Page 47 of Love, Lies, and Celtic Knots

Ryan? As in the missing older brother, Ryan, I've heard people whisper about? The former Navy SEAL?

Folding his arms over his powerful chest, Ryan surveys his younger brother for several eerily quiet moments.

The man emits a predatory vibe that makes me squirm. I can only imagine how Brennen feels. I have to admit Ryan is impressive, and the resemblance between the brothers isdefinitely there. But while Brennen is leaner, more like a swimmer, Ryan has deep layers of muscle from years of physical training that even his five-thousand-dollar suit doesn't hide. His jaw is more chiseled, his face craggy, with deep lines around his mouth and eyes hinting at a life outdoors and worldly experience.

He's not someone I would want to tangle with. Ryan exudes power, money, and strength.

“Like I’ve told you before, Brennen, this wineryismy business. It’s our family’s legacy, and I’m not about to let it fall into the hands of a group of vultures." He sighs and rubs a spot between his eyes. "This isn’t just about the Celtic Knot anymore. You’re in over your head, and whether you like it or not, you need my help."

Brennen's jaw works furiously, and I can almost see steam come out of his ears. "Emma and I have done just fine holding this place together, Ryan,” he sneers. “We don’t need your help, you arrogant asshole."

I'm instantly uncomfortable as it dawns on me that I'm stuck in the middle of a major family fight. I edge several steps to the side wondering if I can make an escape unnoticed. My movement finally captures Alex's attention and he gives me a slow head shake, as if telling me to stay put. I narrow my eyes at him.

He's involved in this somehow. Has he been lying to me the entire time? Is that why he’s been so on edge lately?

"You need me more than you realize," Ryan responds, his voice softer but level, and hard as granite. "Why didn’t you call me? All you had to do was tell me you needed cash. I would have wired it to you, no questions asked."

Brennen scoffs. “None of that matters anymore, big brother.” He points at me, and the breath freezes in my chest as Ryan's sharp gaze swivels in my direction. I feel like an insect pinnedto a posterboard. "Our new winemaker has a major hit on her hands, and we're already sold out. We won first place and best overall white wine in Atlanta yesterday.Idid that, Ryan." Brennen jabs his thumb at his chest. "Idid it. Not you.Me!"

"Several hits," I correct, and my throat tightens in panic as all eyes turn to me again. Horrified I said that, I stumble backwards. Just a few more feet and I can escape through the tasting room door.

Ryan's eyes narrow as he focuses fully on me. "You're Sophia Garrett, from the California wine family," he states, clearly not expecting a response. Thank god, because I wasn't sure I could utter a single syllable if my life depended on it. The intensity of his gaze is like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. "What do you mean several hits?"

I blink rapidly at him and open my mouth to reply, but nothing comes out. I clear my throat awkwardly and try again. "We'll have at least four top notch wines within the next six months. We just bottled a light red that is a masterpiece, if I do say so myself. And next on my list is a drier white wine. I can promise it will be better than anything you've ever tried."

Holy crap! I'm shocked I said all that, but I’m not about to stand here and let my wines be impugned.

One corner of Ryan's lips curls up, softening his face. Goddamn, women must be crawling over this guy back in Texas because he exudes pure masculinity. "Cocky little thing, aren't you?"

I lift my chin at the challenge. "You’re only cocky if you can’t back it up. And I can."

He gives me a single nod and turns back to Brennen. "It doesn't matter how many fucking cases you've sold. Based on my intel, it won’t be long before Sapphire Development can take ownership of this place." He shakes his head in frustration. "You wait much longer for help and everything our mother worked sohard for will be gone." Ryan's intense eyes drill into his brother. "Come on, Brennen. Do you honestly think you can stop what’s coming with just the orders for the new wine?"

Brennen is quiet for several moments, the muscles in his jaw working furiously. "How do you know about this?"

Ryan lifts a powerful shoulder. "Does it matter? I have my sources."

Brennen's eyes move to Alex, who is standing stoically behind Ryan. "You meanspies. That's why this guy showed up out of nowhere, isn't it?” Brennen points to Alex. “You had Emma plant him to spy on us, didn’t you?"

The breath whooshes out of my chest at Brennen's accusation, and I stare at the ground at the realization that isexactlywhat happened. My stomach instantly sours.

Alex was sent here as a spy to ferret out what was going on with the winery, not because he won some random bullshit scholarship or ‘to learn from the best.’

Suddenly, it all makes sense. Everything clicks into place: the strange phone calls, the odd questions he'd ask me, the way he had chatted up the winery employees as if they were old friends, his sudden disappearances… all of it.

I look up and jolt to find Alex’s gaze on me, an unreadable look on his face. I was just a cover for him, nothing more. What a fool I have been all this time. The floor drops beneath me as my gut twists. Everything has been a lie with Alex.

I can't bite back the small groan as a wave of nausea moves over me, and I do everything in my power not to vomit all over the floor.

I backpedal as quickly as my feet will allow, not caring that all three men are now watching me. I have to get out of this room. Now!

I'm such an idiot…

Chapter 10

Alex

It’s agony watching Sophie as she listens to Ryan and Brennen argue. I’m oblivious to the insults Brennen lobs at me, but the way her face pales and her look of horror freezes my blood. It’s like watching all my hopes and dreams wash down the drain.

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