Page 2 of The Mark (The Players 2)

“Why?” Drew shrugged lazily. “You’re rich. You already have everything you need.Whywork?”

“Did no one teach you about money?” I frowned. “If money only goes out and nevercomesin…”

“Fresh inheritance.” He laced his fingers behind his head and released a sigh ofrelief.

I groaned. “Yes, but how many more people have to die to support yourlifestyle,Drew?”

“What? It’s not like I kill them. They die. I inherit. Nobigdeal.”

“Hard to believe you’re single.” I stood, stretched, and then started toward the patiodoors.

“Where are you going?” Drew stared at me,eyeswide.

“I told you. I’m going to support our best friend. Ty has invited us to the hotel. He says he has news. I plan to be there for it.” I laid my hand on the door handle. “Come if you want. Don’t if you don’t. I’ll be fine either way.” I pulled open the door and started to walkinside.

“Fine. How long are we staying?” He wore an exaggerated frown as hestood.

“A couple of days, I guess. I cleared my schedule for the week. I’m overdue for a vacation.” I pulled my phone out of mypocket.

“You were just in Vegas last weekend. Damn. I want your job.” Drew shuffled over to me in hissandals.

“No, you don’t. Iworkwith…”

“Starlets. I know what you do. Let’s drive so you can bore me with stories of your casting couch.” Hesnickered.

I rubbed my forehead. “Maybe you should stay. You’re absolutely exhausting. I could use a break fromyoutoo.”

“That may be the meanest thing you’ve ever said to me.” Drew stumbled into the house behind me. “There were some zingers in middle school, a few ‘your mama’ jokes that may have crossed the line, but deep down, I knew we were still on good terms.” His shoulders drooped. “This time, I’m notsosure.”

I draped the towel over the back of a stool, then leaned heavily on the kitchen island. The marble was cool to the touch, exactly what my fair skin needed. “Honestly, Drew, you’re wearingmeout.”

“How so?” Hestiffened.

“You’ve been moping around, drunk and miserable for over a week. In the words of Elsa, let it go.” I leaned way over the counter so my bare chest could benefit from the stone againstmyskin.

“Who the hell is Elsa?” His hands fisted at hissides.

“Disney princess? Blonde hair, blue eyes, the ability to shoot ice out of her fingertips.” Ishrugged.

Drew spluttered for a moment before he burst out laughing. “Oh, my God! I can’t believe I worried over what you think. You’re a complete and totalloser.”

“I’m not a loser. I’m a big brother,” Igrumbled.

“Whatever.” He wiped at his eyes. “Whew. That was acloseone.”

“What? Afraid you might have to develop a conscience, or a work ethic?” I gasped dramatically. “Thehorror!”

“I…”

My brow rose as I watched him struggling with a comeback. I pried myself off the counter and watched him while trying to hide mysmirk.

“I have a conscience,” he objectedweakly.

I shook my head. “Two minutes ago you were celebrating your uncle’s death, since the influx of cash and assets enabled you to continue on yourworthlesspath.”

“I’m not worthless,” he grumbled. “I have two estates. One has a private lake. Countlessacres…”

“Stop.” I held up a hand. “Actually, I was referencing your lifestyle. You do nothing to leave the world better than youfoundit.”

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