Page 22 of A Man of Prestige

“And the others?” I ask, inquiring about our other TOD brothers who are on the council but that we don’t deal with regularly, and also weren’t part of our pledge class or inner circle.

“We each take three or four. We can just reach out about a reunion or something for TOD. Maybe we can get Chuck to try to put together a happy hour. We haven’t had one in a long time. Any word from Bryce on the intel he’s supposed to get us?” I ask.

They nod. “We need to talk to everyone over the next few days. And no, no word from Bryce yet, but he said it could take some time,” Conner says.

“The storm’s coming. I haven’t spoken to my dad since last week. That’s…unusual,” Sebastian states with a grim look on his face.

“We all know I’ve been trying to track Theo down for weeks now,” Conner says with a huff.

“Monthly dinner is supposed to be next week,” I say with a shrug.

“How can you stand it?” Conner says. “Seriously, cut the umbilical cord. He’s pure evil.”

“I think we’re all about to do that, Pound,” Sebastian says dryly.

“Wouldn’t it be nice to have actually had a normal, loving family?” I ponder.

“I wouldn’t know normal or loving if it hit me in the face,” Conner mutters as he sips his drink.

“I’m sure Viv can show you that,” Sebastian says with a sly smile.

“Fuck off, Congressman,” Conner retorts. “Maybe Alexis is chilling that heart of ice.”

Sebastian glares at him. “Alexis is not a topic for discussion.”

Conner gives him a pointed look before turning to me. “But what about Ella? Now that’s an interesting topic of conversation, don’t you think so, Bastian?”

Sebastian leans against the arm of the chair and smirks. “Now on that topic, I can agree.”

“Fuck both of you. I’m not discussing it. She’s helping us out. End of story.”

“Is she ‘helping’ you out, too?” Conner questions.

Now it’s my turn to glare. “We are completely professional.”

“What type of profession would that be? The world’s oldest?” Conner quips.

I give him a look. “Listen, I don’t know what the future holds for Ella and me. We’d have to talk through a lot of shit before anything could even be considered.”

“What did happen between you two?” Sebastian asks. I can see Conner give him a look and I know they have most definitely discussed my love life or lack thereof before.

“Like I’ve said. We fought. She left. And she never came back.”

“What the hell was the fight about?” Conner asks.

I shrug. “Shit, I barely remember. It was so long ago. I think I said something about never wanting kids and she was all offended, and it just spiraled. You remember how we were. I mean, shit, we’re passionate as fuck. I just figured it was another moment of Ella just being Ella and she would come back after she cooled off, and we would work it out.”

“That’s weird, man,” Sebastian says. “Because that’s what I would have thought, too.”

“Well, it didn’t play out that way,” I state as I finish my drink. “I should head back. I need to work out and finish sending some emails.”

“Fine, I think we have our game plan, for now anyway,” Conner says.

“Aiden?” Sebastian starts. I turn to look at him. “Don’t write her off yet. It sounds like whatever happened between you two, it’s not over yet.”

Fucking Sebastian. He’s a Romeo at heart. Always has been.

“Noted. I’ll see you two later,” I say as I head out the door.

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