your feet when you’ve lost it all. The house is massive. Keira isn’t in the way. Things are different now. It’s not like before when she lived in LA and she had you, Chelle, and me. Do you want her to live alone in a small apartment in a dubious neighborhood? As for getting her life back on track, you should talk to her. You’ll be surprised.” He cocks an eyebrow. “What?” “You sound almost as protective of her as I am.” “It’s because I am.” I go back to pr eparing breakfast. I’m keenly aware of the moment she enters the kitchen. The floral scent of her new perfume permeates the air. “Rumor has it my big brother is in town,” she says, I catch a glimpse of her from over my shoulder. She’s wearing a pretty, aqua-blue sundress with spaghetti straps that hits her mid-calf. She’s barefoot. Under the morning sun with her short hair slicked back and without a trace of makeup, she’s so fucking beautiful. The urge to kiss her is overwhelming, but I suppress my desire. The next few days are going to be unbearable. I shoot Noah a glance. He looks at his little sister like he always does––with fondness, devotion, and love. As an only child, witnessing their unconditional bond is always a surprise. “Get over here, Cocoa Puffs, and give me a hug.” She runs to Noah. He lifts her in his arms like she’s a tiny puppy. She squeals joyfully. He covers her face with kisses before dropping her back to her feet. The difference of height between them is staggering. “Good morning, Rhys,” Keira says. Her voice is sugary sweet. “Good morning,” I say, ke eping my tone even. “Did you sle ep okay?” “The best sle ep ever.” She offers a bright smile. “And you?” “Until your brother rudely woke me up, it was a great sle ep.” We smile at each other, exchanging a silent complicit conversation. “Stop pretending you’re not happy to see me, Hartford.” Noah play- punches me again. I wince. “Careful there, you might hurt him,” Keira says. I narrow my eyes at her. “It’s all in good fun. It’s not like I’d ever take a real swing at him,” Noah says.
“I can’t think of a reason why you’d want to do that,” Keira says. Why is she so determined to deliver me to the slaughterhouse? “Exactly,” Noah says. “Rhys is solid. He’s irr eproachable. A good guy to a fault.” He takes me into another one of his infamous bear hugs. I close my eyes and thank God for the thirty-one years I’ve spent on this planet. My days are numbered. “Man, you have some hidden talents,” Noah says, forking a chunk of sausage. “So, so many hidden talents,” Keira says. I frown at her. She responds with an angelic smile. “I hope you’ll make this again before I leave. This is delicious.” Noah shoves the sausage in his mouth. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but these are better than your mom’s recipe.” “Thanks. It’s one of my favorite breakfast dishes, so I perfected it.” It was Keira’s suggestion I ditch the predictable breakfast idea in favor of one of my specialties––a cheesy sausage and egg bake. She even helped me pr epare it. Knowing Noah, I also pr epared a plate of bacon. I’m no chef in the kitchen, but I perfected a few recipes, this being one of them. During the forty-minute bake time, Keira filled in her brother on last night’s big news. Understandably, Noah is excited for her. He marveled at the uncanny timing, considering how determined he was to talk to Keira about her plans to find a new direction for her life. So far, the conversation has been smooth sailing, which is a blessing. For a long while, we sit in a comfortable silence, enjoying our food. In a blink of an eye, Noah polishes off his second serving, loaded with extra bacon. I can pack some food, but Noah could eat a restaurant out of business. The coffeemaker bubbles, the sound breaking through the clatter of cluttery against plates. I could use another cup. I lift my gaze to Noah. “Would you like some more?” “I wouldn’t say no.” He gets up. “I can get it.” “Sit down.” I wave him off. “You’re my guest.” He chuckles. “I kinda imposed myself, but we’ll go with your angle.” She laughs. I don’t even crack a smile. “What about you, Keira?” “I’ll have a bit more, and more bacon, please,” she says. With their plates in hand, I walk to the oven, serve them both and return to the kitchen table. I make a second trip to grab my second latte of the day. “There’s more coffee if you guys want some,” I say before sitting back down. Noah eyes my empty plate. “You’re done?” “I’m good.” I force a smile and point at my mug. “I just need coffee.” My stomach is too tied up in knots to eat more. Not to mention, my mind is racing, searching for suitable ways to tell my best friend about my new relationship status. I can only focus on so much at a time. The Weatherly siblings are chatty people. I’m quieter. Breakfast must be outstanding because their sole focus is on the food. I’m grateful for the silence because it gives me time to map out how and when and I’m going to drop the bomb on my best friend. “Rhys and I are seeing each other, Noah.” What the actual fuck? Noah’s forkful of baked eggs freezes halfway to his mouth. His whole body becomes still.
