Page 136 of Outcast’s Return

“Clement.”

“I’ve accepted it,” he tells me quietly, holding a glass of scotch.

“Accepted what, brother?”

“You and Fabien. Fuck, Jolie, I was blind with anger. So fucking blind. I wanted to kill him. There’s still a part of me that wants to kill him.”

“That’s a nice sentiment.”

“Seriously. I do want to kill him, but I think it’s now more due to the fact that he nearly fumbled you.”

I raise an eyebrow.

“Are you complimenting me, Clement?”

“I’m trying to be honest with you for once, Jolie. Don’t ruin it.”

I mime zipping up my lips.

My brother’s face turns serious.

“He is the best man I have ever known, and you are incredibly lucky to have him. And he’s incredibly lucky to have you. I hope you know that, sis.”

He reaches over to lay a gentle hand on my shoulder.

I smile and rub his hand.

“Thank you, Clement. And may I add, you are incredibly lucky to have Elise.”

My brother glances over at his woman dancing to music in the middle of the bar, his face softening in a way I haven’t seen in years. Elise is smiling at Clement as she moves.

I know that smile all too well. It’s the smile of a woman who knows she’s safe. A woman who is in love.

The smile of a woman who knows she’s found her man.

“I wake up every day knowing that,” Clement says to me. “And I know Fabien feels the same. It’s fucking hard for me to admit this, but you two are perfect together. And I promise you I won’t ever try to ruin it again. I’m happy for you, Jolie.”

“I’m happy for you, Clement.”

“One more thing,” my brother says, drawing closer.

“What?”

He smirks, but then looks away, abashed.

“Maybe I shouldn’t say...”

I nudge him on the arm.

“Come on, bro. You can’t just hint at something and not say.”

“Maybe...”

“Go ahead.”

“Screw it,” Clement announces, straightening his shoulders. “I’m drunk. I’m bold. I should show you.”

Before I can ask what the hell he’s talking about, Clement pulls out his wallet. For a second, I think he’s going to give me cash.