Page 83 (1/2)

Griffin ue “That was unkind, Alexander To you, notmy way

“Oh, I’m aware Believe me”

“We’re only half-brothers and not really friends So, in answer, it was a surprise to see you here But whatever he’s told you,” he adds, pushing from the desk, “it’ll be the truth” He appears to consider his oords for a , “Mostly”

“Thank you,” I lance down at my feet Was that supposed to make me feel better or worse?

Griffin pauses at the door Whether for dramatic effect, I’m also not sure “Families are complicated,” he says “This one more than most”

He has barely one foot out of the door when I brush past him

“Holland!” Alexander calls

But I can’t get away froh

22

Alexander

“What was all that about?” At the end of the busy service hallway, I watch as Chrissy catches Holland by the hand “Are you okay, lass?”

“I’m fine,” Holland replies defensively, her words overly loud “And he’s an asshole”

A frown creases my brow I think that’s the first tiratulations on being a co the hallway And that’s definitely the first time Chrissy has sent aze to flick over her shoulder As our gazes meet, hers quite clearly says fuck you

“Ye can’nae say things like that about a duke,” Chrissy chides, purely for proprieties sake because the look on her face tellsoff the woman who runs this house There never has been

But I am still the duke

“Leave us,” my voice booms I’m not the kind of employer that yells or demands, but there’s a certain satisfaction to be felt as the bodiesonly Holland, Chrissy, andto throw off otten it My blood rages hot through my veins, my cock as hard as a tent pole

“Holland,” I call out haughtily, waret your arse into the dining rooaze to fall disdainfully over her, “to find yourself so more suitable to wear”

“But this is what the girls alear,” Chrissy replies, stepping in front of the object of my desire “Mr McCain saw to her outfit himself”