Geraldine gasped. “How can she be your guest? I thought you hadn’t signed the papers yet. You’re still a married man.”
“Watch it, sis.” The smile on his face cooled several degrees. “I’m not discussing my personal life with you.”
“But you could be more sensitive.”
“Could be, but why? I’m sure Ceinlys brought one of her man-toys. She seems to have one for every occasion.”
“Salazar!”
Just then Sophia turned and her gaze locked with Dane’s. It pulled at him like the current in a rushing river. A sizzle went down his spine. He hated himself for feeling it.
“Who’s upsetting my favorite aunt?” he said, ensuring that his voice was casual but cold.
“Them.” Geraldine gestured at Sophia and Salazar. “Did you know?”
“Yes. I would’ve told you, but I didn’t think you were coming.”
“I wasn’t sure I would, but why not? Istanbul’s really just a few connections from here—and I wanted to see everyone.”
“Good.” Dane put a hand on the small of Geraldine’s back. “So don’t let them ruin your time here.”
“Fine, you’re right. Let’s eat. I’m starving,” Geraldine said. “I hear the cook’s outdone himself.”
The cook always made a game effort, although Dane didn’t know why. The man had seen how things unfolded at enough family gatherings. Nobody was going to eat. And even if they did, they wouldn’t taste anything.
On the way to the dining room, he spotted his cousins Blake and Elizabeth. Blake mouthed, Where’s the liquor? while Elizabeth pasted on a determined smile.
Even the start of the dinner was inauspicious. Salazar seated Sophia next to him. They were wearing matching cream-colored outfits. Ceinlys, on the other hand, had chosen a gray dress that was almost black and sat at the opposite end of the long table with Vanessa and Justin, who had also put on dark formal wear. If Dane hadn’t known better, he would’ve thought they’d called ahead to color coordinate for maximum effect.
Justin’s great-uncle Barron Sterling had showed up—and invited himself to the dinner, knowing full well nobody would deny him. The staff had already placed tea and a plate of freshly baked sugar cookies—his favorite—at his seat. Apparently oblivious to the tension, he beamed at the very pregnant Vanessa, while munching on the cookies.
At least somebody was happy. Perhaps everyone should start with dessert. See if that helped, since alcohol wasn’t likely to.
The rest of the family spread out, and Dane ended up next to Sophia and across from Shane, who looked like he could use something stronger than wine. Shane’s fiancée Ginger Maxwell had started drinking already. Smart woman.
Mark’s best friend and best man Gavin Lloyd had an expression that reminded Dane of a wild tiger tossed into a cage. His dark hair was neat now, but it wouldn’t be long before he’d start running his hands through it.
Dane had scotch and pretended not to see or hear Salazar and Sophia, which was damn impossible because his father wouldn’t keep his mouth shut. Geraldine looked daggers at Sophia, which bothered the shit out of Dane, but he ignored that too. Sophia wasn’t his problem—she was Salazar’s date.
Dane signaled for more scotch. It was too bad he couldn’t get drunk easily. He would’ve loved nothing more than to be so shit-faced that he didn’t even remember being there.
“So which room is she”—Geraldine pointed at Sophia—“using? All my children are here for the wedding too, you know.”
Blake tuned his mother out—Dane could tell from the way his eyes focused on a spot beyond her.
“All your children? I don’t see Ryder,” Salazar said.
“He’ll be here. Sent his suitcases ahead.” Geraldine made a face. “It’s that worthless assistant of his messing up his calendar, undoubtedly. I told him he needs to get somebody more suitable. She’s too large to be any good for his image.”
Dane gritted his teeth and ignored his aunt’s unfair and offensive assessment of the assistant. Ryder was probably distracted by some easy lay he’d spotted on his way to the grove. Who could blame him? If he was careful, nobody would find out. But that was like wishing turtles could fly. It would be all over the Internet in the next twenty-four hours, if not sooner. Ryder’s exploits were legendary. Dane had heard there was an online support group for women he’d “humped and dumped.”
Geraldine continued, “Anyway, everyone’s going to be here soon. They’re going to need their own suites.”