Seven Nights of Sin (Penthouse Affair #2) novel Chapter 34

Michael takes my hand. “Presley, are you okay?”

“Yeah, why?” I ask with a very unconvincing quaver in my voice. I have to be strong for Michael. I can’t break down in front of him.

“What’s going on? What happened with that guy you were seeing? Did my advice help?”

I laugh, a tear escaping my eye and landing with a soft splash on my hand. If only it were that simple. “It’s complicated.”

“You said that. Come on, Presley. Tell me. We’re the only family we’ve got,” Michael pleads, his hand warm against mine.

I finally raise my eyes to his. “My boss is the guy I was seeing.”

I can see the color drain from Michael’s face. Oh God, what have I done?

“Did he hurt you?”

“No, no. Not like that. It was entirely my choice. As soon as I met him, I fell for him. If you knew him, you’d understand. He’s so handsome, and he’s really committed to his work and his family. And the way he speaks, it’s so honest. I got to see it firsthand as his intern. So I fell for him. Hard. And I thought . . . well, I thought he was falling for me too.” The words pour out of me as freely as my tears.

Michael hands me his napkin, and I blow my nose wetly into the scratchy paper.

“If he didn’t fall for you, he’s an idiot. You’re the best person I know,” he says quietly. “You deserve someone who’s gonna treat you right.”

I smile weakly. Why can’t everything be so simple?

“Are you going to keep the job? I can drop out, you know. I’ll get a job at the club. I know they’re looking for bartenders. Elijah says—”

“No. No way. You’re not dropping out of school. I didn’t get this job for you to up and quit,” I say firmly, and Michael stares at me.

“Sorry,” he says with a laugh. “You really sounded like Mom just then.”

My heart aches. “I miss her.”

“I miss her too. But I’m glad I have you,” he says, every bit the sweet boy he’s always been.

I couldn’t live without him.

“What are you going to do about . . .” He trails off.

“Dominic.”

“Ooh, Dom.” Michael smirks. “Is he . . .”

“Gross,” I say, smacking my brother lightly on the arm, and he giggles like a little kid.