Jeremy watched us the entire time. Nothing missed his eye.
When the waiter came, I ordered for both of us, including the wine. Jeremy made his selection then watched the waiter walk away. My hand still rested on Prudence’s thigh. I wanted to rip her pants off and see the legs I loved so much. I wanted to see more than that, actually.
“I’m going to powder my nose.” Prudence stood up and I pulled out her chair for her. I watched her walk away, blatantly staring at her backside. I didn’t care if her brother saw me. I wasn’t going to be fake around him. His sister was a beautiful woman and he knew that.
“When my sister told me she had a boyfriend, I had a hard time believing her.”
This is the second time he said that.
“What are you saying?” I asked bluntly.
“It was really fast.”
This guy should be an old wizard. Because all he did was speak in riddles. I hate the British. “I guess.”
“My sister has been through a lot—too much pain and loss for someone so young.”
I immediately remembered the night she sobbed all over my piano. I didn’t know what she suffered through, but I’d do anything to find out. But she had to tell me—not her brother.
“Please don’t hurt her. I beg you.”
The emotion in his voice caught me off guard. He was so professional most of the time.
“I don’t have any such intention.”
He eyed my face, searching for a lie. “My sister’s personal life is none of my business, but since this happened so fast, I had to say something. I worry about her. I can’t help it.”
“I completely understand. I have a younger sister too.”
“What’s going to happen between you when she goes back home?”
I didn’t know what to say. What did Prudence want me to say? “That’s up to her.”
“What does that mean?”
“She may not leave at all.” I was just pulling shit out of my ass. “If she wants to be with me, she’ll stay. If not, she’ll leave.”
“So, it’s up to her?”
“I won’t ask her to stay, if that’s what you’re worried about.”
“I just want what’s best for my sister. And I wanted to know your intentions.”
“I care about her very much. That should give you some reassurance.”
“So you aren’t just using her since she’ll only be here for a few months?”
How could I keep a straight face and lie? Our agreement was a loveless and meaningless relationship until she left. I was using her, but she was using me too. Well, there was more to it than that. I really cared about her, would do anything for her, loved seeing her smile every morning when we woke up, felt my world fall apart every time she cried, practically died every night we were apart, and looked forward to the next time I would see her every time I wasn’t with her…and I knew she felt the same way. She was my closest friend and the best lover I ever had. How would I explain that to him?
“Are you using my sister?” he repeated with a deeper tone.
“No,” I said firmly. “Not at all.”
Chapter Twenty-One
Prudence Clearwater
Cash took us to Jeremy’s hotel. His hand never left my thigh for the entire ride. I thought it would be awkward to be affectionate in front of my brother, but I had to be convincing. If not, Jeremy would see through my lie. And I couldn’t let that happen.
Cash helped me out of the limo then embraced me on the sidewalk. “Are you sleeping here?”
“No. We’ll probably watch a movie then I’ll go home.”
“When?” The dark tone I heard the other day returned.
“I don’t know…a few hours.”
He looked at his watch. “It’s already eleven.”
“I’ll get a cab.”
He leaned close to my ear. “No. Scott will pick you up and take you home.”
“No?”
He pulled a card out of his wallet then handed it to me. “Just call him when you’re ready. He’ll be here in five minutes. And he’ll come to the room and escort you down. Don’t wait on the sidewalk.”
Was this a show for my brother or was he being serious?
He stared me down. “Prudence, do this for me. Please.”
“I can take care of myself. London is a big city with creepers, muggers, and killers. I did just fine there.”
“Well, you weren’t mine at the time. Now do as I ask.”
I didn’t want to get into an argument in front of my brother so I kept the anger back.
Cash grabbed my face and gave me a sweet kiss. “I’ll do that thing you like…”
Sex. His biggest weapon. “Okay.”
He rubbed his nose against mine. “I knew that would work.”
I stepped away. “Thank you for dinner.”
“Anytime.” He reluctantly dropped his hand then approached my brother. “It was a pleasure meeting you.”
Jeremy nodded. “Likewise.”
Cash gave me another kiss before he got inside the limo.
My brother and I walked into the hotel then moved to his room. We were having a movie night, something we used to do as kids when we shared a room. After we walked inside, I sat on the couch then kicked my heels off.
My brother walked to the bar and made a drink. He was quiet—abnormally quiet.
“What do you want to watch?” I flipped through the channels and Shallow Hal was on. “I love this movie. Gwyneth Paltrow is in it.”
My brother sat beside me. “Sure.”
I eyed him then turned back to the TV. Did he hate Cash? Why was he in such an odd mood?
“How was work?” I asked.
“Boring.” He drank from his scotch glass.
I decided to give up. If my brother wanted to open up, he would.
“Why didn’t you tell me you were seeing someone?”
Here we go. “What?”
“You’re in a serious relationship with some guy and you didn’t say a word to me. It was totally out of the blue.”
“Well, I didn’t have a chance to call you. I would have said something if we spoke.”
He finished his glass then refilled it.
“Jeremy, what’s the big deal? Do you not like Cash?”
“I don’t know.”