Page 117 of Just One Silver Fox

Sonia looked between them, only hearing part of the conversation. Her eyes were full of stars, her joy so complete that Nate knew he’d have a hard time resisting her if she made a move toward him.

There was a knock at the door to the apartment and Tobias went to answer it. Nate watched Sonia, lost in the sight of her happiness and satisfaction. She took a step toward him and he wondered what she would say.

“And now, dessert!” Katia crowed when footsteps sounded in the hall. “Every good story ends with a cinnamon bun,” she declared as Tobias led a big hunky guy into the main room.

He was probably the best-looking guy Nate had ever seen in his life, which meant Nate had no doubt of his identity.

Nick had arrived.

The original handsome prince.

Sonia was staring at Nick with awe when he took her hand in his.

“I’m so sorry, Thalia,” he said, his voice filled with remorse.

That was Nate’s cue to leave.

* * *

Sonia watched Nate leave Tobias’apartment, his back straight. She stepped around Nick, ignoring his insincere plea, and strode after Nate. The other guy stepped into her path, blocking the way. “It will be safer for you to remain here until Pierce ensures that your apartment is safe,” he said. “It shouldn’t be long.”

“But I want to talk to Nate.”

“Buchanan has a job to do, just like I do.” The guy looked over his sunglasses at her and his gaze was steely. “You hired us, remember?”

She had and she did.

She went back into the big study, where Nick looked uncertain. “So, uh, which one of you was Cleopatra?” he asked, looking between the twins.

“Don’t you know?” Sonia asked, a challenge in her tone.

“No,” he said. “And I still don’t know which is which.” He tried to charm them with a smile that Sonia didn’t find as winning as she once had. “Help a guy out.”

“Roll her in flour and aim for the wet spot,” she said, her voice hard. Nick looked uncomfortable. “I used to be Thalia so that was a very special confession.”

“Really?” He looked hopeful.

“She’s being sarcastic, you big dope,” Katia said with scorn.

Tobias shook his head and turned to Sonia. “I owe you another apology, Thalia, but I didn’t know anything about prom night, not before the Valentine’s Day party.”

“I couldn’t imagine that you did.”

Nick was shifting his weight from one foot to the other, as if unsure what to do. “It was just a joke,” he said and the three turned on him.

“Not a funny one, Nick,” Tobias said. The twins shook their heads. “Maybe it’s time for you to leave,” Tobias added.

Nick, to Sonia’s relief, was smart enough not to make another appeal. He left, looking smaller and a lot less handsome than when he’d arrived.

“Thai?” Tobias suggested.

“You always want Thai when you’re celebrating,” Katia teased and he nodded.

“Guilty as charged. What do you say, Thalia? Will you stay?”

He looked so hopeful that she couldn’t turn him down.

“I just want to make a call,” she said and retreated into the kitchen. The large window continued there and she saw a black SUV pull into traffic far below. She leaned against the glass to watch until it disappeared. Her heart was heavy and she knew she’d never been so disappointed before. She’d had such hopes for a happy ending with Nate.

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