Page 103 of Gold Rush

“I know; I know. Exceeding expectations just comes naturally to you.” Lili glances at me, opening her arms again. “Hey, Flynn.”

I fake surprise. “You noticed I’m here.”

“Please. You know you’re one of my favorite people. Your girlfriend”—she gives Rory a cheeky smile—“just happens to be one of my favorite people, a relative, and a crucial component of my wedding party. That trumps brother’s best friend.”

“I completely understand,” I say. “I’d pick Rory over me too.”

Lili’s smile spreads as she glances between us. “No one asked my opinion—let alone updated me on this development in a timely manner—but I am a big, big fan of what’s happening here.” She flicks a finger between us. “Disappointed I didn’t see it coming because you guys are perfect for⁠—”

“You promised you’d stop abandoning me with people I don’t know.” Charlie, Lili’s fiancé, appears, a frown on his face.

He’s very British, and the first time I met him, I would have bet money they would never work as a couple. Goes to show what I know about relationships, clearly.

“You’re great at networking.” Lili straightens Charlie’s tie, which was already perfectly parallel with the buttons on his shirt. “That’s basically all being a duke is.”

“Sure. There’s hardly any estate management, state duties, or public patronages to handle.”

“Like I said, networking.”

I glance at Rory while Lili and Charlie bicker with smiles on their faces. She’s playing with a bracelet on her wrist, gaze darting around as she takes in the surrounding activity.

I consider grabbing her hand, then second-guess. Strangely, I’ve become far more comfortable touching Rory in private than I am in public. Here, I’m aware there’s attention on us. There’s been no shortage of speculation about Lili and Charlie’s upcoming wedding, so some of the curious stares are likely on them. But this is the first major event Rory and I have attended together. I don’t want anyone thinking she needs the support, especially since I’m the one wanting encouragement. My parents are likely here. I know Julian won’t make a scene—not when every person he deems important is in attendance—but he’ll likely force the first awkward exchange since our tense phone call.

I slide my hands into my pockets. “I’m gonna grab a drink before the bars get busy,” I tell Rory, lowering my voice. “Want anything?”

“Just water. With⁠—”

“Ice and lime. I got it.” I clap Charlie on the shoulder as I pass him. “Good to see you, mate.”

“You too, Flynn,” he calls after me.

I continue toward the veranda. The glass-enclosed terrace is climate-controlled and a little warm. Stepping outside is a pleasant surprise, thanks to the cool breeze coming off the water, until I spot a group of three men standing around one of the tall tables set up directly by the bar. I have to walk by them to get our drinks, but I’d make a point to even if they were gathered at the opposite end of the veranda.

I can’t believe he wasn’t uninvited. I can’t believe he showed his face at her family’s event.

Knox Wellington spots me first. He nudges George Archibald with his elbow, who says something to Carson.

I stroll toward them, fixing a blasé smile on my face.

“Gentlemen.” I button my jacket. “Albright.”

George won’t meet my gaze.

One corner of Knox’s mouth curves up before he raises his drink, conveniently shielding his expression.

Carson stares at me, his expression entirely blank. I’ve never liked the guy, but it’s difficult to recall when that contempt was separate from Rory. I never thought they made sense as a couple, but I never imagined he’d treat her with the disrespect he did. I’m angrier about his actions now, months later, than I was when I punched him at Proof. I haven’t been back to my favorite club since that night. He ruined one of my favorite places by cheating on one of my favorite people there.

“Surprised to see you here,” Carson comments.

“Because I’ve been a friend of the Kensington family for decades? Or because I’m dating Rory?”

That fractures the mask. “Because you’ve been an embarrassing affiliation for the Kensington family for decades. All you were ever good at was drinking and partying.”

“My law degree says otherwise.”

“The one your daddy bought?”

George says Carson’s name, uneasiness saturating his voice. For an attorney, he’s not great with confrontation.