Page 52 of Inherited Holiday

With wide eyes, I stepped back, replying, “We were just leaving.”

He spoke up. “You should go inside and say hello to the family.”

I nodded.

He was right.

But at least this time…

I had her by my side.

A few men in suits were scattered around as we made our way back inside, drinking, watching while scantily-clad women danced around. The only upside for my brother was that he knew I didn’t want to own the power. I was better at getting my hands dirty than I was running behind the scenes.

I nodded at Alfred. “He in there?”

He grinned. “When is he not in?”

The library was massive, with a black leather couch to the right. Floor-to-ceiling bookcases surrounded the room, and a wet bar stood near the mahogany desk. Everyone stood around, shooting the shit.

I narrowed my eyes, examining my father’s perfect posture while tilting my head.

“Getting started without me?” I asked, trying to break the ice.

I lifted my glass.

He lifted his. “What can I say? It’s the holidays.”

I braced myself for what would come next.

Ready.

Willing.

Eager to get this over with.

To my surprise, my father stated, “I’ve been hearing good things, and I saw the pictures of you last night. You looked like you were enjoying yourself.”

“Debatable,” I joked.

“I’m going to use the bathroom,” Noelle informed. “I’ll be back.”

Looking over his shoulder and back at me, Dad added, “She’s a woman you can’t control, no matter how hard you try. She pulls you in and makes you both weak and strong. It could go both ways, Nicholas. You either get the girl with the town or you?—”

“Or I what?”

“For what it’s worth.” He tilted his head. “She’s good for you.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

He threw his head back and laughed. “The only time your lies are shit are when they’re about her. And I said what I said. She’s good for you. She always has been.”

“That’s the first you’ve ever mentioned it before.”

“Better late than never.”

I narrowed my eyes at him.

“It’s good to see you home, Nicholas.”

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