Page 88 of Succumbed

Lex’s voice reaches me through a quagmire, my thoughts a frantic jumble of concern, confusion, and sheer fury. Fuck it, I’m not backing down.

“Do we?” I answer absently, my voice rough as I turn back to her.

She frowns, searching my face for something. “We do, and we’ll be far more productive without your usual attitude.”

I chuckle, the sound ugly even to my ears. “This is just who I am, Lex. Take it or leave it.”

“God, you’re a dick,” Linc grouses, glowering straight ahead.

“Declan, I’m this close,” Lex holds up her thumb and forefinger, barely a millimeter apart, “to leaving it. Can we focus and leave the bullshit behind, please?”

Sure, Lex. Don’t break my brother’s heart and we have a deal. “Fine.”

I turn to the dining room table and yank a chair back. Lex takes her typical spot across from me, with Linc and Shane facing each other between us. Always fucking between us.

“What’s on your agenda, then?” I can’t keep the bite out of my tone, desperate for distance. From Lex, from my brother and best friend who have no idea how much I want their woman, when I’ve never entertained joining their bedroom shenanigans before.

My realization about Linc’s infatuation has me rattled. I’m not sure what’s causing the tension in my body, though I have the sinking suspicion it’s fear. Fear for Linc and his impending heartbreak, fear for the relationship between me and the two people I care for more than anything else on the planet. Fear that the woman across from me, with her sharp gaze and sharper mind, is going to herald the end of everything I’ve worked to build for my entire adult life.

“We’re one week out from leaving for the Summit. My team was expecting the draft of your speech two weeks ago. Have you received their feedback?”

Lex’s gaze bores into mine. She knows the answer; it’s the same question she’s asked for the last two weeks.

“No.”

Linc flops back dramatically, heaving an exasperated sigh as he cards his fingers through his hair. Shane is sprawled in his chair, though his typical ease is absent as he stills in response to my short reply. Lex simply sits and watches me, silent. She’s fucking brilliant at waiting me out. I’d admire her for it if it wasn’t so goddamn infuriating.

“I have it under control, though.”

For the first time, I watch Lex’s cool control break. She can’t contain the snort of derision that breaks free, her eyes flashing with an unidentifiable emotion. The most immature part of me wants to cheer at the confirmation that I’m getting under her skin.

“You have it under control?” Her voice is so quiet, so tight.

Linc goes just as still as Shane, his eyes widening as he watches her professional mask crack.

“How do you have it under control, exactly?” Lex’s head cocks to the side, her tone sarcastic as her words crack across the table.

“It’s my company,” I remind her. “I’m the face of Solum, aren’t I? It was one of your conditions.”

“I’m aware.”

“I know what I need to say, I don’t need your team to dissect it. It’ll be more authentic if I just…speak from the heart. Wasn’t that your advice last time?”

“Are you fucking kidding me?” she bites out.

Linc flinches, his wide eyes snapping from Lex to me and back again.

“No.” I shrug nonchalantly, desperate to see her let go.

“I know you’re not that fucking stupid, Declan.”

My pulse doubles at her words, my fists clenching. “What did you just call me?”

“You heard me, you egotistical asshole.”

Shane blows out a slow breath, his expression blank as he stares at the center of the table. Linc looks about ready to cry, his expression anguished as he watches it all unfold.

“You’re in my house.” I slowly rise to my feet.

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