Armageddon strikes. The apocalypse is now. Annihilation of the human race is eminent. It’s the end of the world as I know it. I choke on a gulp of coffee, swallowing down the wrong pipe. I cough so hard, I fear I’ll rupture a lung. “Oh my God, Rhys.” Keira slaps my back. I take in huge breaths, but it’s like I can’t get enough oxygen to fill my lungs. If I die now, Noah won’t get a chance to kill me. “Are you okay?” Oh, now you’re worried about my well-being? “I’m okay.” No. I’m a dead man. Noah drops his fork on his plate. RIP, Rhys Hartford. His gaze slides to meet his sister’s. “What did you just say?” His calm voice sends a shiver of worry down my spine. The dragon awakes. “I’m a grown woman and I can see whoever I want.” Keira holds her brother’s furious gaze. “Rhys and I are together, and there isn’t a damn thing you can do about it, Noah.” She places a possessive hand on my forearm to drive her point home. I’m surprised she doesn’t sit on my lap and start French kissing me to hammer the nail in my coffin. My best friend growls. He fucking growls. My mouthy girlfriend lifts her chin in defiance, daring her brother. Stop poking the bear, dimples. Keira’s impetuous nature characterizes her. Spontaneous and unbridled thinking prompt her to take life by the horns. In bed, it’s fucking sexy as hell. But in this instance, it’s like sending a condemned man—me—to the guillotine. Being headlong with a pissed-off Noah Weatherly is plain stupid and dangerous. This is my Eddard Stark moment. There’s no glory in dying too soon in a series. In real life, dying too young is a shame. A crying shame. “What the fuck is she talking about?” Noah says, and I swear the walls rumble. “Rhys was going to tell you, but I figured, might as well bite the bullet.” Keira soldiers on. She has no fear. “I’ve waited my whole life for him to see me as more than your untouchable little sister. I don’t want to not be able to kiss him, or hug him, or touch him, just because you decided to drop by unannounced. I don’t want to pretend just because you think I should live in a bubble and remain a virgin until I’m forty. Out of respect, I’ll sle ep in my bedroom while you’re here instead of sle eping in Rhys’s bed.” For fuck’s sake, woman. It’s as if she punched me. A solid blow right to the gut, followed by an uppercut to the chin. If you look up, ‘Best ways to infuriate an enraged grizzly bear’, that little speech was it. “First, I’m not talking to you, Keira,” Noah says through clenched teeth. “I’m talking to him.” He points a finger at me, his eyes flashing with anger. “You’re sle eping with my sister, Hartford?” I stare at him, struck dumb, struggling to find the words that would appease him. “I asked you a fucking question, Rhys.” I clear my throat. “I’m not sle eping with your sister—” “Rhys, how could you—” “That’s what she said—” “Shut up!” I interrupt Noah. “Stop talking. Both of you.” There’s a three-way standoff that lasts a few long seconds as we all glare at each other. Tempers are flared. Emotions running high. Nothing between the three of us will ever be the same. “Noah, your words imply I’m having a good time in the sack with your sister,” I say, willing myself to
calm the fuck down. “I’m dating Keira. Not just sle eping with her. Big difference.” He scuffs. “She’s convenient because she’s living under your roof?” Keira makes a face. “You’re an idiot, Noah.” I narrow my eyes at him. “What do you take me for?” “This bombshell makes me reconsider everything I ever knew about you, Hartford.” “How dare you?” “You couldn’t even man up and tell me. You prefer to hide behind my sister’s skirt. She has more balls than you do, coward.” “Newsflash. It’s unlikely you’d take a swing at her. I’m sure you’re dying to rearrange my face.” I rake my fingers through my hair and exhale a long breath. “I was going to tell you––” “When? When you knocked her up?” Noah’s eyes are wild. I’m dumbfounded. “I’m not Mom.” Keira points a finger at her brother. “I’m not her.” I understand the issues he has with his mother, but I resent the implication. I don’t say a thing. A retort would require me to reveal too many intimate details. Instead, I glare at him, nostrils flaring. Judging by the twitching of his upper lip, I suspect his erratic heartbeat is as frantic as mine. That icy stare is reserved for assholes. I’ve been demoted. I never thought he’d put me in that undesirable box one day. From the dark cloud veiling his blue eyes, I wonder if he isn’t plotting my death, and subsequently, how he’ll dispose of the body. “How long