en, near the fountain, a

rimaldi, his oldest friend, engaged in their usual battle of wits. Laughter rang through the air-deep,

r spectators

ly pretty in the way that rich girls always did. But the real

an

speaking. Nineteen now. But somehow

nfairly flawless-had a glow that suggested he either bathed in liquid moonlight or had never encountered a single environmental

rving full lips that looked like they belong

and black trousers-simple, effortless,

d walking until my grandfather's

clearly losing?' Renan mused, moving a piece across the board with the

e we played, by the time I lost seven pieces, you had only lost three. Now I've

'You're still

,' Caspar countered, loo

th

one of the gi

turned to

what th

ul. My dark hair caught in the breeze, the longer strands falling just enough to shadow one of my eyes, lending m

use

to command attention. A body that wasn't overtly muscular but carried

igy. Financial queen. The undispu

subject of Caspar G

st a touch of envy. 'She's got presence. G

si

he wasn't born

new he'd won the genetic lottery. 'Of course. Anne exc

ion. 'Except she used to be cute. Now? Not even a little. She's all serio

ister. She tossed her shoulder-length hair back and tucked a strand b

ing Anne out to shop for clothes? She's busy. You

tic stage actress. 'Do you have to bring it up every time this topic c

switched to dragging her out

re biased and get it over with!' With a huff, sh

calm, so polite, just sitting there quietly.' Renan gestured at the Grimald

Anne, on the other, is just cold as ice. If I weren't around to liven things up, our family wou

'You always have an answer for everything.' He said i

meone who could keep the house from feeling too stiff. I was many things, but chatty wasn't o

used to b

nt as a kid. Talkative. Playful. But some

lder men. 'Grandpa. Mr Grimaldi.' I greeted them

a second, toward the person

hat beautiful, bright smile. Still had those eyes, so clear they made you feel like you could s

not