Page 48 of Sebastian's Secret
“Monroe.” Draco’s sneer cut through the pointed pause. “Balthazar hates Monroe, always has.”
“That’s beside the point,” Balthazar hissed, but Sebastian, like all of them, knew that it wasn’t. Balthazar had expressed his dislike for Oliver Monroe on more than one occasion, though he’d never really explained its origins.
“I’m only saying, we don’t need to dissolve the asset,” Balthazar pulled in a breath, as if calming himself. “It’s not like any of us needs the money.”
“That’s an assumption.” Sebastian couldn’t help countering. “We might not all have your gigantic bank balance, big brother.”
It was true they were all wealthy men thanks to Michael’s money, but Sebastian had never forgotten the strings attached to the abundance, and unless he married in the next decade, all of that income and opulence would be lost. Tensing at the unpleasant thought, Sebastian’s brows knitted.
“He’s right.” Draco added in a dry tone. “Some of us are endowed in other areas.”
“All of us have plenty.” Balthazar cut them both off with a slice of his hand through the air. “Dad made sure of that.”
“Oh, yes.” Cole blew out a breath, his gaze grazing Sebastian’s. “The mighty Vaughn legacy.”
“Don’t knock it.” Balthazar motioned around the sumptuous mountain lodge they shared. “It affords us this and every other luxury.”
“It affords us much more than that.” Draco shook his head, as if amused. “You remember our father’s terms?”
There it was—their father’s contract—the thorn in the side of each Vaughn that reared its head every time they met to air or resolve an issue.
“We have time to resolve that,” Balthazar muttered through gritted teeth. This was how it always was when the contract was raised. Balthazar would seek to justify it while the others criticized Michael’s intentions. Did their older brother ever tire of leaping to their father’s defense?
“Tick. Tick. Tick.” Draco’s tone was predictably taunting. “The clock stops for no one—not even you, brother.”
“Damn it!”
Sebastian’s heart hammered harder as Balthazar slammed his fist on to the seat by his thigh. “What does this have to do with Monroe?”
“Let’s vote on it.” Draco’s lips twitched as he glanced around his brothers. He knew precisely what effect he was having on Balthazar, and if Sebastian didn’t know better, Draco relished every moment of it. If their brotherly chats were to be believed, then all four Vaughn brothers shared a penchant for sexual sadism, but as with all things, Draco took cruelty to new levels. “Majority rules and if it’s two each then we meet him anyway and hear what he has to say. I’ll come with you and hold your hand if you like, Balthazar?”
“No.” Balthazar’s hiss was unwavering, but Sebastian noticed an unknown emotion glinting in his dark eyes, something he hadn’t seen before. Shivering at his brother’s gaze, he pulled in a steadying breath. He had to remain calm, had to play the long game and work out how to protect his and Rebecca’s interests without triggering Balthazar’s misgivings. “If it’s what the majority wants, then I’ll go alone and report back.”
“I think we should meet him.” Sebastian forced a smile, hoping it would be enough to reassure Balthazar. “Hear what he was to offer.”
“Vote one for Monroe!” Draco yelled with glee, throwing his palm into the air. “I vote the same, so that’s two.”
“Cole?” Sebastian’s pulse pounded as every pair of eyes fell to their youngest brother. “It’s all on you.”
“I don’t have a view, either way.” Turning to the glass front of the lodge, Cole’s attention drilled into Fireside mountain. “I agree Monroe is trouble, but think it’s better to keep your enemies close.”
“So, that’s a yes to meeting Monroe?” Draco was practically woozy with excitement.
“Sure.” Cole shrugged and Sebastian sensed how his apathy irked Balthazar.
“Fine,” their elder brother mumbled. “I’ll go. But make sure that the next time I call you all to Fireside, you’re ready to act.”
“Let’s save the trauma,” Cole proposed. “And just meet back here after your encounter with Monroe?”
“Perfect.” Balthazar sighed, his turmoil at the prospect of having to meet Monroe ruminating in his brown eyes. Sebastian had never had the pleasure of encountering Oliver Monroe personally but based on what he had seen of the man, he understood Balthazar’s agitation. “I’ll message our group chat. See you all then.”
Waiting until Cole and Draco had wandered away from the convention, Sebastian edged closer to Balthazar.
“Balthazar.” Sebastian’s tone lowered. “Why don’t I meet you after your appointment with Monroe? We can talk it over first.”
The truth was that Sebastian wanted to get Balthazar alone, longed to talk through not only his brother’s concerns about Monroe, but maybe, if the time seemed right, to tell him about Rebecca. He’d contemplated telling Cole earlier, but perhaps Balthazar was the better choice. If Balthazar was on board, then likely their other brothers would fall into line, and despite Sebastian’s desire for freedom, a primal part of him yearned for his brother’s approval. They’d been such a close-knit unit since their father had passed, the thought of upsetting the order was disconcerting.
Balthazar’s gaze flickered with surprise. “Sure, Sebastian. I’d like that.”