Chapter 5
“My apologies for listening, but—”I glance between the sisters, my expression sheepish. “The entire bistro is aware of your upcoming trip,” I clarify, leaning casually against the back of the vacant chair next to her. “Sounds interesting, to say the least.”
Lily’s laugh cuts through the low hum of the bistro, and I find myself wanting to hear it again. It’s a warm, rich sound that sends a chill through my body. “It’s definitely going to be something,” she admits, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of the newspaper in front of her. There’s a hint of nervousness in her movements, a vulnerability that makes me want to reach out and take her hand. “But I still don’t see how you can help.”
“Mind if I join you for a moment?” I ask, gesturing to the chair. Her nod is all the permission I need to slide into the seat, the proximity sending waves of energy through me. I can feel the heat of her body, the subtle scent of her floral perfume, and it’s all I can do to keep my composure.
“By the way, I’m Ethan, Ethan Montgomery,” I say, extending my hand.
“Aren’t you Dominique’s creepy brother?” Zoe asks.
“The pervert who’ll be grabbing my ass at the wedding if I don’t get a date pronto?” Lily shrieks as she glances at me. “You don’t look like Ethan. I’ve seen him twice. He grunts and . . . He’s weird.”
“You saw me while I was helping my brother move his shit to the new apartment,” I say defensively. “The second time I had . . . you know what, it doesn’t matter.”
“Well then, what can I do for you?” she asks cautiously. “I’m not the one who interrupted your conversation. For once Cleo is right. You’re creepy.”
I could let this go, but knowing that my brother’s fiancée is talking shit about me doesn’t sit well at all.
“Where did you get that idea?” I ask slightly perturbed about the way this woman portrays me. “I won’t be grabbing your ass at the wedding. If you must know, I’m trying to figure out a way to avoid the nuptials and my family.”
“You are?” She narrows her gaze. “Why?”
“Let’s say I’m not a big fan of the couple—or my family.”
“I see.” She sucks on her bottom lip.
“He’s harmless,” Max assures her, his voice smooth and confident. “We’re just two civilians who like to help when it’s needed.”
“Okay, I’ll bite,” Lily says with a tilt of her head, leaning back in her chair as she scrutinizes me. Her gaze is intense, and I feel like she’s seeing right through me, into the very heart of who I am. “Why the sudden interest in my trip? And what makes you think you can help me?”
“Let’s just say I have a knack for finding people. It’s part of my entrepreneurial prowess,” I say, the corners of my mouth curving into a teasing smile. It’s a bit of an exaggeration, but I can’t resist the urge to impress her. “Plus, who doesn’t love a good scavenger hunt?”
Lily’s lips twitch, and I can see the amusement dancing in her eyes. “Is that what this is to you? A game?” she asks, her voice light but with an undercurrent of something more serious.
I shake my head, my expression sobering. “No, of course not,” I say. “I understand that this is important to you, Lily. And I want to help in any way I can.”
“You’re a stranger who happens to listen in on someone else’s conversation, and you want me to just believe that . . .” her voice trails off, and she shakes her head, her eyes narrowing with suspicion. I can see the doubt written all over her face, and I can’t blame her for being skeptical.
“Again, we’re not strangers,” I state. “We will become family in a few weeks. Why not start hating each other now, while we’re on the road?”
“Dom’s brother is unemployed,” Zoe says.
“Really, that’s what he’s told you?” I laugh, because my brother is unbelievable. His favorite hobby is to make me look like an asshole in front of everyone.
Max pulls out his wallet and leaves a card on the table, his movements smooth and practiced. “Our company is legit. You can search for it—it’s a private security company. We provide bodyguards among other things.”
Zoe laughs, the sound sharp and disbelieving. “Oh, this is a sales pitch. Good one. You’re obviously not a self-centered bastard who can only think of himself.” She crosses her arms over her chest, her posture defensive.
