“You would have known that, too, if you hadn’t left in such a hurry last week. If she isn’t after your money, why the fuck would she be keeping it quiet? She’s a gold digger, Max. And that tight, young pussy has you convinced you’re in love.” I hear the faint feminine gasp at my brother’s harsh words and see red.
I rear my arm back with a closed fist and throw the first punch I’ve thrown in years.
His head snaps to the side.
A sickening crunch can be heard as blood pours from his nose, and he staggers back with a curse.
My brothers jump between us. Eyes wide, Hudson shoves me back a few steps while Jace grabs a napkin from a nearby table and hands it to Becket.
The roaring in my ears is all I know until Daphne’s shaking hands grab my face. “Are you okay?” Her voice is strong and heavy with emotion.
“No.” I push her aside. “I’m not okay.” Becket stands across from me with a white linen napkin up to his nose, stained red with blood. “Apologize.”
“Max.” Daphne places her hand against my chest. “Your brother’s right. My father made a mess of my finances, then left me here with nothing. But what Becket’s overprivileged ass never considered is, even though he works, he’s never had to work out of necessity. I’ve never had that luxury. I worked my ass off in college and got a job as soon as I could. I’ve put everything into making tonight a success because this is my dream. I’ve wanted this since I was a little girl, and no one, not even my father selling my damn life, was going to get in my way.” She turns to Becket. “And if you think your brother handed me this job because we’re together, then you’re an even bigger ass for not having faith in him.”
Daph turns around and slowly walks over to Becks, then slaps him across the face. “I’ve worked hard to get where I am. I’ve volunteered my entire life to help others. I’ve got a degree in Nonprofit Management because that is what I’ve always wanted to do. And I’m about to successfully throw my very first fundraiser, so I can help the less fortunate kids of Philadelphia have better lives. Tell me, Becket Kingston, have you ever done anything for those less fortunate than you, besides signing a check?”
She takes a step closer to Becks and doesn’t bother to lower her voice, letting anyone and everyone nearby hear what she has to say. “I’m also madly in love with your brother. So you better get used to having me around. Now, go wash your damn face. And bid on a fucking auction basket if you ever want me to forgive you.” She grabs my hand and pulls me with her. “I want to see a lot of zeros, Becket. You can afford it.”
Fury radiates off Becket in waves as Daphne and I leave him to stand there and digest his own actions.
Daphne practically drags me behind her, past one of the velvet ropes closing off an area. She doesn’t stop until we’re behind closed doors. But when we’re in private and the adrenaline wears off, her legs give out beneath her. I catch her before she can fall and sit her down on a table in the corner of the otherwise empty room. “Jesus, Daphne. I’m so sorry.”
“Stop, Max. Just stop. Those weren’t your words. They were your brother’s.” She shakes her hand by her side. “And oh my God. I hit him. I’ve never hit anyone in my life. Holy shit.”
I grab her hand and inspect it for damage as my mind replays her declaration. “You said you love me.”
She stiffens and tries to pull her hand back, her eyes wide before they slide away from me like she’s embarrassed. “Max, I—”
“Daphne.” I slide my thumbs over her cheeks. “I love you more than I knew I could ever love anyone. You amaze me every single day. Your strength. Your grace. Your sheer will and determination. You’re my world. And I swear to God, I will cut my brother out of my life before I ever let him say another word about you.”
She leans her cheek into my hand and closes her eyes. “Max... I don’t want you to cut your brother out of your life. I know how much your family means to you. Give him time to cool down. He’ll come around when he sees that I don’t want a penny of your money. If we ever were to get married, I’ll sign whatever prenup the asshole wants. I always had money growing up, and it never made me happy like you do. I don’t need money, Max. All I need is you and me for the rest of my life, and I’ll be happy.”
“You want to marry me, siren?” I don’t know why, but hearing her say it surprises me. Not that the thought hadn’t crossed my mind. But I hadn’t considered it may have crossed hers.
“That better not have been a proposal, Max Kingston. Not after your brother just said what he said, and my hand is still stinging from the slap heard round the world.” Her face pales. “Oh no. Did anyone hear us? Shit. Did anyone see us?”
“I don’t think anyone was here yet.” I lift her stinging hand to my lips and press them against her palm.
“I meant it, Max.” Her silvery eyes pool with tears. “I love you. I’m sorry I told your asshole brother before I told you.”
“Shh. Don’t cry, baby.” I cover her mouth with mine. “Do you think you can go back out there?”
“Of course I can. This is my event, and I’m not letting him ruin it.” She stands from the table and wipes her face, then hooks her arm through mine. “Just stay close for a while, okay?”
“I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”