Page 41 of Secret Bet
Chapter12
The stars wereout in full force, along with the Christmas-themed lights on the patio. His sister's wedding went off as a success just as a princess would have desired. Peter led Belle toward his table and went to find his sister at the appointed hour for their brotherand sister dance. As the oldest, he'd escort her, but as he went to find Vicki, his gaze stayed on Belle. She sat still as the musicplayed.
His sister elbowed him and then took his hand. They walked together to the middle of the dance floor. People stood to take pictures as he led his sister into awaltz.
She licked her lips. "Do you likeBelle?"
He tightened his frame andglanced at Belle. She spoke to the old senator. Then he gazed at hissister.
"Vicki, she isdifferent."
Her eyebrowslifted. "How?"
He swallowed, and the words just came out. "I haven't figured out her price. She's honest, forthright, and unlike any other woman I've everkissed."
"Youkissedher?"
He jerked her in the move. "I can't believe Isaidthat."
His sister pinched him. "I don't care about the percent in the company and that stupid bet you made. I want you to find a girl who can make your lifehappy."
This wasn't what they should discuss. His collar felt tight. The bet made his stomach turn as he thoughtaboutit.
"I amhappy."
She pressed on his back to ensure he didn't fall out of step. "No, you were not. Youcan be obstinate. You spent so much time with our father, and we were all scared you'd followhispath."
He was too much like his father. His stomach hardened. "What did you thinkI'ddo?"
She smiled at him. "Ruin people's lives. Marry someone you can control. Tell your children how to live their lives. Force your will upon them, no matter how much they disagreed. Basically repeatourchildhood."
All the reasons anyone like Belle should not be with him. That was why he didn't sleep much. "You thought thataboutme?"
Then Vicki's chin trembled, but she tightened her grip. "I was afraid of that for you, but I never gave up on you. You're my brother, and you watched outforme."
"I didn't doenough."
The music ended. He escorted her as people cheered.Then the music changed, and Colt led his mother to the dance floor. He held his sister's hand so they could watch this part of the marriage custom. Peter pressed his lipstogether.
"I'm sure you meant well, but right now I feellikedirt."
She waved for their other brother. Peter's cheeks felt warm as she said, "Dirt doesn't feel, and you're part of my family. If Belle is as wonderfulas you say, then don't lethergo."
Again he glanced at his table, and three men who worked for him circled Belle. His musclesstiffened.
"Thanks."
Vicki glanced in the direction he had stared. Peter saw clearly that she had understood as their brotherapproached.
"John, come here." Colt was half done with his dance with his mother. "Tell Peter you want to forget aboutthe bet, so he can date Belleforreal."
Peter’s jaw dropped. "Tellherwhat?"
"You can tell her that you like her." Vickishrugged.
John crossed his arms. "Wait.What?"
Vicki nodded her head to get their brother to agree. "He likes her, only he's having a hard time because ofthebet."
