Page 49 of The Professor's Possession (Crystal River Billionaire Brothers)

That’s because this night is important for those closest to me.Verydamn important.

It’s been an ongoing tradition for my family to take over this bar in the center of Crystal River all night every year, and that is because tonight is my brother’s birthday.

Arthur Penmayne’s birthday.

My brother who died in a car crash two years ago.

I’m one of the first of my six brothers to arrive, but I am notthefirst. I spot Royce already here, having a drink quietly to himself. He was Arthur’s twin, and the one most affected by his death. It is, of course, his birthday tonight as well, but he – like the rest of us – can’t escape Arthur’s memory. Royce is an international airline pilot. He’s not the warmest of us brothers. Analytical, reserved, aloof, stubborn, and, above all, disagreeable; he’s even more so since his twin’s passing. But I know how to talk to him.

“Always on time, Royce,” I say as I make my way over. “Must be hard when you’re in seven different time zones at once as a pilot.”

My brother nods at me.

“Spencer. Welcome. Care for a drink?”

“I’ll get one in a minute,” I reply. “I’m trying to pace myself tonight. I have a feeling it’s going to be a long one.”

“It always is. You’re not going to get roaring drunk?” he asks me.

“You know me, Royce. I like moderation. I am not one to lose control. Not like Damon.”

“Sure,” he replies. “You always were the most reserved one. Tell me, how’s Crystal River treating you? How was the move back?”

My brother was in the air force before going commercial. He’s still got that stiff military way about him, though. That adherence to an inner discipline. That perfect straight posture. The clipped words and the sharp frankness of a man who’s most at home issuing commands in the searing heat of battle.

“I’m still sorting everything out,” I reply to his question. “Coming back home presents its own challenges that need to be overcome one at a time and with patience that sometimes eludes me.”

I think about my dreams and the very real girl who fuels them. That has been certainly one challenge I’ve had to endure.

“Very cryptic, Spencer. Very fucking cryptic.”

“I am a Penmayne, after all,” I say to Royce. “Secrets and being cryptic are part of our DNA.”

“Too true, that,” my brother confirms. He points to the corner of the bar where two people are standing waiting. I don’t need to look twice to know who they are. “Father and Mother are here. You should say hello, they would be expecting that.”

I sigh. “You’re right. I should head over. Wish me luck.”

“Ha. Good luck. You need it.”

I head over to my parents. My father is dressed immaculately in a suit tailored from London’s Savile Row. My mother is wearing a black dress I know was designed for her personally by a legendary Italian fashion icon.

They both look like a million dollars. Which – when it comes to them - is probably more literal than just a mere phrase.

“Hello, Mother.”

“Spencer. Good for you to come.”

Mother and I give each other an air kiss. It’s the most outward display of emotion I’ve shared with my parents for a long time.

“I’m glad you could make it, Spencer,” Father says as he shakes my hand. “You nearly missed it last year thanks to all the trouble you were in.”

Wow. He’s straight to the point.

I shouldn’t be surprised with him.

And I don’t want to be reminded of what happened last year.

“Now living in Crystal River makes things easier,” I tell him. “A lot of things can happen in a year.”

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