Page 4 of Lost Love

No one fucked with Pepper. Maybe that was the feisty Greek in her, but I knew she could handle herself.

“I wouldn’t worry, hun. Pepper always finds her way,” Grace added, looking like she’d had one too many champagnes.

Only a handful of people remained at the party as final drinks were served.

“Well, this has been fun, sis. I’m happy to see you’re all set up here in your new apartment and out of the family home,”I gushed, so proud of my sister, who finally stepped out of my parents’ shadow.

Lourde sat down next to Grace, who had slumped down beside her and closed her eyes momentarily. “Thanks, brother. If I’d known living on my own would be this much fun, I would have moved out earlier.”

“Have you seen the old ball and chain?” I asked, and we all laughed. The sound causing Grace to open her eyes and perk up a little.

“No, not since I’ve moved out. I’ve been working.” Lourde smiled at Barrett, and I couldn’t tell if she was being polite or extra friendly. Since staying with him in the Hamptons recently, she’d seemed different.

But fuck, what did I know?My own life was imploding in front of my very eyes.

“God forbid you would want to walk over to the little company called Diamond Incorporated and help a brother out.” I raked a hand through my hair. Pressure was a motherfucker, and it was squeezing me, slowly choking the life from me.

“I didn’t know you needed help, Connor.” Her voice was soft, laced with concern, and instantly I felt remorse.

“I don’t need any help, Lourde.” I pushed off the couch to stand. “Anyway, it’s late. I’m calling it a night.”

“Really?” Ari asked.

“Yes,” I snapped.

“Nah.” Magnus folded back into the couch and picked up his beer, taking a sip.

Ari, Magnus, and Barrett remained seated and made no move to leave with me. Some fucking friends they were.

“Whatever. See you later.” I leaned over, kissed Lourde on the cheek, and walked toward the elevator, still slightly unsteady on my feet.

I’d made it halfway down the elevator when I remembered I’d left my Hugo Boss jacket hanging off the armchair. Normally, I’d leave it behind, but with a storm rolling in, I’d prefer it on my back.

Dammit.

I hit the elevator button with an impatient fist, and the doors closed again. As the elevator shot north, I recalled my earlier argument with Alfred.

“You’re not fit to run my company… but you’re my only option seeing we share the same blood.”

I trudged out of the elevator as the door pinged open with renewed irritation. I didn’t know why I let him get under my skin. It’s not like he was going to change in his old age.

Zeroing in on the armchair where I’d left my jacket, it still hung across the back.

Except something had changed.

Was that the back of Lourde? I walked closer, slower, and in disbelief.

Fuck me.

Her head rested on Barrett’s shoulder, their shoulders and arms touching.

“What the fuck is going on here?” My voice exploded, cutting through the bass coming through the speakers. Immediately, Barrett moved away from Lourde as she disentangled herself from him.

I heard Ari mumble something, but the pounding of my pulse in my ear was louder.

“Connor, what are you doing back?” Lourde turned to face me, her high-pitched tone revealing her nerves.

“My jacket,” I snarled out with a hiss.

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