has this been going on?” “We’ve been dating since Sunday,” Keira says. “It’s fairly new,” I say. “Is he your first?” Noah points a finger at me. Whoa. “You’re out of line.” “Fuck off, Noah—” “No, you fuck off, Keira.” He shifts his finger in her direction. “My job is to protect you—” “You retired from that position when I turned eighteen—” “This wasn’t what I had in mind when I called you and asked if she could stay with you.” His face is so red, it’s almost purple. “You betrayed our friendship, Rhys.” “I didn’t,” I say. “I’ve always k ept my feelings in check in regard to Keira—” “So, you lied to me. This shit has been going on for a while?” He infuriates me sometimes. “You’re not listening, Noah.” “I understand exactly what’s happening here. You took advantage of my sister.” I shake my head. “You’re talking shit.” “Rhys didn’t take advantage of me. This is mutual—” “Mutual my ass.” He scoffs. If I thought I had a shot, I’d punch his lights out for that snide remark. “You’re so obsessed in your crusade to prevent me from ending up like our mother, you smother me.” Keira jumps to her feet. “For years, you’ve shoved your indoctrination down my throat.” She leans over the table and points an agitated finger at Noah. “I heard you loud and clear, big brother. I k ept my legs closed. Rhys isn’t my first because he was too loyal to you and turned me down flat every single time I threw myself at him. And trust me, I tried, and I tried, and I tried. His answer—and loyalty to you—never wavered.” She grunts in frustration. “I’ve always had respect for myself— even in London, your warnings rang in my ears—but I’m allowed to be with someone, Noah.” That last part comes out as a plea. “You want to be together? Knock yourself out.” He stands up. “I don’t have to stick around to watch this... this... this... this...” I swear he’s about to blow a gasket. “This should never have happened.
Fuck this shit.” Noah storms out of the kitchen, snatching his phone from the kitchen island on his way towards the hallway. The front door slams. It’s just Keira and me. I place my elbows on the kitchen table and hide my face in the palm of my hand, exhaling. I’m glad we were able to talk this through in a calm and collected manner. Not. Fuck. “You didn’t fight for us, Rhys.” Keira’s accusation is like a slug to the chest. I meet her gaze. She’s still wearing that same choleric expression on her face. “Are you fucking kidding me right now?” I’m incensed. She’s unable to see her part in this. “I told you to give him time.” “I didn’t want you to change your mind and back down from telling him,” she says. I groan, rubbing a hand over my face. “It’s like you’re afraid of him,” she says. “For good reason. Your brother would walk barefoot on hot coals to save you. He’d take a bullet straight in the heart to protect you. He’d tear a man who’s done you wrong from limb to limb and face jail time without batting an eyelash. He’d swim across an ocean if he thought you were in danger. Surely, you’re aware of his devotion to you—” “So I ripped the Band Aid off—” “I wanted to ease him into it.” “He has to let me grow up—” “You didn’t even give him time to finish breakfast before you slapped him across the face with news you knew wouldn’t go down easy.” “Once I came clean, you were supposed to back me up. Instead, you chickened out.” “I didn’t chicken out. We had that conversation a couple hours ago in my bed. We agreed you’d let me lead—” “I agreed to nothing. I didn’t argue with you because my brother was waiting at the door—” “You’re driving me mad right now, Keira.” “I didn’t want to pretend—” “I asked for a couple of days. You couldn’t wait?” “But—” “Your stubbornness may have cost me a long-standing friendship—” “You choose Noah over me? Over us?” “For fuck’s sake, Keira. You’re not listening—” She lifts a hand up. “If we break things off now, you can still salvage your precious friendship. It hasn’t been that long between us, anyway. I’ll get over you. I can find some place else to stay.” She torpedoes out of the kitchen in a whirlwind of anger. Keira stomping up the stairs and slamming her door shut after our fight was the straw that broke the camel’s back. I’d reached my quota. I sprinted upstairs, took a two-minute shower, and adorned a suit. Then, I grabbed my keys and burst out of my house, fury riding my coat tail. I slipped behind the wheel of my Aston Martin, desperate for speed. I didn’t head to the office. I went for a long drive to let off some steam. I was still a ball of frustration when I got to SCORE HQ.
