Page 41 of Vicious Seduction

“Good for you. I mean, if you’re the sort who doesn’t have a problem sharing his wife...” His comment wasn’t just in poor taste. It was malicious and condescending.

My temper spiked from zero to volcanic in an instant.

Thank God I had better control over that sort of thing than many of the men in my family. Charles Brooks might have already been bleeding out by now.

Considering how disrespectful he’d been to me and my future wife, that might still be his fate.

“What exactly do you mean by that?” I allowed my tone to vibrate with menace.

He raised a hand, and his brows lifted to his thinning hairline as though suddenly realizing his unintentional slight. “Oh, nothing to get upset about. I just mean that she’s not …pure, if you know what I mean. I didn’t want you to end up feeling misled down the road.”

That was the most fucked-up thing he could have said, and the worst part was, it was a load of bullshit. He’d backed off whatever he meant to imply and had gone with something he thought was docile in comparison.

“I wouldn’t expect her to be a virgin at twenty-eight.” Each word was stiff with restraint. “As a man who married a widow with a daughter, I’m surprised you found that sort of thing worth mentioning.”

“A widow is different from someone who…” His eyes cut to mine assessingly. “I’ll just say that if your intent is to advance in the club, her presence will only hinder you.”

What in the ever-loving fuck was he talking about? Advance in the club? And what was he implying about Lina?

My entire body quaked with the need to force some answers out of Charles Brooks. I’d happily break a bone for every minute he made me wait.

Remember your goal, dickhead. You’re not here for Lina. This is about Wellington and justice.

But if I was out to kill a wasp and happened to uncover an entire nest, why wouldn’t I torch the whole bloody thing?

Something was off about the Olympus Club and its members. I started to wonder if Lina’s involvement with Wellington was actually about the club rather than a relationship. If Brook’s statement stood alone, I’d have said he was just a whack-job trying to scare me away from his stepdaughter the best way he knew how. But when I factored inLina’s odd reluctance to leave Wellington behind and her animosity toward her mother, I couldn’t ignore the likelihood that something was up.

“I appreciate the advice,” I said coolly, reining in my temper. “Any other suggestions?”

“Not at all. I can see now that you’re the sort of man who can handle himself. I’m sure you and Carolina will be well matched.” His eyes drifted over my shoulder just as an arm hooked around mine possessively.

I didn’t have to look to know it was Lina. She fit at my side as though we’d been made as part of a matching set, only just reunited.

At almost the same time, Eliza Brooks appeared at her husband’s side like troops rallying behind their commanders. The four of us squared off across from one another.

I placed a firm hand over Lina’s where she held my arm. A message to herandher parents. Lina was mine, and I wasn’t about to tolerate any disrespect. Judging by the way Eliza’s blue eyes sparked, she either didn’t get the memo or simply didn’t care.

CHAPTER 20

LINA

I exitedthe bathroom to see my stepfather standing with Oran. I hated it. I felt a visceral need to run full-tilt at Charles Brooks and shoulder-check him into next week. I didn’t want him anywhere near Oran.

Embarrassment as thick and greasy as motor oil coated my insides, knowing that Oran was getting a dose of my family’s ugly nature. I wanted to drag him away so he didn’t see the filth I came from. My urge was so vehement, I had to question the reason. Why did I care what Oran Byrne thought of me or my family? Wouldn’t it be best if he thought the worst and left me alone?

My stomach bottomed out, making the emptiness in my chest feel even more prominent. I’d had to face my greateststruggles in life alone. It hadn’t been easy, but I managed. I hadn’t realized until now how much I craved the support of a partner. My relationship with Oran wasn’t even real, yet I was scared of losing what amounted to the mere illusion of companionship.

And? Come on, Lina. Be honest with yourself.

I liked having Oran at my side. There, I admitted it. I was scared of losing him.

I was picky as hell about who I allowed close to me. That was why I didn’t have many friends. Looking at Oran standing there with my stepfather, I realized I cared what Oran thought because I wanted him to like me. I didn’t want him to think I was trash.

God, I was in trouble.

The last thing I needed was to develop some misguided crush on the man.

I shook myself from my stupor and crossed toward them. No matter how unwise it was for me to encourage this insane fake engagement situation, I would rather swallow a fist full of nails than let my mother and stepfather detect the truth. In the same vein, I wanted to make sure Oran knew that I wasnotmy mother or her worthless husband. I was nothing like them at all.

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