KREW
“I just received a call from Atty. Sanders, and guess fucking what?”
My brother arched a brow. “Early in the morning, you greet with a curse. What is it that pissed you off again?”
I briefly closed my eyes. My jaw was still clenching. “River dropped the case.”
“And why the fuck did she do that without consulting us? I know you two fought, but I couldn’t think of any reasons to free that asshole.”
“I have one.”
“Care to share with the class.” I groaned at the voice of my sister behind me. “Because I couldn’t believe she shut me out. I should have been there with her at the time like this. What is it that you do that made her stay away from her friends? Where is she right now anyway?”
I slumped my ass to the chair in front of my brother. “I told her to stay away from me.”
I wasn’t expecting the reaction of my brother would be laughing his ass at me. “You’re the dumbest man I’ve ever met, Krew. I may not have the longest relationship like yours, but man—”
“Consider telling you’ve never been in the relationship, Kai,” Krys cut him.
“Fine. And how in the hell did it help you?”
I looked out of the massive glass window. “I don’t wanna talk about it.”
“This is certainly the right time to talk about everything, brother,” Krys demanded.
I huffed a breath. “I have to go.”
“You’re not going anywhere.” It was Krys’ demanding voice.
“Oh, please, try to stop me.”
Krys kicked me in the shin with her stilettos.
“Christ! Why did you do that?” I groaned in pain, rubbing my shin.
“Look, Krew. I may not be on board with your obsession over River, but I think no one could control your feelings over her or any situation. I learned to like her, and she’s a wonderful person. I love to see you happy. That’s what our father would do in the first place, for us—to see his children happy and successful. Let us help you.”
I gave him an uninterested look. “You missed the point. I told you that I already told her that I didn’t wanna see her again.”
“Do you really expect me to believe that it came from your heart? You’ve been in love with her for years. And going to see her father is not something or someone should do to help the old man other than the fact that he has dad’s liver. You did it because you’re in love with his daughter. I mean, I admire your compassion. You have the kindest heart that Selik would be proud of, but you went there because of River as well. Did he approve of your relationship with his daughter?”
“Thanks for the peep talk, Kai, but we’re over. There’s nothing left to pick up. Consider this conversation did not happen.”
“You’re wrong. I just learned from Ally that you redo another room in your penthouse.”
I closed my eyes in irritation. “I just asked her for a piece of advice. She’s a personal shopper and not an interior designer. And that was before we broke up.”
“Ouch. Did you catch that flinch, Kai?” Krys gave a knowing look at my brother.
“I think I just did,” Kai was enjoying my not so comfortable situation.
“I hate you both right now.”
“I want you to talk to River to reconsider what she did.”
“I won’t. She signed the settlement. It’s only possible to reopen the case when Briar came to harass her again. I mean, the hearing didn’t even start, so Briar is free like a bird.”
“Damn it!” I rose from my chair, pacing back and forth.
“You still care about her.”
“Of course I do.” I pointed out. How could I not? It was impossible to forget and hate her.
“You still love her,” Krys said.
“Of course—”
“You still do. Otherwise, you wouldn’t feel this so desperate and frustrated. There’s nothing to be ashamed of. My best friend is awesome and gorgeous, and I am jealous of her eyes.”
“I better go if you two won’t help me.”
“And where are you exactly going?” Kai asked. “To your sanctuary?”
“Nope. Down to my office.”
“Well, that’s first.” Krys grinned. “I love you, brother.”
“I love you, too.” Before I could hold the doorknob, Kai called my name.
“Where’s River?”
“In her father’s home.”
“Don’t forget the fundraising tonight, Krew.”
“I know. My assistant just reminded me,” I answered irritably.
“Good.”
***
I was a little bit nervous about the fundraising event tonight with the possibility that River might be the plus one of her father. But this is my life now. I should be there because our late father was the founder of this organization.
“You look good, Mr. Selik.”
I fixed my bow tie one more time and looked at my assistant through the mirror. “Not bad yourself.” I hired her because she didn’t look at me like she wanted to fuck me. She was a decent woman with pretty good credentials.
“Thank you, sir. We should go.”
“Give me a minute, and the event is held just next door.”