If only this morning’s blow up was all I had to worry about. A wall of r eporters, content creators, and paparazzi were awaiting my arrival. As soon as they saw me, questions were volleyed like balls bursting from a tennis ball machine. “Rhys, are you off the market?” Someone shouts the question. Huh? “Did you propose last night?” Another one shouts. What are they talking about? “Rhys, are the rumors true? Did you break things off with Addison for another woman?” That’s from another r eporter. A man adjusts his huge glasses. “Is this the death of #Add Rhys?” What the fuck? It was a mad frenzy at the security gate. Thank God, our security team is highly efficient. I was able to get into the building without being assaulted with more questions. Between this morning’s shit storm and driving around with my phone turned off, I missed the breaking news. Unbeknownst to me, last night’s showdown with Addison went viral. ‘ADDISON MOODY CRASHES ON BILLIONAIRE RHYS HARTFORD’S DATE WITH MYSTERY WOMAN’ ‘ADDISON MOODY FORCED TO DO WALK OF SHAME’ ‘RHYS HARTFORD CANOODLING WITH MYSTERY BLONDE WHO LOOKS EERILY FAMILIAR’ ‘A BILLION DOLLARS SAYS MYSTERY BLONDE SEEN WITH RHYS HARTFORD IS KEIRA WEATHERLY’ ‘BILLIONAIRE RHYS HARTFORD’S MYSTERY WOMAN IDENTIFIED. KEIRA WEATHERLY AIMS HIGH’ ‘KEIRA WEATHERLY HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT IN LA’ ‘KEIRA WEATHERLY. DRAMATIC NEW LOOK. SAME LEVEL OF HOTNESS’ More fucking drama to add to the list. Keira was certain she was incognito. She probably was until last night. When the spotlight shines on Addison Moody, no one is spared. When I got to my office, Cecilia wasn’t her usual cool self. Dare I say, she looked frazzled. Calls from the press were pouring in. It wasn’t even ten in the morning and the day was spinning out of control. As much as I hated being dragged into Addison’s circus act, I had to rein things in and protect Keira. I had no other choice but to open up to Beckett and Arianne. With some quick and ingenuous thinking, Arianne came up with a plan. The three of us had an emergency meeting with our marketing team and our point person at the PR firm. An hour later, we managed to redirect the unwanted attention to an upcoming splashy mystery announcement––SCORE Yours. Once that was dealt with, I was able to dive into a mountain of pressing work. By mid-afternoon, I decided to check in with Keira and Noah. Neither of the Weatherly siblings was willing to bury the hatchet.
Fuck that. After work, I considered dropping by the Quintus Hotel––I was this close from getting a room for the night––but decided against it. There’s no way I’m going to allow a pint-size impatient, headstrong hellion to lock me out of my own damn home. As I enter the house from the garage, I pull out my phone and send said hellion a text. RHYS I’m here. KEIRA It’s your house. You don’t need my permission to come and go. I let out a frustrated grunt. I can’t win with her. Before st epping into the kitchen, I kick off my shoes and remove my socks. Loosening my tie, I make my way to the bar cart. Drinking on the job sets an appalling example. Drinking after a shitty day is a requirement to maintain one’s sanity. I’m just about to let an expensive gulp of scotch mellow out the tension when the doorbell rings. What now? I drop the tumbler on the bar cart and march to the door, ready to chew up the security guard who dared to show up at my door unannounced. This better be an emergency. I don’t bother looking through the pe ephole. I swing the door open. The last person I expected to see after his stormy exit is standing at my door. The tornado I saw earlier in his eyes has tapered down to a mild simmer. I get to live another day. “Hey,” Noah says. I don’t bother with niceties. “You must be here to pick up your suitcase,” I say with a detached voice. “Let me grab it––” “No.” I expect him to hurl insults. “Nice suit,” he says, “Must’ve cost a lot.” His eyes brush the length of my body. What the fuck? He was raging and now he wants to talk about fashion? “It’s bespoke.” “I guess you went to work.” “I had to get out of here. Your sister is giving me attitude and the cold shoulder.” He shakes his head. “You two are trending on social media,” he says. “You saw the news?” “It’s everywhere. How do you do it? Same for Keira. I couldn’t be in the public eye like that.” “A few things––I live in a gated community, I’m used to it, and by four o’clock a bigger celebrity scandal broke. We won’t be trending for much longer.” He chuckles and then goes quiet. “Look, Noah, I’m not sure why you’re here, but if it’s for round two of our feud, save it.” He cringes. “Can I come in?” “Are you going to hit me?” I’m still not able to read his mood. It’s best to proceed with caution. “No, idiot. I would’ve decked you when you opened the door... element of surprise and all,” he says.
