Page 49 of Balthazar's Fire

Balthazar glanced in Cherie’s direction, noticing how she refused to meet his eyes as they sped through the streets, but the call with his brother was audible through the car’s speaker. She could hear every word.

“Apologies, but we’re on our way now.”

“On your way?” Sebastian sounded concerned. “Where are you going?”

“To you.” Balthazar smiled, reaching for Cherie’s knee as he shifted the Aston Martin into sixth gear. “You’re at the penthouse, right?”

“Yes, but you don’t need to come here.”

If Balthazar didn’t know better, he’d have sworn Sebastian sounded flustered.

“I’ll come to meet you somewhere,” he went on. “Berrunti’s?”

“Not today,” Balthazar replied and this time Cherie turned to meet his gaze, her lips twitching as her delicate hand slid over his fingers. “It’s too close to where that bastard Monroe is. I have Cherie with me, remember?”

“Oh, yes,” Sebastian answered.

He definitely sounds flustered.

“Somewhere else then?” Sebastian pressed, apparently keen to ensure Balthazar re-routed, although Balthazar wasn’t sure why.

The penthouse, like the townhouse, the mountain lodge, and all of their properties, was jointly owned by all four Vaughn brothers. Balthazar had just as much right to be there as any of the others, and Sebastian had never had objections to impromptu visits before.

“Like where?” Balthazar’s brow creased. “What’s the problem, Seb? Why don’t you want us to come over? Have you got a woman stashed there that I don’t know about?”

His laughter filled the car, but as Sebastian’s silence filled the ether, it was tension rather than amusement that settled in Balthazar’s stomach.

What’s the issue? Maybe he doesn’t like Cherie?

“I wanted to talk to you about that in person…” Sebastian’s tone was suddenly clipped. “Preferably in private.”

“Oh.”

It wasn’t often that Balthazar was lost for words, but this was one of those rare occasions. Sebastian had tried to talk to him, but Balthazar had been too concerned about Cherie to hear him out and Sebastian’s growing frustration was obvious.

“I see.” Balthazar’s jaw tightened.

He’d been so caught up in his own romance, that he’d overlooked Sebastian, yet his brother had still come to his and Cherie’s aid when Balthazar called him for help. The knot of guilt contracted inside him.

“I’m sorry, I…” Peering over at his gorgeous brunette, he wondered how to explain. “I’ve been distracted.”

“With Cherie.” Sebastian’s voice was kinder than Balthazar deserved. “I know, Balthazar and I get it. I’m not upset. I just wanted to speak to you about the woman I’ve met.”

Balthazar’s heart sped up at his brother’s explanation. They’d both been single for years and yet inexplicably, they both seemed to have found happiness at the same time.

“I’m happy to go elsewhere and let you two talk,” Cherie added from the passenger seat. “It sounds like it’s important.”

“Oh, hi Cherie!” Sebastian chuckled at her input. “No offense intended. I’d love to get to know you better some time.”

“None taken,” she added, leaning into the speaker as though she wanted the point to be clear. “I hate the thought of getting in the way.”

“You’re not in the way,” Balthazar clarified.

“He’s right,” Sebastian confirmed. “It’s just been a strange few days.”

He could say that again.

“How about if Cherie waits in another room while we talk?” Balthazar suggested, slowing as they approached the looming cityscape.

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