Page 44 of Our Radiant Embers

“Actually, I wouldn’t.” That was more honest than I’d intended, but I meant it. For one, the Morgans’ ideas elevated the concept. And it was nice not to be the sole face of this undertaking.

“Really?” Liam sounded flatly surprised, and I stifled a laugh.

“Yeah, really. Just don’t tell my father.”

“I have no intention of getting anywhere near your father—no offence.”

“None taken.” My gaze lingered on Liam’s biceps until I realised what I was doing and dragged it away. I met his eyes. “Listen, can we make a rule that what’s shared between us stays between us? No family or friends?” I paused. “Or lovers, I guess.”

Was I fishing? Possibly.

“Like I’d have time for a…Honestly, Adam, who even says ‘lover’ anymore?” Liam shook his head, a wry quirk to his mouth. “Anyway, you’d have to pay me, and well, to hit a club right now. I’d rather be sleeping.”

It was irrelevant to me. I was focused on the project, not who Liam spent his nights with—or at least I should have been.

“Is that what it’s like to turn thirty?” I asked, all friendly curiosity.

“Yep. Just wait until you’re my age.” He threw me a smile, then turned serious. “And yes, agreed. That seems like a useful rule.”

“Good.” I glanced down at my hands. “So, for your information…The original idea for the Green Horizon Initiative—seems my dad proposed it to Alaric, who took it forward with the government.”

“Huh.” Liam’s lips formed a thin line. “Your dad told you that?”

“Cassandra did.”

“What do you make of it?”

I wish I knew.

“Most likely that he saw a business opportunity and took it, with a side of wanting to put his mark on the city. And also that he’s even more invested than I thought. My aunt too, I suppose—it’s the kind of thing they would have planned together.”

“Without you?” Liam didn’t sound as though he doubted me, more like he was trying to understand the workings of my family. Good luck with that.

“I serve mainly decorative purposes.”

“And you’re fine with that?”

“No.” I let my attention drift to the trees in the green space below us. “But I won’t be a proper adult in their eyes until I’m ready to have a child, ideally two. Carry forward the family legacy and all.”

“That sucks,” Liam said quietly.

“Yeah, well.” I slid him a weak smile. “It is what it is. Seems like you could actually use my help, so at least I’m not wholly useless.”

“You’re not useless at all.” Frowning, Liam set his cup down with a small clink of porcelain. “Jesus, that’s…No. You’re incredibly powerful, Adam. You’re also smart. They’re idiots for not taking advantage of that.”

It echoed what Cassandra had told me before, and not just once. But she was my best friend and therefore biased, whereas I was still not sure Liam even liked me. Coming from him, the words carried weight.

I gave a soft cough. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. And I’m not just trying to butter you up, for the record.”

“I know.” My smile came more easily this time. “You’re far too honest for that.”

He sent me a sharp look. “I’ll choose to take it as a compliment.”

“It was.”

“Oh.” An exhalation more than a word.

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