Page 39 of Covenant

“Iammortified by you,” Matthias sighs. “But I don’t pretend I don’t have a family. I know I have one. I even tolerate most of you.”

I roll my eyes.Tolerate.That sounds like Matthias.

Does it? He never seemed to just tolerate you when you were young.

Yeah,well, times change and so do people.

Amusement glimmers in Harley’s eyes. “Like I said, he likes to pretend he exists on his own. A lone wolf, if you will.”

I peer over at Matthias again, and he’s staring at his coffee cup, not making eye contact, not showing his cards. He doesn’t want me to know anything. He wants to keep me in the dark.

“Either way, it’s nice to finally meet you, Harley,” I say.

“Same here. I’ve been wondering what you look like. Had a picture in my mind.” His gaze swivels over me and he sighs. “You’re much hotter than I imagined. Are you sure Matthias is the Buckingham you want to commit to?”

“You can stop flirting with my husband,” Matthias says coldly. “Behave.”

“But he’s so pretty,” Harley rocks back in his chair, waggling his brows suggestively. “Maybe you’re too uptight for him. Maybe he wants to spend time with someone younger. Someone more…fun.”

Matthias gets to his feet, bracing himself on his knuckles as he leans toward his sibling. “Call him pretty again. I fucking dare you.”

The front legs of Harley’s chair hit the ground with athud. “What’s a little harmless flirting between friends?”

“He’s myhusband,” Matthias growls. “Not your fucking friend. And if you want him to be, you’re going to start treating him with the respect he deserves.”

My eyes widen. Wow, I guess that answers if they’re to think this is real or not. Matthias really does want to sell this to his family.

Matthias continues to glare at Harley, the two of them having a silent pissing contest, until Harley sighs. He turns to me and mutters, “Sorry.”

Once again, I’m caught off guard. Why is he apologizing to me? Matthias is the one he annoyed.

But Matthias nods at his brother approvingly before taking his seat again. “Good.”

“Maybe less talking and more eating?” Jules says as he walks over.

Harley beams at Jules. “Don’t worry, sweetheart, you know my heart is only reserved for you.”

“Oh, tsh,” Jules says with a blush. It’s clear he’s not taking Harley’s words seriously.

He sets a plate down in front of Harley and then me. Matthias is last.

For some reason, the fact that he wasn’t first makes me giddy.

I look down at the food and grab my fork, not saying anything else, just digging in. And hell, it’s good. Real fucking nice. Harley is doing the same thing, eating up the food as quickly as possible. Matthias, on the other hand, is cutting his food up nice and proper.

Fucking ridiculous. Who uses a knife these days anyway?

“God, this is good, Jules. Nice fucking eggs.” Harley says through a mouthful.

Jules shoots him a smirk. “Of course they are. It’s me. I’m world-renowned.”

Harley grins. “You fucking know it. Did you make your scones? Tell me you made your scones.”

Jules flushes. “I might have.”

“Fuck yes. Where are they? I want them in my mouth right this instant.”

Jules murmurs under his breath but looks pleased with how eager Harley is. The flush now extends down his neck and below his chef whites. His eyes flick between Harley and the stove every few seconds, like he can’t help himself.

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