I’m sure that’s supposed to make me feel better, but it doesn’t. I consider him. “I’m not going to hurt you, Rhys.” “I’m just making sure.” “I’d never do that. You’re my best friend,” I cock a brow. “Am I?” “Friends fight and then they get over it.” “You should’ve seen the fury in your eyes earlier. I’m man enough to admit I was scared. I’ve seen you beat douchebags to a pulp.” “Can you blame me for being pissed off and a little surprised?” His arms fly open. “You didn’t even pr epare me. You just dropped a bomb in my lap––” “Correction. Your sister dropped a bomb in your lap. I was going to finesse things in a way that would preserve this handsome face.” I point to my head. “Fucker.” He tries to play-punch me. I dodge, so he misses. We both laugh. “Seriously, can I come in? I’d like to talk. No shouting. No cursing. No losing control.” I nod. I move to the side and let him in, close the door, and lock it. “Where’s my sister?” “Somewhere in the house,” I say. “My guess? Her bedroom––or the lounging pool––her favorite spot in the late afternoons. We aren’t talking, so you can put your mind at ease. We’re not kissing either.” He offers a small smile. “I was about to have a drink before hitting my home gym. Want to join me?” “I had three drinks over lunch to calm me down, but that was hours ago. I’d welcome another one. As for the gym, hell yeah.” “Where did you go?” “When I passed the security gates with fume still billowing from my ears, I grabbed a cab that was driving by, intent on heading to LAX, just to realize on the way there I had left my suitcase at your place. I asked the cabbie to drop me off in Venice instead, where I spent the day.” I chuckle. Noah follows behind me as I stride to the living room. “Take a seat,” I say. “Scotch neat?” “Perfect.” I pour his drink and grab mine. I drop both tumblers on the coffee table before taking a seat on the couch opposite him. Noah lifts his glass. “Here’s to not letting a woman––even if she’s my sister––come between a friendship.” “I’ll drink to that.” We take a long swig of our drink. “This is good stuff.” Noah nods. “It goes down easy... and God knows I needed it.” “I might’ve been a little abrasive earlier,” Noah says. “You were an asshole. Not only to me, but also to the sister you proclaim to care so much about. True, her delivery sucked, but you implied a lot of awful things about me.” His smile falls away, r eplaced by a somber expression. “You’re right. That’s why I’m here. I’m sorry. I let my emotions do all the talking.” He studies me for a long beat. “You’re not going to hurt her, right?” He doesn’t give me a chance to respond. “I mean, you don’t do relationships... not since Dana.” My jaw tenses. “If you’re seriously asking me that question, our friendship is over because that means you know nothing about me, Noah. Will Keira and I disagree? Yes. Am I going to say things that upset her? Yes. Are we going to fight? Yes. I’m only human, and so is she. Would I intentionally hurt her? Never.” He lets out a frustrated sigh. “You have to let go, Noah. I understand your need to protect her from assholes and douchebags, but to quote your words, I’m neither of those things.”
Another loud sigh leaves his lungs. “I have no idea where this is going because we just made a decision to take the plunge a few days ago,” I say. “That said, I’ve had an interest in her for a while––” “You have?” “It’s a good thing you don’t see her that way, but your sister is attractive.” Telling him she’s smoking hot might be pushing it. Still, Noah seems to shrink to half his size at my words. “Her impetuous nature and zest for life make her that much more irresistible. You haven’t been around her since she came back from N epal. She’s changed into a more confident and brazen woman. I’m done suppressing my attraction for her. Things lined up perfectly. She’s here. Under my roof. Before she left for London, the timing was off––the age difference seemed more jarring than it does now, rehab happened, followed by SCORE, and then she was crossing the pond.” He nods, pensive. “So, you two are dating.” “We are.” “My best friend and my kid sister... I can’t wrap––” “I shouldn’t have to choose between my girl and my brother.” He takes a slow sip of his drink, eyeing me from over the rim of the glass. “You won’t have to.” There’s acc eptance in his statement. “You’re okay with this?” My shock is evident. “While playing tourist in Venice, I had time to get my head out of my ass,” he says. “To answer your question, I’m okay with you dating Keira.” He pauses. “At least I’ll never have to worry about someone mistreating her or disrespecting her.” A slow grin stretches his lips. “My little sis surely knows how to pick ’em.” I chuckle. “Not to mention, if I’m honest with myself, de ep down, I knew she’s had a crush on you forever.” My eyebrows rise. “Really?” “Yes. I figured it was a silly girl thing, but you’re right, she’s a grown woman and she chose you.” “Hearing you say that means a lot.” He purses his lips and nods. We nurse our drinks in silence. He polishes off his drink and drops the tumbler on the table, and the sound of the glass against the wood echoes through the quiet of the living room. “I need to go apologize to her, but I need to find her first,” Noah says, standing up. “It’s like I need a map to navigate through your big ass mansion, Hartford. You never gave me a tour earlier. Now’s the time. That way I won’t get lost.” I laugh. “You’re on.”