Page 68 of Maximum
Noah’s eyes met mine. “Oh.”
“Don’t worry. She promised me that she wouldn’t pester you to support her wildlife foundation, but I thought that you should know your secret is out.”
“It’s fine.” River touched my arm. “If you and Maximum are really together then you’re part of the family anyway.”
Maximum frowned at his sister. “What do you mean,if?Are you not sure if this is a prank or what?”
Cocking her hip to one side, she placed a hand on there. “Well, is it?”
“Hell no.” Maximum looked offended.
“I’m sorry, but you haven’t been in a relationship for years and Fleur said that she was done with men, so it’s a little surprising to see you two together.”
Noah smiled. “I think it’s wonderful.”
“Thank you, Noah! How nice it would be if my sister was as positive as you.”
“Iampositive,” she said before lowering her voice. “It’s just that I don’t want you to get hurt, that’s all.”
Maximum let go of me and took a few steps to engulf River in a tight hug. “You were the one who inspired me to take a chance on love. You did it and I’ve never seen you happier.”
The two siblings hugged for a long time before releasing each other and River asked, “Do any of the others know?”
“Atlas knows. I’ve talked with him over the phone.”
“And Nathan and Lumi?”
“I haven’t told them yet.”
“Does that mean I’m your second favorite sibling?” River’s eyes were dancing with mirth.
“Yes, but only preceded by Saffron. That little girl has my heart wrapped around her finger.”
“So, you love me more than you love Atlas?”
Maximum held up both hands. “I won’t answer that question… and how do you even measure something like that?”
“Don’t forget that I saw you at Nathan’s wedding when you came to my rescue after that annoying guy wouldn’t respect a no. You had murder in your eyes.”
“What guy?” I asked and took a seat at the round table that could fit eight if we squeezed tightly together.
The men came to join me and while Maximum chose to sit on the bench next to me, Noah turned a chair and sat with his arms resting on the back. “I think I know this story.”
“River is exaggerating, nothing happened.” Maximum took my glass of water and downed what was left of it.
“Hey, I asked if you wanted some.”
With a shrug he got up to fill the glass again, while River took a cloth and wiped down the table as she elaborated.
“Nathan’s and Serena’s wedding was full of Hollywood stars and celebrities and when I agreed to dance with Brendan Greenwell he took it a bit too far. It all ended with Atlas, Nathan, and Maximum coming to my rescue. All I’m saying is that I already knew Nathan had a temper and he was asking Brendan to walk away, but what shocked me the most was seeing Atlas and Maximum. They’re usually always so calm… I mean except for when you play rugby… but they both looked like they were ready to kill Brendan, and Atlas had crazy eyes that I’ve never seen before.”
“We’re all very protective of you. What’s wrong with that?” Maximum slid back in his seat and placed the glass of water in front of me.
“I’m just wondering if you would have reacted the same way with Lumi.”
“Of course, although Lumi would have probably frozen his balls with her gaze alone. She can be an ice queen when she wants to be.”
“I just thought your protective side meant I’m your favorite?” River walked to the sink and washed the cloth.
