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A knock sounded on the door, breaking me out of my thoughts.
Standing up, I hiked up the hem of my long evening gown and crossed the room to open the door.
Brian stood at the threshold with Noah, Corey, and Caleb.
“We came to see whether you were ready,” said Brian, entering my room.
I glanced over at Noah, Corey, and Caleb. They cut a damn fine sight in their dark tailored suits.
Corey winked at me and leaned down to kiss my cheek.
Caleb wound his arm around my waist, pulling me against him so he could whisper, “Meet me behind the tapestry this evening. I can’t wait to peel this dress off you with my teeth.” He lightly bit my lobe before walking away to join Corey.
Noah stood before me, his silvery eyes shimmering with such an intensity I found it difficult to breathe. It was so much easier to face him when he was glaring at me with that familiar cold gaze.
“You look beautiful,” he said in a deep, husky voice that reverberated through me.
Pure desire darkened his eyes but there was also a hint of uncertainty there. He wanted to touch me but was struggling to keep his distance.
“Get over here,” Caleb called out, breaking the moment between us.
Noah walked past me and went to join Brian and his brothers.
Corey and Caleb were already settled on the edge of my bed. Noah and I sat down on a plush chaise lounge while Brian took up a couch.
“I’m going to make the official announcement as soon as our main investors arrive,” said Brian. “Make sure to stay downstairs so we don’t end up hunting for one of you. I want to make the announcement before everyone’s drunk.”
Corey chuckled.
“Don’t drink too much,” said Brian, looking at each of us in turn. “Stay alert. This is not a party but the setting up of a stage. The slightest mistake can trigger a problem with the groups of people coming in today.”
Brian fixed his gaze on me. “You’re in charge of handling the Becketts.”
“The Becketts?”
“Bill Beckett will be accompanying his son tonight,” said Brian in a grim tone. “You’ve got to be extra careful with the pair. It’s rare for them to attend a party together. Bill’s coming to size you up, kiddo.”
“We won’t let the fucker bully her,” said Noah from beside me.
“I can handle him,” I said in a somber voice. “This isn’t my first time meeting a man with an overblown ego.”
“His ego’s the least of your problems,” Brian spoke in a low, worried tone. “The man’s like a shark. He’s always smelling blood in the waters. He’ll be looking for your weaknesses. Don’t show him any.”
Caleb gave a nod. “Don’t take him lightly, Milla. He’s a ruthless bastard.”
I took in their warnings with a dose of surprise.
The rivalry between the Amhursts and Becketts sounded like an old one. No wonder Noah, Corey, and Caleb were always bothered to see me with Luke.
Another pang of disappointment hit me.
Was Luke always trying to use me against them? Had I been stupid in thinking he was my friend?
“I’ll watch out for them,” I said, meeting Brian’s gaze.
“Good.” Getting to his feet, he clapped his hands together excitedly. “Let’s do this.”
We stood up to follow him.
