concern over what I might say is warranted given that I missed the last seven years of his life and thus might recall some more embarrassing moments. That’s not what I think of when I look at my brother, though. Mostly, I’m surprised—surprised to find a man where I left a boy. A graduate where I left a student. The only thing that hasn’t changed is that he is still my brother, so it’s good that’s the most important thing of all. Without family, we’re nothing. Please raise a glass to my brother, who is my better in every way—save eyesight.”
Edward’s smile lights his face. He pushes his glasses up as if to emphasize the truth of this final statement. Rather than taking a drink, he turns to hug me. It’s an odd sensation. We aren’t usually the type of family that embraces. But I find that I don’t hate it as much as I might have expected.
“Thank you,” he whispers.
“I couldn’t let him get the last word in,” I admit, earning me a laugh.
A crowd gathers around us for their turns at offering well wishes. When I finally manage to sneak away, my father catches me almost immediately.
“I’d like to introduce you to someone. Her daughter—”
“Not now,” I cut him off. “I’ve had as much as I can take for today.”
“I thought after that speech there was hope. You played the situation well, but you haven’t learned anything,” he says with disgust, staring at me like I am an unwanted weed.
“I thought I learned about sacrifice,” I say, calling him on his bullshit. “Giving up seven years of my life wasn’t enough? Send me back.”
“Why? You don’t even see the truth,” he hisses. “You didn’t go there as a sacrifice. Other men sacrifice themselves for King and country.”
“And why did I go?” I spit back.
“Punishment,” he says coldly.
I don’t ask him for what. That list is too long. Turning, I stride away, uninterested in more of his recrimination and unwilling to flatter one more simpering mother. When I reach the hedge, I loosen my bowtie and unbutton my collar. But I still can’t breathe.
I need away from this—away from these fake people playing their given roles. I need someone real—and there she is again, plucking at my subconscious. Clara is real. I’d felt her. I’d held her. I want to tell myself no. I want to stay away, if only because I have no desire to drag her into the battle between my father and me. Because if he finds out, I’ve seen her, he won’t let it rest.
But I belong to no man. No country. Not yet. I can only answer to myself, and somewhere in London, I’ve left Clara Bishop to hide out in her flat while I sipped champagne at a garden party.
I can think of a number of ways to make it up to her, and she’s going to enjoy every minute.
“Fuck.” It’s like I have no choice. Pulling out my mobile, I call Norris and issue one command. “Find her.”
“Are you certain?” He doesn’t ask me who I’m referring to because he doesn’t have to. He’s seen the papers. He expected this call.
“Yes,” I say for once being completely honest. “Find her. I need to see her.”
I’ve never been more certain of anything.
Chapter Three
The club’s music filters into the private room, and I know she’s finally here. When had I sent Norris to collect her? An hour ago? A lifetime ago? All I know is that it feels as though an eternity has passed, and now she’s arrived. I turn from the orgiastic dancing below to find Clara standing behind me. A smile creeps over my face as I take in her jeans and t-shirt. I’ve caught her off guard. This isn’t a girl who bothers with bars and clubs. She was home, but doing what? I want to ask her. I want to know everything about her. All I know now is that she’s just as pretty like this as she was in that tight, black dress. She didn’t change to impress me, and for some reason, warmth spreads through my chest at the thought. Before I can process what that means, her eyes narrow, and her chin lifts. She’s mistaken my grin, assuming that I’m mocking her appearance.
What she doesn’t know is that it only makes me want her more.
She saunters toward me like a queen and stumbles. My arms shoot out to catch her, but she corrects herself before I do.
“I’m