Chapter 4
CHAPTER 4
GAbrIEL
T ristan’s latest wine bar is not what I expected. It’s in an old, converted brick building that he has repurposed with a modern twist. The once boarded-up arch entrance has received a modern makeover. The old wooden doors have been replaced by a vast expanse of glass, housing a double glass doorway. I step inside, past the doorman, flashing the ticket Caleb sent me. The murmur of voices and laughter makes its way down the wide wooden staircase. I breathe in, glancing at my watch, before going upstairs.
“You’re late,” Caleb says, clapping me on the shoulder, grinning at my scowl. “Come on. Tristan can’t wait to see you.”
I follow Caleb over to the main bar area. The inside is even more impressive than the outside. The exposed brick and pipework give an industrial feel, but the expanse of glass and light brings the place into this century. Large tables grace the centre of the room, while smaller alcoves adorn the outside. Not that I can see much over the number of bodies present.
“Gabriel. ”
I hear my name shouted over the noise, and I turn to face the man of the hour.
“Tristan,” I say. “Amazing place.” And I realise I mean it. I may not like crowds, but I can appreciate the amount of thought and effort it has taken to create this atmosphere and setting.
“I’m so glad you could make it. It’s been too long,” he says, motioning to the bartender before placing a glass of red wine in my hand. “You’re going to like this one.”
I’ve been ordering wine from Tristan for years since he opened his first bar, although never in person. Until now.
“Thank you.” I hold it up to the light and nod my appreciation, swirling the burgundy liquid around the glass. I breathe in the aroma. “That smells...”
Tristan grins at me, as I take a sip, letting the flavours explode on my tongue.
“Add twelve to my next order,” I say, earning myself a clap on the back from our friend.
Caleb appears at my side. “Can I steal my brother away? There are a few people I want him to meet.”
“I’ll get those bottles ordered. Catch you later,” Tristan says before disappearing into the crowd.
I follow Caleb, sidestepping the people jostling for space. “We’re over here,” Caleb says, moving me towards a large table surrounded by several people.
“Hi everyone, I’d like to introduce you to my brother, Gabriel,”
Everyone looks up, a number smiling and waving their greeting. I give a nod of acknowledgement.
“Oh Em Gee,” a sultry voice appears to the side of us. “You really weren’t joking when you said you’re identical.”
“Ruby,” Caleb says, pulling the newcomer into his embrace before flinching as she makes a grab for me.
“As handsome as your twin,” she purrs, running her hand up and down my arm before leaning in and whispering, “I’ve never tried twins before.”
“Enough, Ruby, or I’ll get jealous,” Caleb says, pulling her away from me and into his side before shooting me a look of apology.
“Oh, you’re no fun.” She pouts at Caleb, smacking his chest with her manicured hand, flexing her talons.
“Gabriel, over here. Come and sit with us.”
I look down to see Xander and Quentin, another couple of Caleb’s friends from school. Xander moves over, making space next to him. I want to decline, but when Ruby looks over, catching her lip between her teeth and twisting her dark locks around her finger. I drop onto the bench.
“Don’t mind Ruby. She’s harmless and infatuated with your brother,” Xander laughs, slapping me on the back. “It’s been too long, man. Where have you been hiding?”
Xander doesn’t realise, being Caleb’s mirror image, his statement offers little comfort. It wouldn’t be the first time a woman has tried switching her luck when my elusive brother won’t commit. I say nothing. I don’t know the woman and wouldn’t like to pass judgement.
Quentin leans forward and grins. “So Gabriel, when are you going to join us for poker night?”
It’s not the first time they’ve invited me to join them. Boys’ night is every fortnight at one of their houses.
“Don’t push him.” Quentin laughs. “Have you forgotten the guy’s a genius with a photographic memory? He’ll clean us out.”
It’s my turn to smile. Quentin has a long memory. They banned me from playing with them in college. “Maybe I will join you. Win some of the money my firm keeps making you,” I say, earning myself a smile and another slap on the shoulder. All of them are Frazer Investment clients, and ridiculously wealthy. Also agreeing to a night in with my brother will keep him at bay.
