“Doesn’t every third or fourth woman?” I argue as Burt makes quick work of rearranging the living room. He’d offered my brother his bedroom last night, butIwouldn’t think of it.
Still peeling his eyes open, he murmurs, “Ellen . . . had hair of spun silk.”
“Sounds like every other woman that I’ve had. Who’s the cunt?” Flexing my fingers around Graham’s throat, I raise him off the floor.
“Perhaps you should speed to the conclusion,” Burt says in a nonchalant tone as he pours three Earl Greys.
“Perhapsyouset outonetoo many teacups,” I retort.
“Well, forgive me. The advice was for your brother. At any rate, I’ll oblige you, Victor, and drink Graham’s tea for him.”
Although Graham’s grasp at reality is fading, incredulous eyes land on Burt. My forearms thrust against his chest as I unhand his throat. Graham staggers toward an end table. Unable to gather his bearings, he falls onto his useless arse.
“You placed Luxury’s life in jeopardy.” I advance on him, one Italian loafer after the other. “Perhaps you wereknackeredat the lounge. Did you forget the sign, little brother?”
Massaging his throat, he hisses, “No. I simply believe your presence is Luxury’s greatest threat. Assassins, my arse. Your actions hurt Luxury more than any physical wound.”
“He may have a point there,” Burt mutters from over my shoulder.
“Yes, I do have a point! My point is one innocent woman for another.” The edges of Graham’s mouth cork as if he’s chuffed to bits by his decision.
“Whoisthe cunt that has you beside yourself?” I squat down.
“As I said, Ellen was beautiful, and she was all mine until you—”
“Until I fucked her, yes, of course. Proceed.”Or did I fuck her?
“We attended prep school together—”
“Well then, I retract my statement, Graham. I’ve not rammed my cock in the cunt, or any other fuckable holes of the big, blue-eyed Ellen. Pray tell, was it blonde hair or raven? Perhaps red spun silk?”
Looking up, he gives a begrudging, “Golden.”
“Alright, golden hair. Wasn’t me, mate.” Now, I’m beside myself, having a laugh at his expense.
“You just said you did.”
“I can assure you that he did not.” Burt holds out a white-gloved hand to assist Graham to his feet. “Victor’s ten years your senior. At no point while you were in prep school did Victor have any sexual relations with your peers. You all were simply too young. He’s not that much of a beast.”
“Notthat typeof a beast.”
Lips set in determination. Graham’s head tilts in consideration. “Rubbish.Victor recalls Ellen. Victorhadmy woman! We were in the same grade,Vicky. She visited our estate on many occasions.”
I settle onto the lounger, retrieving my cup of tea. “I’d not fuck anyone in your age bracket then,Grahamy.”
“Luxury’s the same age.”
I lift a shoulder. “Younger, really.”
My honesty breaks through his delusions. Worry overwhelms vehement jealousy, and Graham fidgets at the button of his polo. “Did I truly place her in danger?”
“Very much so,” Burt assures him.
“Well . . . well.”
“Well, what?” I bare my teeth.
Graham ungraciously pours a flask of alcohol into his hot tea. “Well! If something happens to her, I’ll blacken both of your eyes.”