I lean forward, my expression earnest. “I know it might seem odd, me popping up out of nowhere with an offer to help. But I heard your story, and something about it . . . resonated with me,” I state, hoping it sounds believable. It’s not a complete lie—there is something about Lily’s quest that strikes a chord with me. Most importantly, it’ll help me. I need to get the fuck out of here before my parents arrive. “I’m not going to charge you. Think of this as a?—”
“We’re doing this pro bono,” Max interrupts me, his voice smooth and convincing. “Helping a new family member out.”
Lily raises an eyebrow, her expression skeptical. “Sure, you go to restaurants, eavesdrop on conversations, and then protect the gullible against . . .” She taps her chin, pretending to think. “Sorry, I can’t come up with anything. All I know is that you’re an egotistical creep. Why would I want to listen to you?”
I take a deep breath, trying to find the right words. “My brother and I have never been on good terms. I am indeed the black sheep of the family?—”
“Which is why this is a good thing,” Max interrupts me. “Everything you heard about him, it’s completely the opposite.”
“Dom is also creepy,” Zoe says and Lily nods in agreement.
“But he does love Cleo,” Lily prompts as if that is what matters and not that the asshole is annoying and . . . well, I’m probably not the best person to tell anyone how terrible my brother is.
“Think of me as your personal guide on this journey through the ghosts of relationships past.”
“Personal guide, huh?” She raises an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in her voice. “And what’s the catch? You’re just a Good Samaritan helping a girl out when you hate her soon-to-be brother-in-law?”
I lean back in my chair, a playful smirk tugging at the corners of my mouth. “Something like that,” I reply, my voice teasing. “Consider me invested in your story and the bonus is that it gives me the opportunity to leave the wedding frenzy behind. Also, I could possibly be the patron saint of the Lonely-Hearts Club, if you will.”
Lily studies me for a long moment, her eyes searching mine. I can see the wheels turning in her head, weighing the pros and cons of accepting my offer. Part of me wants to reach out and take her hand, to reassure her that I’m here for her, no matter what. But I hold back, not wanting to overstep. My fingers twitch with the urge to touch her, but I keep them firmly clasped in my lap.
Zoe waves her phone in the air. “I don’t see your names on here,” she says, her voice laced with doubt.
Max shakes his head, his lips pressing together in a thin line. “It’d be like putting targets on our foreheads. If you don’t want our help, that’s okay.” His tone is matter-of-fact, but I can hear the underlying frustration in his words.
Like me, he’s not a fan of Dominique. We tolerate him at best, but if there’s something I’ve learned after all these years it’s that my brother doesn’t matter. I have best friends who are more like my family than my own.
I pull out my wallet and hand Lily my ID, my heart pounding in my chest. “This is me. You won’t find me on social media, but this might help.” I try to keep my voice steady, but I can hear the slight tremor in my words.
Lily takes the ID, her fingers brushing against mine in a fleeting touch that sends a jolt of electricity through my body. She studies the information, her brow furrowed in concentration. “How about a driver’s license?” she asks, her eyes flicking up to meet mine.
Zoe snatches the ID from Lily’s hand, her eyes narrowing as she examines it closely. “What’s your position?” she demands, her voice sharp.
Max clears his throat, his posture straightened. “We own the company—we’re former SEALs. As I said, you’re in safe hands.” His voice is confident, but I can see the tension in his shoulders.
I shoot him a glare, my jaw clenching. “Do you have to disclose that much information?” I growl, my voice low and irritated.
Max meets my gaze, his eyes unwavering. “If we want to make this work, of course I do,” he states, his tone leaving no room for argument.
I sigh, running a hand through my hair in frustration. He’s right, of course. If we want Lily to trust us and let me go with her, we need to be transparent. But the thought of revealing so much about myself makes my stomach churn with unease. I can feel the tension building in my shoulders, the familiar tightness that comes with the prospect of opening up to someone new.
Lily watches the exchange, her eyes flickering between us with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. I can see the indecision in her face, the way she worries her bottom lip between her teeth. “What’s your ulterior motive?” she asks again, her voice tinged with suspicion.
I open my mouth to respond, but she cuts me off with a wave of her hand. “Cut the bullshit,” she interrupts me, her eyes flashing with annoyance. “This, what you’re offering me, is not normal. Why should I go along it?”