Page 34 of Redeem Me

‘Oh, they’re definitely fucking,’ Rian says gleefully to Sean, who’s ambling along the path next to him.

‘I’ll fuck up your face if you don’t watch your mouth, little brother.’ Caelon’s eyes glint.

‘Whatever. Ivy, if you’re not fucking Caelon, would you like to go out with me tonight?’ Rian winks at me.

Does the man have a death wish? I mean, it is kind of funny, but Caelon’s clenched fists look primed to swing at any point.

‘You know, I can’t tonight, with the kids and everything,’ I sing sweetly. Caelon’s fists relax a fraction, and the temptation to wind him up trumps all rationale. ‘But tomorrow’s my day off.’

‘Ivy,’ Caelon growls, his feet slowing to a stop. All eyes remain on us. ‘Do I need to put you on my desk again?’

‘Told you! He’s fucking the nanny.’ Rian winks again and dramatically thrusts his hips back and forth. Everyone except Caelon dissolves into laughter. Everyone, including me.

‘Details about what went down on the desk!’ Scarlett squeals. ‘Or who, should I say?’

‘Ivy and I are friends, that’s all.’ Caelon’s haughty tone convinces nobody as he starts walking again.

‘You don’t have any friends apart from us,’ Rian argues.

‘Not true. I have Dermot,’ Caelon reminds him. ‘Who also happens to be Ivy’s brother, so watch your mouth, okay?’

‘The plot thickens!’ Rian says. ‘Does Dermot know you’re fucking his little sister?’

‘Rian!’ James’s voice is low, his tone final.

The trees thin and open into a large, white sandy clearing. Gentle waves lap against the shore, the water so turquoise it’s hard to believe we’re in Ireland.

‘This is so tranquil,’ Scarlett beams, soaking it all in.

Caelon and I exchange a smirk. Technically, I’m Tranquil, but he won’t keep calling me that if I insist on joking about dating his brother. Caelon might not be willing to act on this attraction between us, but he’s made it damn clear he doesn’t want me getting it anywhere else. And while that is ridiculously unfair, there’s something really fucking hot about it. And now I know it galls him enough to send him –ahem–south, I plan on using that fact to my advantage.

‘Who’s up for a game of volleyball?’ Rian eyes his brothers. ‘Unless you decrepit old fuckers can’t keep up with me.’ he puffs his chest out in an unspoken challenge.

Caelon and James exchange a look. ‘Time to teach the little punk a lesson.’

For a bunch of panty-melting billionaires, Caelon’s brothers are hilarious. Not to mention ridiculously down to earth.

Scarlett and I set up blankets and towels in a semi-circle and sit side by side facing the sea, the scent of seaweed and summer wafting on a gentle breeze.

Orla and Owen lunge for their buckets and spades and start digging a hole. I reach for the picnic basket, helping myself to a can of Diet Coke. I offer one to Scarlett, but she shakes her head, watching as her toddler, Harper, runs to Orla to join in the fun.

‘How old is she?’ I peep at the beautiful bundle in Scarlett’s arms.

‘Eight weeks.’ Scarlett runs a finger over the child’s fluffy shock of dark hair. ‘She wasn’t exactly planned.’ Scarlett points to her toddler. ‘Harper was eight weeks when Hallewas conceived, so I’m keeping James at arm’s length this time round.’ She laughs. ‘Well, trying to, at least.’

It’s my turn to laugh. ‘You know what they say. If you can’t be good, be careful.’

‘How long have you been with Caelon?’ she asks.

‘Oh, I’m not with him!’ I blurt out, clutching my chest. ‘We’re not… I’m not…’

Scarlett’s eyes snap to mine. ‘Oh my God, Rian was right, you guysaresleeping together!’ she hisses. ‘This is so exciting! Caelon hasn’t dated since Isabella and, you know, it’s about time.’

I hold my hand up. ‘We’re not. We only…’ Me and my fucking mouth! I only met the woman a few minutes ago and somehow I’ve managed to big a digger hole than the one the kids are carving in the sand.

‘Only what?’ Scarlett wiggles her eyebrows conspicuously. ‘Spill the beans, Ivy. I can already tell we’re going to be great friends.’

I glance at the Beckett brothers, engrossed in their highly competitive game, then back at Scarlett.

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