“Eredine.”
He looked at me now. “What about her?”
“She’s off-limits,” I warned, “to both of you.”
Arran’s lips quirked. “Dearest, darlin’ sister, I have no intentions toward your friend. Can’t a man enjoy looking at a woman without ulterior motives?”
“As long as that’s all it is, fine.”
“You know,” he said, swaying me with exaggeration now, “of all the people I expected to be nice to me when I came back, you were the one.”
“I am being nice to you. We’re dancing, aren’t we?”
“A pity dance,” he teased, eyes twinkling boyishly. “I can tell.”
“Oh, fuck off,” I muttered. “I’ve had to put up with women falling all over my brothers my entire life, and tonight is no exception. I’m surprised someone hasn’t clawed our hands apart to get to you.”
“It’s not our fault we’re cursed with good looks and animal magnetism.”
I gagged, pretending to vomit, and he laughed.
Something caught his eye behind me, and a look I didn’t like entered it. “The Adair men aren’t the only ones popular with the guests. Mac is certainly enjoying the attention.”
I froze, refusing to look around.
“Oh, aye, I think his speech inspired a few blue beans tonight.”
I smacked Arran only half playfully across the head.
“What was that for?” he whined like a little boy.
“Don’t talk like that to me. I’m your sister. Show some respect.”
“Pfft, I think that was more about Mac than me,” he grumbled. “I think you knocked my eye loose.”
“It was barely a tap. Stop being a baby.”
“Good idea, Arro.” Lachlan and Robyn had danced up to us, and he reached out and smacked Arran across the back of the head harder than I had. “That’s for making me worry about you for two years.”
“Fuck.” Arran released me to rub his head. “Was that necessary?”
“Aye. And I feel loads better. Be prepared, I’m telling Thane how cathartic it is to hit you.” He grinned wickedly, dancing Robyn away.
“Is he kidding?” Arran looked around warily, seeming much, much younger than his thirty-five years.
Laughter bubbled on my lips. “I’d stay alert for the rest of the evening if I were you.”
“Home sweet home,” he muttered.
I’d just returned to Eredine’s side with a fresh glass of champagne when a man who looked vaguely familiar, and thus I was sure was an actor, approached. He gave us both a nod of hello and me a smile as he held out his hand. “May I have this dance?”
An Adele song played.
“Go.” Eredine took my glass and nudged me toward the familiar stranger.
Why not? I thought.
I smiled at the American and put my hand in his. As we strolled across the room, he introduced himself. “I’m Gray. I worked with your brother on a movie about fifteen years ago, and we became friends.”