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Aaron sighs. “Of course, you didn't.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
My brother’s dark eyebrows arch. “You know exactly what I mean.”
“I can’t let anything distract me.”
“No,” Aaron corrects, “Dad can’t let anything distract you. He can’t let anything come between his pull over you. Certainly not a strong, capable woman.”
“Enough.” The word comes out harsher than I intended. “This is dangerous, because it redirects my attention. If I look away for a second, I could make a mistake that will cost us everything.”
“We’re already looking at a mistake that could cost us everything,” Aaron says. “And it wasn't because of you. No matter what Dad says, it wasn't you, Sebastian. You’ve done everything right. Sometimes things happen, and there’s not a thing you can do about it.”
There’s a slight bitterness to his tone. No matter what I say, he will always be the unfortunate authority on the subject.
“Seb, our father is a man who measures his success by the size of his own shadow and his bank account. You’ve spent your entire life making sure you remain in that shadow. You’ve been the perfect son, the perfect CEO-in-waiting, and he’s still not happy. Are you happy, Sebastian?”
I stare at the fire. “I’m successful.”
“That’s not what I asked. Dad’s personality is a vacuum. He spent years convincing you that your value is tied to the company. But he’s an old man who has driven everyone from his life. Is that really what you want? Because that’s the road you’re headed down.” Aaron pauses, watching Isabella laugh at something Leo is telling her. “I see the way you look at her. I’ve watched you go from brooding and angry to lighting up when she comes into the room. You’re letting the best thing that’s ever happened to you be categorized as a distraction because you’re afraid of a man who hasn't smiled since 1994. You have a lot to think about, big brother.”
“It’s not just Dad,” I try to argue, but my voice lacks conviction.
“If you let this chance pass you by, you’ll spend the rest of your life wondering why you worked so hard to build a kingdom to sit in alone. Take it from me, Sebastian. It is one of the rarest, most precious things to earn the love of a woman like Isabella. Don't take it for granted, because it can be gone in an instant, and all you’ll have left are memories and regret.”
The words steal the air from my lungs. Aaron stands up, claps a hand on my shoulder, and walks away, leaving me with the crushing weight of everything he just dumped into my reality.
I stare at the stars, anything to keep from looking at Isabella. Aaron spoke from the heart. That’s all he’ll allow himself to do after watching what our father did to keep the King family name unsullied. I’ve always admired my brother. He was allowed to be himself in a way I never was. He’s happy. He has three kids he loves. He had an incredible love story with a woman before fate stepped in.
So why am I so reluctant to listen to him? I know the answer. But is it what I really want anymore? Was it ever what I wanted, or only what Dad wanted?
As if the universe is giving me a sign, Isabella excuses herself from the conversation and moves around the fire toward me. She is all grace and warmth, and I couldn't tear my eyes away if I wanted to.
“Hey.” She smiles softly and sits in the chair beside mine. A soft waft of her usual citrus and vanilla scent mingles with the fire smoke. “Is everything okay? You look a little pensive after your talk with Aaron.”
“Aaron likes to butt in where he doesn't belong,” I say, raising the glass of bourbon to my lips, only to remember too late that I’ve already drained it.
“Yeah?” Isabella’s gaze wanders to my face. “What were you two talking about?”
I look at her. “The future.”
She frowns. “Of the King Corporation?”
“Something like that,” I mutter.
Across the fire, Aaron catches my gaze and flashes me a shit-eating grin. All thoughts of Aaron are forgotten when a hand slides into mine, warm and soft, with a firm grip. I whip my head around to meet Isabella’s smile.
“Hey, it’ll be okay. We’re figuring this out, right? We’re in this together.”
Together.
Why does that word sound like it means so much more than it should?
Aaron was right; I have a lot to think about.
25
ISABELLA
