Page 63 of Fifth Avenue Devil

James gives her a mock bow and Grant a lazy wave. As they swarm around her, I can see the glint of apprehension in her eyes.

"Nice to meet you all," she says hesitantly. She’s clearly overwhelmed by their sudden interest. “All the Fordham brothers at once? I’ve really lucked out.”

“Getting us all in one place is a rare pleasure,” Cash jokes. “Seriously, though. Nate has told us alotabout you.”

“He’s being sarcastic,” says Grant. He clears his throat. “Er, if that wasn’t clear.”

“What is there to tell?” Annalise says. She looks at me, sucking in a breath. “Your brother has been teaching me in the ins-and-outs of being a CEO.”

“I just bet he has. At all hours, I imagine,” James says blithely. Grant hits him on the arm and James mouths, “Ow!”

Annalise tenses. Sensing her discomfort, I slip my arm down, letting it land protectively around her waist. I can create something of a barrier between her and my brothers. She rolls her eyes but doesn't protest.

"This is certainly an interesting way to introduce me to your family, Nate."

I feel the back of my neck heat. "We already planned to meet up here," I mutter. My grip tightens around Annalise’s waist. "I wasn't going to bail just because you needed saving last night."

A delicate blush creeps up her cheeks, making her look even more enticing than before. Shit, I think I embarrassed her. That was not what I was going for.

"Thanks," she replies quietly. I can't tell if she's being sincere or not. Before I can say anything, my brother saves the day.

“Anyone need a drink? I’m going to head to the bar,” Grant says.

“I’ll go with you!” Annalise blurts. “I could use some juice or something.”

He offers her his arm. She takes it and swans off with Grant, not bothering to look back.

Once they’re out of earshot, James turns to me. "She's too young for you, Nate," he warns, his tone harsh. “You shouldn’t even be sleeping with her.”

"Relax," I scoff, rolling my eyes. "I'm not going to marry Annalise. We’re both just having a little fun."

I resent his interference, but a part of me wonders if he's right. Sheistoo young. She should be with someone her own age, someone also just starting out…

"Isn't that worse?" James counters, raising an eyebrow. "There's more than a ten-year age gap between you two. People will talk."

"Let them," I snap, my irritation rising. I don't need anyone else dictating my life choices, especially not when it comes to Annalise. “I’m still the richest motherfucker in this whole damn place.”

James rolls his eyes. “Uh huh.”

I can't help but feel chagrined by James's words. I glance over to see Grant talking animatedly with Annalise. I'm not worried about him hitting on her. Grant has always focused more on his passions, like robotics and AI, than on romantic pursuits.

But I wonder if Annalise isn’t using this as an opportunity to discover what skeletons I might be hiding in my closet. And with Grant’s obsession with telling the truth? He might just give them to her.

"James," I call out, motioning for my brother to join me. "Keep an eye on those two, will you? Grant can get intense when he talks about his projects."

"Sure thing, Nate," James replies with a nod. He makes his way over to them and cuts in on their conversation.

With that taken care of, I join Cash at the poker table. I’m trying everything in my power to regain control over the situation. But as the dealer shuffles the cards, my eyes drift back to Annalise. Her laughter fills the air. I swear I can smell her distinctive fragrance.

As the game heats up, I fold again and again. I just can’t pay attention for the time it takes to play a whole game. Is last night’s sleeplessness the cause?

Or is it something more?

"Your head's not in the game today, Nate," Cash teases me when I lose yet another hand. "I have a feeling that it has to do with a certain pretty blonde. Could it be that you’rein love?"

"Shut up," I snap, glaring at him. My heart races in my chest, though I refuse to explore the reasons why I have such a visceral reaction. "I'm just tired."

"From your night with Annalise?" he presses with a smirk. "It’s just that you've never had trouble focusing with a woman around before. Hell, we’ve been coming to this poker tournament for five years, and this is the first time that you’ve brought adate."

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