“How’s work?” I ask, letting Quentin and Xander do all the talking.
I forgot what great company they are. Before long I’m smiling at some of their and Caleb’s antics. What is even better is that our seating arrangement has protected me from the growing number of people entering the bar. So much for Caleb’s, a few friends.
As I reply to something Quentin says, I hear a loud shriek of laughter. Turning around, I catch a glimpse of a group of women entering the bar. My eyes do a double take. Is that Leah? No, it can’t be. Before I can confirm, the woman is gone, absorbed into the crowd. I give myself a mental shake.
Leah’s not about to turn up and rescue you, even if she knows how much you hate this kind of place.
She didn’t even know where I was going. She’s most likely out with her fiancée.
The crowd is growing.
How many people did Tristan invite?
Not that I can blame the guy. His business revolves around buying and selling wines and hospitality.
“Wow, did you see Leah?” Caleb appears at my shoulder. “She’s very different out of her power suits,” he adds, waggling his eyebrows at me.
I growl at him before I can stop myself. Does he remember who he’s talking about?
“Don’t scowl,” Caleb says, a twinkle in his eyes, “You’ll get wrinkles, and then you’ll need Botox if you want to stay as handsome as me.”
My scowl deepens, and his laugh echoes around us.
“Leah is off limits. Do not mess with my staff, Caleb,” I say, standing up and facing my brother .
His hand clamps down on my shoulder, and he grins. “Don’t worry, it’s fun watching you protect her.”
“All women need protecting from you.”
I sigh.
“There are no complaints. I leave no one unsatisfied,” he says. His eyes move to Ruby, who flashes him with her come-to-bed eyes. “And Leah is old enough.”
I can’t stop the hiss of air that escapes between my teeth. “She’s engaged and works for me. Therefore, she is off limits.”
I shake my head. There’s no taming my brother.
To my surprise, he throws his head back and laughs. “Never fear. I like Leah, but not in that way. She’s engaged. I do have some morals, even if you like to question them.”
Although he’s smiling, I can’t miss the flash of hurt in his eyes.
I’m unsure how to reply, so stay quiet.
I glance down at my watch, and I’m shocked to see that it’s been an hour and a half since I arrived.
“See, it’s not been that bad,” Caleb says, patting my shoulder.
I’m about to open my mouth to reply when shattering glass fills the air, followed by raised voices.
Caleb turns away from me and disappears into the crowd. I stand still as silence descends over the room, apart from the female voice echoing around the bar.
“You bitch. You just can’t take it, he prefers me.”
There’s a loud sound of flesh hitting flesh, and I watch the crowd part as someone pushes their way through, and towards the exit.
“That’s right, run away bitch,” the voice yells after her.
The hum of voices picks up as the drama ends. Caleb makes his way towards me, his expression tight. “Gabriel, you need to go. Leah—” he says, his eyes wide, a muscle twitching at the corner.
I know I must look confused. “Gabriel,” he says again, “That was Leah. She’s just been slapped by some blond woman and run out.” His next words knock the wind out of me. “Her fiancé is here with another woman.”
I freeze, taking in Caleb’s words. What? Leah’s been with her fiancé for ten years. Has been planning their wedding.
“Has she said anything to you?” Caleb asks, his face a mask of concern.
I shake my head. “She’s not said a word.”
Shit, did she know?
“I’m going after her,” I say, facing my brother.
Caleb nods before stepping aside and letting me pass. I know he wants to come. His protective streak runs deep for those he cares about.
“Go, Gabe, let me know how she is.”
I don’t reply, instead I push my way through the crowd only to find myself face-to-face with the man of the hour. Our eyes lock until a hand snakes around his arm, pulling him back. My eyes move to the blond. Her overly made-up face and fake tits are all I can see. She says something to him, her face screwed up, and he turns towards her. They look like they’re arguing. If that’s the woman he’s traded Leah in for...
I turn around and head for the door.