Page 46 of Their Diamond Ring Ruse

‘Here comes our first test,’ Julian said, watching Devan approach with an impassive look on his face. ‘Shah.’ He held out his hand.

‘Ford,’ Devan greeted him, taking it.

Julian’s eyes never once left his and he noticed a shift there. Instead of outright animosity there was just caution. He looked at his sister and kissed her cheek.

‘How are you, Lily?’

‘Happy.’

She beamed, and Devan clearly believed it, because his shoulders sagged. With relief or resignation Julian didn’t know, but it was a start.

‘Good. That’s good,’ Devan said quietly.

There was a hint of sadness in his tone that irked Julian.

‘The house isn’t quite the same without you,’ he went on.

‘You’re going to have to get used to that, Dev,’ she told him.

Lily smiled up at Julian and he felt a fist clench around his heart. He kissed her temple without thinking. A small smile broke through his features without his permission.

Devan noticed. Everyone did.

‘Would you like a drink?’ Julian asked her, offering Lily a moment alone with her brother.

‘Yes, please.’

Except she didn’t let go of him. Chose to remain by his side instead of her brother’s. He wasn’t prepared for how that felt...

‘Ford, wait,’ Devan said as the two of them turned away. ‘I want to talk to you.’

‘About...?’

‘The energy deal.’

Julian tensed. Then he pivoted to face Devan.

‘You want in, and I’m prepared to help you. Under one condition.’

‘What’s that?’

‘You make Lily happy. I know you can keep her safe, and I thank you for doing so, but if I find out that you’ve used her, not only will you not get the deal, I’ll see to it no one in San Francisco works with you again.’

‘Dev!’ Lily reprimanded.

‘Easily done.’

Julian extended his hand and Devan shook it firmly.

They stepped towards the bar, but didn’t make it very far before they were swallowed up by a group of people. Julian already knew every single one of them, but still he stood there through the introductions, shaking hands and paying compliments.

These were the people he needed on his side. The shareholders of Arum.

‘Congratulations on your engagement!’ gushed an older woman covered in glittering diamonds. ‘Can I see the ring?’

Julian wrapped an arm around Lily’s waist, fusing her to his side as she held out her left hand.

‘Oh, that’s beautiful!’

---