“You’ve been fidgeting. What’s wrong? Can’t see you this nervous for just fundraising.”
I sighed deeply. “I might bump into my ex.” The word ex fucking hurt. I even winced.
“Oh.” She widened her eyes with interest. “Ms. River Rouge. I’m a fan of hers. I thought she’s beautiful and her voice is so angelic. She reminds me of my mom’s favorite singer.”
I eyed her with intensity. “And you know all about me her. How?”
“I researched before I applied for the job, Mr. Selik. And you and Ms. Rouge are not exactly a secret considering Mr. Kai Selik is all over the social media circus.”
“Whatever. And no fangirling tonight.”
“Fine.” She pursed her lips. “And do you know that Ms. Rouge—”
“Please. No more talk about River.”
“Of course, sir. I can be as professional as I can be.”
“And stay by my side all the time.”
“Sure. I can do that.”
We entered the ballroom hall, and it was packed with businessmen, politicians, and even social media influencers and celebrities. I greeted a few guests before I joined my brother.
“Glad you made it.”
“I told you I would be here,” I said irritably.
“How are you doing, Everest? You look great.”
My assistant blushed crimson beside me. “I’m good, Mr. Selik. Thank you. You cleaned up pretty well, too,” she said politely.
“I like her. She doesn’t flirt.”
“And stay away from her,” I warned Kai.
“Jeez, brother.” He snatched a flute of Champagne. “It’s my cue.” Kai emptied the glass before he walked to the stage.
“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. My family and I are happy that you could make it here tonight and to see familiar faces. My father always said that helping people in need doesn’t have to give you praises. The best help you can give is to someone who can never repay you. He once said that the purpose of his life is to be useful, honorable, to make difference. To be compassionate. That’s why he built this foundation. Before we get ourselves drunk tonight, get your phone, log in to your account on Selik Foundation and make a difference. While doing so, I’d like to call a very dear friend of mine. She’s a wonderful person and closes to my heart to entertain us…”
The voice of my brother disappeared. All I could hear was my own heartbeat and pulse thumping in my ears. How did I miss these details?
“Please, help me welcomed, River Rouge.”
“Fuck me.” She walked to the stage in front of the mini-orchestra in a red floor length dress. Her hair was curled, flowing down her shoulders. She looked so gorgeous with that makeup that made her eyes stand out. Her red lips spread wide as she smiled at the crowd.
“Breath,” Everest jarred me out.
“Huh?”
“You’ve been holding your breath for too long.”
“Isn’t she lovely?” It was Krys, joining us, but I couldn’t break my gaze away from River as she acknowledged Selik Foundation.
“That word doesn’t do any justice.” Fuck. Did I just say that?
My sister giggled. “I bet it doesn’t.”
“Everest?”
“Yes, sir?”
“Did you intend not to inform me about this detail?”
“Your brother threatened to fire me.”
I glared down at her. “Am I writing your paycheck or him?”
She grinned sheepishly. “I’m sorry, but I want to meet her in person. And you can’t exactly back out. This is Selik event.” She leaned closer and whispered, “You just have to suck it up.”
River’s gaze briefly met mine before she looked at my right side. I would be lying if I didn’t notice a pain glittered in those eyes. She still cared. She was jealous.
“River, that was beautiful.” Krys pulled her into a hug.
“Thanks. I thought it was your father’s favorite song.”
“It is. Good job, brother,” she complimented Kai.
“Meet your number one fan, Everest,” Kai introduced my assistant to her.
“Oh, do I have now?”
“Pleasure to meet you, Ms. Rouge.”
“Please, I sound older. Call me River.” She shook Everest’s hand briefly and very professional while I received nothing as I stood there like a statue—no hi no hello from her. Just great.
“I have to go to my dad. He’s alone and probably needs my company. Good to see you all. Congratulations on the success.” She smiled, and that was all. She walked away.
“Really?” Krys said through gritted teeth. “Oh, my god. I will knee you on your balls right now.”
Fuck. I blew a shaky breath before I followed River. She was busy entertaining our guests.
“River,” I called out her name. I didn’t miss the sudden rigidity in her posture. I managed to hold her arm and felt the clenching of her muscles against my palm.
“You already have a date.”