Page 90 of Undercover Savior

“Thank you, but not this year, son.”

He nodded. “Understood.” He held out his arm, and she took it. “Be right back,” he said over his shoulder.

As soon as they were out of the room, Sullivan stood, then we walked toward each other and embraced. “I think that went well, didn’t you?” she asked.

“As well as could be expected.”

“Gus knew?”

“He suspected, but this morning confirmed it for him.”

“Is he angry with her?”

“Not at all. He understands the position she’s been in all these years.”

Sullivan hugged me tighter. “I love that the two of you have been so close.”

“I do as well. He’s the brother I never had. I feel that in my heart.”

“As do I,” I heard Gus say from the doorway.

I released Sullivan, and he and I embraced. “Can we sit for a moment?” I asked.

He shut the library doors and joined Sullivan and me in front of the fireplace, where she sat between us.

“I’d rather no one know until my mum decides she’s ready,” he began.

“I’ll respect that decision.”

“Which means you cannot let on.” His eyes bored into mine, and I laughed.

“I am quickly learning my faults this Christmas.”

“Not a fault. A weakness.” He winked.

“I suppose you’ve been compensating for them my entire life.”

Gus’ expression softened. “As you have for me.”

“We’re a good team, cousin.”

He nodded. “We are, Ash. We’ve always been.”

While we agreed not to say anything to Con or Tag, the one thing I had to do at dinner was raise my glass in a toast. “To family,” I said, my eyes meeting Gus’.

At the meal’s conclusion, I invited everyone to join me in the library, where I’d requested dessert be served as a buffet so everyone could pick and choose as they liked. When I saw Fallon standing off on her own, I approached.

“I understand you’d like to relocate.”

Her eyes met mine. “If it wouldn’t be an inconvenience.”

“None at all.” I followed her line of sight to where Con stood. “Is he aware?”

“I broached the subject, saying I thought it might be easier for Sullivan and me to work together.”

“Was he amenable?”

“He seems to be.”

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