Page 18 of Dex

“At Georgetown university.”

His eyebrow starts to rise, before he schools his expression.“You last dated while in college, and not since?”

He’s interrogating me, but I don’t get any sleazy vibes from him.It seems like he’s trying to figure out my motives.I don’t sense this is because he has no interest in me.I don’t feel like he’s trying to work out if I’m available so that he can get ready to swoop in.

He jerks his chin, indicating the people around us.“You must be used to attention like this.”

“I don’t like it,” I reply carefully.

“Funny that you should say that, wearing such a figure-hugging sparkly dress.You’re hard to miss.”

I suddenly feeling tired.Like I’ve had to be on my best behavior while trying to figure out all these personalities, trying to work out who would be best for an alliance.

Who out of all these brothers I could live with for one year.

Be married to.On paper.

And I’m still not sure how this would work.

“Your father suggested I dress up,” I reply, noticing Matteo over Dexter’s shoulder.He’s laughing with one of the pretty servers.He seems flirtatious, and doesn’t seem to carry himself with the same gravity as the rest of the brothers.He’s the only one not in a full suit.He’s wearing jeans and a shirt with a casual blazer over it.

Dexter’s eyes fill with surprise.“Jesus.You’ve already started obeying my father, and you’re not even a member of the family.”My mouth feels like I’ve swallowed sand.“Didyourfather force you into this?”he asks.This time, there’s a softness in his eyes.

“My father would never force me to do anything.”

“You’re doing this of your own volition?”he cries, just as the staring brother, Rio, reappears.

I don’t reply.I’m not sure how much Dexter needs to know.How much Paul Knight wants me to tell.

Dexter closes his eyes and shakes his head.“You don’t need to answer.You look pretty uncomfortable, so I’m guessing you know more than you’re willing to share.I need another drink, a strong one.I’ll leave you two to talk.”

Rio’s heated gaze on me makes me wish I could go back home now.

Chapter 6

DEX

I walk away, leaving Brazilian Beauty Queen and Rio together.

I don’t trust her and I’m still trying to figure her out.Why is she here?Why would someone like her, someone looking likethat,agree to an arranged marriage?It doesn’t make sense.

I need to know what the others think.I step out onto the penthouse balcony and find Jett and Cari.Huddled together.Kissing.

Jesus.At my father’s penthouse, on the balcony?They can’t seem to keep their hands off each other, which is weird as hell because Cari’s usually too sensible for putting on public displays of their affection.But she looks just as wrapped up in Jett as he is in her.

“Get a room, you two,” I say, casually.Jett doesn’t even look embarrassed.Cari turns, her expression flustered, but she doesn’t move away from him.

What is it with people being in love?

“Good conversation with the Brazilian Alliance?”Jett asks.Cari swats him gently across his arm.“Don’t be so nasty.”

“What?It’s the truth,” Jett counters.

“You don’t know that.”She looks up at him, her eyes shining.“She’s nice.I think she’s really nice and brave for coming here, for meeting you all.”

“You’d think Charles Manson was nice.”Jett drops a kiss to her lips, but she backs off.

“I would not.I like giving people a chance, but not serial killers and their kind.”Then she tiptoes up and kisses him again.“You were extremely cold and indifferent to her.You should apologize.”

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