Page 32 of Something Blue

“You’re my favorite sister.” I chuckle. “A whisky - on the rocks.” I say, following her to the outside bar on the patio. “I’m your only sister, smartass.” She laughs.

My eyes are constantly tugging towards Neve. It’s difficult not to stare at her the entire time.

“Here you go.” She says, handing me a glass filled with golden liquid. Three enormous ice blocks chinking against the sides. “Single Malt - Thanks. How have you been? You look stressed.”

“I’ve been good. Focused on trying to help Neve. You do not know how hard it was to convince her to come out tonight. She’s been holed up in her apartment. I think she’s overwhelmed by everything.”

“With her father?” I ask, doing my best to sound casual.

“That - and it all happened right after the thing with Damion. She’s so stressed out and I mean - who could blame her. “

“How is her dad doing?” I ask, pushing for more information.

“Horrible. She’s pretty sure he’s about to have a heart attack.” Dalila sighs in frustration.

“He was an idiot for doing such stupid things.” I shrug.

“I know - I know - but still - I feel bad about how it’s effecting Neve. I wish I could help her. Her brother is trying to convince her father to step down so that he can take over the campaign. To save something of their family name. But her father is so freaking stubborn and bull headed - and besides, with all the PR recovery I think they’re running out of funds. I don’t know what they’re going to do.”

“It’s not a bad idea for her brother to take over, start fresh with the campaign.” In fact, it was exactly what I was counting on. They are going to need help soon. And I will be there to clean up the mess his father left, financially they will need me support more now than ever.

“Well, you try telling that to her dad. He’s more stubborn than our old man.” She smirks, raising her brows, making me chuckle.

“Oh dammit, I forgot Nevio was waiting for his drink.” Dalila giggles and hurries away, leaving me standing alone by the bar watching Neve.

Her conversation with Mas ends, and he excuses himself, walking towards his wife, Leora. But not before gently touching Neve’s arm and squeezing softly. It make me angry to see his hands on her. He has no right to touch her.

Before anyone else has a chance to move towards her, I make my way there.

As I come closer, I can smell that gorgeous scent of hers. Intoxicating as always.

“I’m sorry for what’s happening with your father.” I say, stepping close to her side.

“I’m sure you’re devastated.” She sasses back sarcastically.

“Why would you say it like that?” I ask, the corner of my mouth turning up everso slightly.

“Was it you?” she asks, her eyes turned fiercely onto me. Her lashes lowered as she narrows her gaze at me.

“Waswhatme, my angel? You are going to have to be a lot more specific than that.”

She pulls her mouth tight, biting her lower lip and huffing.

“Did you leak the photos? The videos?” she speaks clearly.

I knit my brows, looking hurt by her accusation.

“Neve, my family has supported your father’s campaign for years. What benefit would I have for doing something like that?” She shakes her head, unable to answer.

Neve’s eyes lower and she swirls her gin in its glass, shifting uncomfortably.

“Did you - kill Damion?” she asks, barely a whisper.

I reach out, letting my hand rest on her slender waist. The heat of her body searing through me. One simple touch and I could get lost in her.

“You’ve been through a lot lately. Your fiancé was in that horrible accident, and now your father’s -private activities- have been made public. I want you to know that if you ever need to talk to someone - or for someone to be there for you - you can call me. Any time of the day or night.”

She glares at me but doesn’t step away from my touch.

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