Page 9 of Impending Consent

“Does he know you don’t lose?”

“I’ve told him but no one really understands how serious I am about maintaining my record.” I shrugged.

“Poor guy.”

“Not poor guy, poor me. He lied to me. The lie was simple, however a detail important enough to cause me to have to work harder to win this case. I don’t like that.”

“Like I said, poor guy.” TJ’s voice was laced with amusement. I narrowed my eyes before I turned to the small hideaway cabinet that lined the wall behind my desk. I kept a few changes of clothes here at the office along with other personal items.

After I removed my purse, I lifted my water bottle from the desk and crossed the room, pausing in front of him. He stepped out of the way, allowing me enough space to exit my office. He trailed me to the door, locking the main entrance that led into the lobby of our suite before we left. TJ walked me to my carand waited for me to be safely inside before he leaned down, frowning as I sat in the driver's seat.

“You okay, Sail? You seemed off today.”

“Off?” My voice elevated which had his forehead wrinkling.

“Yeah off, and not one thing in particular ,so I can’t say what, but your energy is different today.”

Okay, so maybe being bonded to my brother again wasn’t such a great thing right now. I couldn’t be honest and tell him I had somehow managed to get myself a whole husband I wasn’t sure I could get rid of. Everything about last night was legal and binding even if I didn’t totally remember all the details.

I flashed my brother a confident smile. “I’m fine, Teej, just had a long night and trying to decide how to make tonight even longer.”

When my eyes flitted up to his, he tensed and groaned in annoyance. “Sail, I love you but I’m sure you’re aware I don’t want details or indications about your extracurricular activities.”

“You asked.”

“I did. Get home safely.”

“You too and tell Indi I said hello.”

“I will, night, Sail.”

After he shut me in my vehicle, my shoulders sank. I had all the answers. That was my role in this family. The sibling who never faltered, who lived selfishly and unapologetically. I didn’t go to TJ or Sky for help and that was what I needed at the moment—help.

Instead of starting my car, I removed my phone which I’d purposely left in my purse all day. I didn’t want reminders of the disaster I created last night and sure enough his presence was noted the minute I had my phone in hand.

Rival: Dinner tonight. Don’t forget. We have a lot to discuss.

Rival: So there’s no confusion: 1456 Grand Cove Lane

Rival: Heading home to shower.

Rival: Text or call when you’re on your way.

Rival: Or just show up. I’m here.

Missed Call: Rival

Missed Call: Rival

Rival: Sailor, this is happening regardless of whether or not you answer my text or calls.

My muscles locked tightly. My hopes of him letting this go quickly unraveled.

Shit, I’m so screwed.

When I started my car, a call came through and I hit ignore as soon as his name flashed across the screen. I was well aware that I had to deal with this situation but that didn’t mean I had to deal with it tonight. For now, I was heading home, opening a bottle of wine or two, and climbing into my bed. The goal was to erase the past twenty-four hours. Even if I couldn’t rewind time, at least the temporary pause would allow me time to wrap my mind around all this.

I squeezed my eyes shut and exhaled a breath only to feel more tension in my shoulders when a memory of last night surfaced.

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