Page 64 of Fifth Avenue Devil

"Enough, Cash." I grit my teeth.

My situation with Annalise is just a fling, I remind myself. It’s a temporary distraction from the cold, calculated world of business that we both inhabit.

I glance across the room and watch Annalise's eyes light up with curiosity as she listens to Grant talk. Most women would be desperate to leave by now because Grant likes to monologue about whatever nerdy thing he’s fixated on lately. But not Annalise. She is genuinely engaged, not merely listening to Grant’s endless stories.

Annalise’s patience and kindness make her all the more desirable to me. I can't help but wonder if my feelings for her run more deeply than I am willing to admit.

When Cash leans his head close to my ear and whispers, his voice almost compassionate. "Give it up, Nate. You're not fooling anyone. You’ve caught feelings for her."

I shoot him a stony glare. “For Archer Gellar’s daughter? I’m just sleeping with her.”

He folds his arms across his chest and shakes his head at my stubbornness. “I can’t believe that the most business-minded of my brothers is acting like a teenaged boy with a bad crush. It’s stunning to watch.”

"Pay attention to your damn cards," I growl. I refuse to let him see how much his words have affected me.

I put all my focus on winning the next hand.

The room seems to close in on me as I lose anyway. I’m usually so good at reading everyone, but it seems that I’ve lost my touch.

As I open my mouth to excuse myself, a couple walks down the pier, arm in arm. I stand up as I stare at them.

My parents are here. Jesus fucking Christ, like I need this kind of trouble today.

Douglas and Celia Fordham scan the tables. When they locate me, my hackles instantly rise. I'm already questioning everything about my relationship with Annalise. The last thing I need to add to the mix is their scrutiny.

Cash notices my parents too. “Shit. I thought they were still on their year-long trip through Europe.” He coughs into his hand. “Heads up.”

My parents are bad news. They are in the US very rarely, but when they are present, they throw everything into chaos.

“I see them.” I push back from the table. “Do me a favor and head them off. I’m going to get Annalise out of here before Mom and Dad rip her to shreds.”

“On it.” Cash stands up and makes a beeline for Mom. “You’re already done traveling? How time flies!”

I reach Annalise's side, gripping her arm firmly.

“Hey, Mom and Dad are here,” Grant says.

I make hard eye contact with him. “I’m going to escort Annalise out.”

Annalise looks bewildered. “What?”

"Come with me," I whisper harshly.

Annalise’s eyes widen slightly in surprise. But she doesn't protest as I lead her away from the tables and hurry toward the exit. "Is everything okay?" she asks.

"Fine," I lie, forcing a tight smile. "I am just hoping to help you escape–"

“Nathan!” My mom shouts.

I freeze in place, my mind going blank.

“Fuck,” I mutter.

Licking my lips, I turn around. My parents are walking toward me. My mom looks Annalise up and down with a calculating glance.

I grit my teeth. The last thing I want is for them to see any cracks in my façade.

“Nathan, darling,” Mom says. “It’s too late to run, I’m afraid. We’ve arrived.”

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