“You’re serious? She actually turned down Alexander Green?” A loud bark ofughter escaped him. “My God, the woman has absolutely no taste whatsoever!”


    Alexander pouted in anger. Trust Duke to make fun of his predicament.


    “I should keep a record of this historic moment,” Duke continued, wiping tears ofughter from his eyes. “Don’t worry, old friend, my shoulder is avable for crying whenever you need it. Perhaps we should order you some tissues for dessert?”


    Alexander red at him. “Duke.”


    But Duke was too amused to stop on Alexander’s ount. “I wonder what her type is, exactly? Clearly not wealthy, handsome, well- connected…”


    “If you value our friendship, you’ll shut your mouth right now.”


    Duke managed to stifle hisughter. He could tell the rejection had wounded his friend severely. And for that reason, he would stop the teasing… for now.


    And then, the subject of their conversation walked back into the room. Duke instantly turned on his charm.


    “Olivia! Perfect timing. Come sit next to me.” He patted the seat next to


    him.


    “And please, none of this formal nonsense. Call me Duke.” And as she


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    began to protest, he ced a hand on her shoulder and added, “I insist.”


    Olivia paused, studying his face carefully. She was caught off–guard by the sudden change. She wanted to question him, but one look at Alexander had the words dying on her lips. Olivia sighed. She would do as Duke wanted, but only as a favor to Alexander.


    “Thank you… Duke.” However, Olivia found herself gravitating toward the chair beside Alexander instead.


    Alexander, for his part, looked as though he might actually smile for the first time all day as she settled beside him.


    Duke watched Olivia’s actions with amusement. “Ah, I see how it is. She chooses her protector wisely. Olivia, my dear, I do believe I’m going to im you as my honorary sister. You have such wonderful instincts. So affectionate, so loyal. Alexander is lucky to have such a devoted friend.”


    Duke made sure to add emphasis on the word ‘friend‘ much to Alexander’s chagrin whose jaw tightened dangerously.


    By nine o’clock, the food had been cleared, and the conversation began to wind down, but Duke wanted more. It’d been so long since he saw his good friend. He wasn’t ready for him to leave just yet.


    Duke rose to his feet. “Come on, you two. The night is young. My winery is just twenty minutes from here. I’ve got a bottle of ’98 Bordeaux that’s been begging to be opened, and the terrace has the most spectacr view of the valley.”


    Alexander was already reaching for his jacket. “I appreciate the offer, Duke, but we need to get back to New York tonight.”


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    Duke scoffed, and moved around to the table to ce an arm around his friend’s shoulder. “Alexander, my friend, you’re going to work yourself into an early grave. One night won’t kill you.” His eyes lit


    up when a great idea struck him. “In fact, I insist you both stay.”


    His grin widened further as another wicked idea urred to him. “I could even arrange some… romantic surprises. Champagne, rose petals, soft music. Whatever it takes to help my future brother–inw seal the deal.”


    Olivia felt heat rise in her cheek as she watched the two men interact with each other. Duke leaned closer to Alexander, their heads nearly touching as he whispered something that made Alexander’s expression darken further.


    There was something oddly intimate about the gesture. The way Duke‘ s hand lingered on Alexander’s shoulder, how Alexander seemed


    They look like they belong together, Yve growled within her. The amount of anger Olivia felt surprised her.


    “We’re returning to New York tonight, and that’s final,” Alexander said firmly, stepping away from Duke’s touch.


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