Inheriting a SECRET (Corrigan & Co. #7)(47)

I nod as tears roll down my cheeks. “I hope you enjoy your life with some pretty princess.”

“I will.”

I force myself to turn from him and calmly walk out the door. I want to run, but I won’t give him the satisfaction. Jen looks at me with sorrow in her eyes, and Noah looks like he wants to commit murder. I shake my head at both of them, letting them know that he won’t listen tonight. Or maybe ever. We’ve all been hurt, and I understand his actions. They’re breaking my heart, but I know he’s not just being spiteful. I could feel his pain like it was a physical thing. It matches my own.





Chapter 18


Darcy

“I can’t believe I just got you back after ten years, and now you’re leaving me again,” Noah says, walking outside to sit next to me as I watch the sun rise over the water.

“You could come with me this time,” I remind him with a smile.

“This is my home, Darce. I’m sorry, but I can’t leave. Not even for you.”

“You don’t ever have to apologize for wanting to stay. You’ve lived here almost half your life. Mom will be here tomorrow to see you, and you can come visit me anytime you want. Just call, and I’ll send a plane for you.”

“You’re going back to work with those women, then?”

“I don’t know. We’re all meeting with them once we’re back. I understand why they did it, and why they felt it was necessary, but it still hurt. My friends are as angry as I am, so it’s not going to be an easy thing to just go back to business as usual. I’ve saved my money over the years, so I don’t have to work, but I love what we do.”

“Let me know how it goes.”

“I will. You’re going to call me every day, right? And tell me about that pretty girl you were dancing with at the picnic?”

He blushes. “I like her.”

“I could tell.”

“I’m going to get a job and an apartment. I’ve already called around, and I have some interviews today.”

“I could help you out. Not with a job here, but if you need money.”

“No. You and the royal family have taken care of me for long enough. I had an excellent education in France, and it’s time for me to put my architecture degree to use. The restoration firm used by the royals offered me a job when I graduated earlier this year, and they’re one of the firms I’m meeting with later.”

“You were so cute in your cap and gown.”

“You were there?” he asks, his eyes going wide.

“Of course. It’s not every day that my baby brother graduates from one of the best universities in Europe. It was big enough for me to blend in, so no one knew who I was there to see.”

“That’s…I don’t know what to say… thank you.”

I wave him off, trying not to blush myself. “You know that Ryan Griffin is a friend of mine.”

“I wish he could’ve made the trip to the ball. I would’ve loved to have met him.”

“Maggie didn’t want any of her sons, or their families here. She tried to get Alex to stay behind, but she’s becoming as tough as the rest of us, even though she’s not an agent. When you come to Vegas to visit me, you can hang out with Ryan.”

“Really? You think he’d have time for me?”

“Definitely. He’s a great guy, and he called last night to tell me you had a job with him if you came back with me.”

“Whoa. That’s…wow. I can’t leave, though.”

“I know. You have your pretty girl, a chance at a job you’ll love, and your best friend. Plus, the girl who’s stood in as sister for me all these years.”

“I was sorry for what I said as soon as the words came out of my mouth. Especially after Jen cut you.”

“Don’t be. I mean it. I am so thankful for Jen, and everyone else. Am I jealous? Yes. I lost ten years with you. But I’m also so damn happy that you were surrounded by people who love you.”

“He’s going to regret this, you know.”

“I knew we could never really be together. I just wish he didn’t hate me.”

“He doesn’t. He’s just hurt.”

“I know he’s hurt. I understand it. He’s going to forgive you. But me…no. He’s convinced himself that I was conning him. He won’t get over that. Which I should be happy about because it will allow him to move on and be happy with whatever princess he chooses. They’ll have adorable royal babies and live happily ever after.”

“You’re happy about that? Is that why you’re crying? And saying ‘happy’ like a million times?”

“Yes,” I say. “Dammit, I never cry and now I can’t seem to stop.”

“He’s worth your tears. He doesn’t deserve them at the moment—and as your brother, I shouldn’t be saying this—but he’s my best friend, and he was different with you, Sis. Different and better than I’ve ever seen him be with another girl. He wasn’t just using you for fun, I know he loved you.”

“Past tense.”

“Nah, he loves you. He’s just too hurt and proud right now to admit it.”

“When did you get so smart? You’re not supposed to be smarter than me.”