Page 82 of Temporary Vows

“She was given a choice. She made it.”

Of everyone who knew what was going on, he was the only one who hadn’t signed an NDA.

But I wasn’t worried about him. If it were just about me, it would be different, but when it comes to Elodie, he wouldn’t drag her name through the mud. Besides, all he knew was about the loan. He didn’t know about the auction at the Dark Odyssey and that I practically bought his sister.

“You shouldn’t have made her such an offer.” He lets out a breath, pushing on. “You crossed a line.”

“Have I now?” I raise a brow slightly, unimpressed.

“She’s not used to guys like you,” he adds. “You, this world”—he gestures vaguely around the office—“it’s not for her. And I don’t mean the wealth. I mean the life you live with your women and your minions and your scandals.”

“Andyouknow what’s best for her?” I throw back, though my tone is cool.

“I’m her brother. Of course, I know what’s best for her. And you are not it. You and I both know you could have done things differently. Fuck, a hundred and twenty G’s is pocket change to you.”

“So, I should have helped her for free?” I cock my head.

“I’m not saying that.” He balls his hand into a fist and takes a step forward. “I’m saying you could have done thingsdifferently. If you hurt her?—”

“Don’t,” I cut him off and shake my head. “Don’t even fucking go there.” I hold his gaze, letting the weight of my warning land.

He stills, but he’s fuming. I know he wants to rip into me but is holding back because of the money. Because I was there for his sister when he wasn’t.

“I’m not theonewho’s going to hurt her,” I continue, quieter now but no less firm. “Whatever happens, that person won’t be me.”

Something flickers in his expression. He knows exactly what the fuck I’m talking about.

We don’t need to take that walk down memory lane and rehash what he did.

“Right,” he mutters, understanding. “Still, I hope you mean that.”

I don’t respond.

I don’t need to.

He shifts again, restless now. “I guess guilt must be riding your shoulders. Maybe you’re trying to make up for the past.”

“No,” I answer, shocking him. “I’m not.”

He draws in a sharp breath and throws me a cold stare. “You are unbelievable. We lost everything, when you could have helped. You don’t even feel an ounce of remorse.”

“No, Jack. I don’t.” It’s harsh, I know that, but it’s the truth. Jack never took any responsibility for his actions. I wouldn’t do it for him.

“I’m not happy about this.” He grits his teeth. “You with my little sister.”

“Your little sister is a grown woman. And she chose me.” My tone shuts him down.

With his jaw set, he nods. “Then I guess there’s nothing more to say.”

“No. Not really.”

“She can do better than you, Dorian Vale. I truly wish she had.” He smirks, moves past me with his head held high, and marches out the door.

I watch him go.

The door opens. Closes. And just like that, he’s gone.

I stand there for a moment, staring at the space where he stood, the tension still hanging in the room like it hasn’t caught up with him yet.