Page 53 of Filthy Beginnings

She knew this tournament had to be hard for him too.

“How am I?” He shook his head. “How are you?”

A short time ago, she would have said amazing. Now, she wasn’t so sure.

“I don’t like the look on your face.” He studied her closely. “Usually, you’re better at hiding it.”

I don’t know how to smile so fucking pretty and say I’m fine when I’m not.Damien’s words sliced through her once more.

She knew she fell back on pretending when it was easier, kept things locked up tight, but she hadn’t wanted to be that way with Damien. She’d wanted to be real. Honest. Herself.

“So this thing with Damien Skolov is not a passing fancy?”

Her brother’s question wrenched her from her thoughts and stole her breath. “Excuse me?”

“You’d have to be blind to miss how he looks at you.” He squeezed her hand back. “And, though you hide it better, I am your brother. I see how you look at him too.”

Nerves churned in her stomach. “I’ve tried to be discreet. It’s harder than I thought.”

Luc’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. “I know exactly what you mean.” He cleared his throat. “But it’s not your behavior over the last few lunar rotations that matters. It’s what happens next that’s important. You really want Damien Skolov to win the tournament over Kadon?”

“Yes. So much.” Even now, after their argument, being with him was all she wanted.

“He’s cocky, and a hothead.”

“He cares for me. He’s bold and straightforward. I like that.”

Luc sighed. “Of course you do. We’ve had too little of that in our lives.”

“It’s more than that. He’s… wonderful.” Despite her anger, her conviction in his character never wavered. “You’ll like him once you get to know him.”

“He’s too young.”

“I’m only three planetary rotations older.”

“Yes, but I remember myself at that age. Amped up. Still in the throes of the Alpha hormones… no control.”

“Damien is more responsible than most. He’s here to help his family, and me. And he’s never even looked at another omega, like so many Alphas do.”

“You love him.” Resignation thickened Luc’s voice.

“I do.”

“It’s obvious he cares for you too.” He sighed. “I just hope he can be what you need.”

“What do you mean?”

“You need to be careful. Word on high is that he’s to be prevented from winning the tournament at all cost—and that humiliation and revenge is on the menu.”

The dread inside her grew. “Egan doesn’t like him.”

“Rumor is, this comes from even higher up.”

“Higher than Egan? He mentioned a new investor. Do you know who that is?” She and Luc had been trying for a long time to discover who truly ran the consortium, but whoever the other figures were, they usually preferred to operate from the shadows.

She wondered what brought this one out now.

“No idea, but I’ll keep my ears open. There’s always a conspiracy or plot afoot at the top to gain more power and money. What worries me is that now you’re wrapped up in this one.”

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