London Dynasty (The Dynasties #1) - Geneva Lee Page 0,35

laugh before returning to the house, leaving me behind with regret and a soaked pair of knickers.

Chapter Fifteen

When I stepped out of the solarium, I was coated in a thin sheen of sweat that had nothing to do with the sultry air. Spencer had gotten under my skin and lit a fire. It simmered inside me and I had no idea how to douse the smoldering embers. I shouldn’t want him. He’d been nothing but an asshole, bullying me one second and toying with my feelings the next. Even if he claimed he wouldn’t take me against my will, there was something sinister about his expectations. He knew I was attracted to him and I suspected if I’d offered myself to him tonight, he would have taken me with little to no concern for getting to know me, just like his brother had done at the restaurant yesterday afternoon.

Was that what privilege bought you? A free pass to claim whatever and whoever you wished? I should hate that he acted like he did, instead I found myself turned on. I wanted to be disgusted, not aroused by the way he wielded his power. Instead, I was intrigued and left wondering what his next move would be.

“Already sneaking off, dirty girl?” A familiar voice drawled and I whipped around to find Spencer’s face staring back at me. “I suppose we can expect the happy announcement any moment. Shall I start calling you sis?”

“Holden.” He looked exactly like Spencer save for a few small differences. His bowtie was already undone and his collar loosened. He lounged against the wall with a drink in his hand. There was nothing of the polished, poised politician to him. His hair was combed but untidy, stubble dusted his jawline. He was all rough edges where Spencer was smooth.

“I’ve been looking forward to this evening since we shared that special moment yesterday,” he said with a lowered voice. “Tell me, have you been thinking about me?”

“I don’t have time for this.” I pushed past him.

“So, are you engaged to my brother?” His question stopped me. “I promise not to spoil the big announcement.”

I squared my shoulders, lifted my head, and reached for the most disinterested look I could muster. “No. We’re taking some time to get to know one another.”

Holden smirked, not bothering to hide the wicked gleam in his eyes over the calculated coldness Spencer had used to keep control of the situation. How could they be so alike and so different? My mind wandered to thoughts of how else they might be different.

“Are you blushing?” he asked, pushing away from the wall.

“No,” I said quickly. “I’m just annoyed.”

“At me?” he guessed. “Or my brother?”

“Both of you. I’m a woman. I can multitask,” I shot back, crossing my arms over my chest.

“I see Spencer has riled you up.” He took a swig of his drink, then held it out to me.

I started to refuse, then reconsidered and took it. I downed the rest of it in a single gulp.

“Don’t be offended by Spencer putting a pin in things. It’s not you. It’s a power play. Grandfather is absolutely salivating at the idea of your father’s bank account.”

“Why wouldn’t that offend me?” I snapped back. “Everyone is too busy masturbating to each other’s bank balances and titles to remember I’m a person!”

I was beginning to understand exactly why Kerrigan Belmond had run from this life. In a world that placed so much value on wealth and possession, what woman would want to be simply another object collected and kept in a glass case?

Holden’s eyes widened, and I braced myself for another dismissive remark. Instead, he started laughing. “Spencer doesn’t deserve you. He certainly won’t know what to do with you. I’m going to have to have a talk with my dear brother.”

“Am I an actual participant in this conversation or may I leave?” I rolled my eyes.

“Oh, don’t leave.” His hand lashed out and caught mine. Electricity shot through me where our skin made contact and I found myself unable to pull away. “I’m rather enjoying your company.”

“That would make one of us.” I hoped he didn’t hear the slight tremor in my voice or spot how my hands shook.

He didn’t release his grip on me. Holden stepped closer and lowered his voice to a whisper, “But yesterday, you enjoyed my company.”

“I wouldn’t call it enjoyable being trapped in the loo while you screwed some random waitress.” I glared at him.

“You’re not a very good liar.” He