Page 73 of A Love Most Fatal
Venessa’s brows furrow slightly. “Because Willa and Sean are busy with the Cordonis.”
“Fine.” Mary downs the remainder of her drink, some bright orange juice cocktail and leaves the table with Vanessa, the pair of them walking together before branching in different directions in the crowd.
“Vanessa’s a different person in public,” I say to Leo, who’s closely observing Vanessa speaking to a pair of Hispanic men across the ballroom. “I didn’t realize she was so different at home.”
“You should see her in the office,” Leo mutters.
I can picture it, Vanessa in her heels and a sharp suit, striding through the halls of the corporate office, instilling fear and awe in the employees. She’s a force, impossible to look away from. She demands respect just by entering a room.
At the nearest open bar, I spot Cillian leaning next to a woman in conversation, looking casually cooler than I will ever manage in this lifetime.
“Why hasn’t Cillian offered to marry her?” I ask. “They’d make a. . . handsome pair.”
Leo laughs. “He has,” he says. “A few times now.”
“Is he in love with her?”
Leo releases a long breath as he watches Cillian. “I don’t think so. Cillian loves himself, and power. Of course he wants to marry her.”
“Would he take care of her?” I don’t know why I’m asking, only that I can’t stop now that I know he’s asked her to marry him before. “Would he be good to her?”
“I don’t know. I guess. Guy loves women, though.”
Cillian traces his fingers over a piece of the woman’s hair, and I can just hear her giggling from here. He’s cool and suave and already with power of his own. She should probably accept his proposal if he asks again.
For some reason, my stomach turns.
“Are you seeing anyone?” I ask.
Leo’s eyes glance briefly towards the side of the room where Vanessa speaks.
“It’s complicated,” Leo says. “Though I guess love usually is. Unless you’re Willa and Sean.”
“Does this person love you back?” I hedge.
“Maybe,” Leo says, then shrugs. “I wouldn’t say a lack of love is the problem. Maybe more of a lack of opportunity.”
“HowRomeo and Julietof you.”
Leo laughs, then shakes his head like it might be closer to the truth than I know. Leo is much softer than I ever gave him credit for, more forthcoming with his friendship and feelings than others in the family. I admire this about him.
“Well, for what it’s worth, I hope it works out,” I say.
“Thank you,” Leo smiles, but sadly. “Me too.”
26
VANESSA
The night is notover after the auction, or after the four-course meal we were served. Instead, there is desert, dancing, and more talking. Always more talking. By the time either I or one of my siblings has spoken to everyone we needed to, my throat is sore from the ceaseless chatter; my cheeks ache from all of the strategic smiling I’ve done. My spine feels heavy, but I remain as composed and tall as I have since arriving.
Nate and Leo have been buzzing around together, talking to people, eavesdropping on conversations, or visiting the grazing table. By my count, they’ve both eaten half a dozen macarons.
“What are they up to?” I ask Mary as I take the glass of water she brought me. She squints up at the two men chatting over their desserts.
“I don’t know, probably gossiping. They’re obsessed with each other,” Mary says.
“Oh my god,” I start. “Are you jealous of Nate?”