Page 71 of The Wrong Husband
“I usually steer clear of gossip, except…” James pauses long enough for the silence to bite. “He never held a funeral for Karma. Which makes one wonder if there's some truth to these persistent rumors.”
“Wonder why Arthur invited Adrian.” I drag my thumb under my lip.
“He must be interested in Adrian’s plans for the Sovrano’s businesses,” Brody offers.
“I'll wager; he wants to remedy Adrian’s bachelor status.” I purse my lips.
"You’re referring to his machinations where he tries to marry off you lot?" James turns to me with a glint in his eyes.
“It’s just Brody and me left. The rest of our brothers are married. I wouldn’t be surprised if Arthur wants to turn his attention to you and the other single guys here—and find brides for the lot of you.” I grin at him.
James pales. "And here I thought this was simply an afternoon with my quasi-family. Considering my parents are away, traveling at the moment."
Brody and I exchange another look.
"Arthur loves having his family around, simply so he can lord over them.” Brody raises a hand. "Maybe I’m being a bit uncharitable. Arthurdoescare for his family. And hedoesbelieve that he’s doing his best for them, but that translates into getting involved in our business and being confident that he knows what’s best for us when, really, all he’s doing is being intrusive."
"To give the old man his due, it’s thanks, in part, to his schemes that our brothers and our uncle Quentin are now married to the loves of their life, so?—"
"So, you’re okay with him getting involved in getting you married off?"
It’s my turn to stiffen. "He doesn’t have a say in my personal life." I jut out my chin.
Brody’s expression turns incredulous. “This is Arthur we’re talking about. If he’s not scheming to get one of us married, he’s not happy.”
And if it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t have proposed to Fever.
James narrows his gaze. "Is this why you asked my sister to marry you?"
"You asked Phoenix to marry you?" Brody bursts out. It just so happens, it’s during a lull in the conversation, so his voice echoes around the room.
Every single face in the room turns toward us. I glare at him.
"Oops." He smirks, not looking very sorry.
Phe turns to us, her eyebrows twisted. She wears an expression of confusion.
"Remember what I told you?" James leans into my face. "If you hurt her, you’ll have me to contend with."
"This has nothing to do with you," Phe snaps as she approaches us.
"On the contrary. I ask him to watch out for you, and he betrays me by coming onto you.” James scowls.
“About that”—Phe glares at him—“I haven’t forgotten you asked your friend to run surveillance on me,” she whisper-shouts.
The others have gone back to their conversations, thank God. The last thing I need is the rest of my family weighing in with their opinions on the matter.
Fact is, we wouldn’t have met if not for James’ request to me.
I don’t say that aloud. It’s only going to piss off Phe further. For now, I enjoy watching her take down my friend.
James widens his eyes at his sister. “I understand it upset you, but I apologized. My intentions were only to make sure you were safe. I can't help but worry about you.”
She makes a rude noise. “What you are is overly protective.”
“It is one of my faults.” His features soften. “And I truly apologize that it made you feel like I was intruding on your life. But Phe, you’re our only sister. And it’s natural for me… And for all our brothers to feel like we should take care of you.”
She begins to speak, but he holds up his hand. “And before you can complain that they haven’t been in touch because they’re in different corners of the world, I promise you, they reach out to me for regular updates.”
