Page 59 of Forbidden Grumpy Boss

I shrug. “Busy.”

“I haven’t seen you since—”

“Yeah.” I nod, trying not to remember that day but failing. “I didn’t even know you were back in Europe.”

“I got in a few years ago.” He rubs his head. “I don’t know. I got sick of being so far away. It takes a toll, you know? Running from one’s demons.”

I nod, partially understanding what he’s saying. “You’re consulting for movies now?”

Cassian folds his arms across his chest as we stand side-by-side, watching a scene being filmed. “No. But when I heard your studio was releasing a movie based on,” he points, “well, war. I figured I may as well lend my knowledge and let it come out as good as possible.”

“And you didn’t reach out to me?” I glance at him. “I could’ve gotten you a very good pay, Cass. What are they paying you now?”

“Nah, I don’t need the money, Silas.” He waves me off. “I’ve got a little agency going on that gives me more than I need. This is for Ezra, not the money.”

Watching the younger man speak makes me think about my baby brother. He and Cassian are the same age. Or, at least, they’d be the same age if what happened hadn’t happened. The thought of Ezra makes my chest tighten.

“You look good.”

Cassian glances at me. “Youlook good, which is completely understandable considering the circumstances.”

“What do you mean?”

He laughs, but there’s something knowing in his eyes. “I heard about the engagement, man,” he says, surprising me.

I blink. “You did?”

“Yeah, I was out of town, man. I wasn’t dead. Even though I loathe social media, I try to keep an eye on things related to those close to me.” He clasps my shoulder. “Congratulations. Leah’s a knockout.”

I freeze.Wait, what?How the hell does he know about Leah? No one’s supposed to know. The whole thing is supposed to be a secret unless...

“Thanks,” I say slowly, trying to figure out how to play this. “When did you hear about this?”

“The engagement?”

“Yeah.”

“Honestly? I can’t remember.” His eyes grow hooded. “I saw her picture a few minutes ago, though.”

“What picture?”

He pulls out his phone, but before I can check his phone, my phone buzzes. Leah’s name flashes across the screen, followed by a series of text messages.

Then Harvey’s name pops up—three missed calls in five minutes.

Shit.

My heart pounds as I open the texts from Leah. My stomach drops when I see the pictures—Emma Caldwell, that meddling lady, snapped a few photos of Leah and me kissing beside the plane, the kiss I tried to brush off.

“Is everything okay, man?” Cassian asks beside me.

“Yeah, I, uh, I’ll be seeing you, Cass.” I shove my phone in my pocket and clasp the younger man’s hand. “We should get together one of these days, yeah?”

“Great seeing you, man.”

As I wander to my car, pulling the collar of my coat up, my mind is racing as my phone vibrates in my pockets. I don’t need to check it to know it’s Harvey calling. I ignore the calls from him, but it’s too late.

The secret’s out.

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