her throat, and she froze,

lips twisted into a

d. The cough had sounded just like G

m. If she was here, what c

stall door, his voice rising with impatience. "Come

ther, the doo

to fix her dress, panic rising, but Luk

e a mocking whisper. "What's the matter? Didn

down her spine, her thoughts

ere, everything would come crashing down-her engage

ves, a loud crash sounded as Ashton s

n it again, his face thunderous

shook, her heart poun

latch, making a show

he lunged for Luke's arm, whisper

her tears in check. "Please-don't let Ashton

arly enjoying her distr

lian nodded, her eyes s

inst her damp cheek, his gaze laced with mischief. "It's a simple deal, reall

was unthinkable-how could he demand thi

he sound of another violent kick against

urted out, "Fine. I'll do it. Jus

ied. "Good. We have

tall door flew open

rigid, certain that everyt

slipped his jacket over her hea

oice filled the cra

every word brimming with authority. "Y

ught I heard something, and I was looking for my fiancee..." A

. Now, faced with his elder cousin's

nterfering in my affairs," Luke scoffed, positioning himself in

in his voice. Ashton didn't dare to

ld pull a stunt like this at a family gathering. What sort

t it could be Gillian-surely, she'd

er of Luke's jacket, Gilli

ally gather herself, scrambling to pull on her

lled her into his arms, his voice rich with playful mockery. "L

, voice still unsteady. "Wha

. "Now that we've struck a deal, shouldn

she steeled herself and pressed

With a satisfied smirk, he straightened hi

her dress. When she was certain no one was watching, sh

e you been? Do you know how long I've been looking? This is my family's party-you're not the Brown princes

ced apology on her lips. "I must've had too much to dri

ted. His tone was clipped as he order

say whatever it took to smooth things over. But before she could speak, her attention snapped to the sight of Ash

oze where

appearance? This is a family party, Luke-have some respect!" Kenneth's sharp gaze swept over Luke, and then paus

tone cool and dismissive. "Just

ation mounting. "Fun-always fun! How long do yo

e of the company or settle down. Look at Ashton-he's three years younger than you, already engaged, and h

mischievous smile spreading across his face.