Page 101 of The Billionaire's Baby
"I think," I bite down on the inside of my cheek, "I think you’re better looking." I nod at Declan.
"Aha!" Declan crows.
Every muscle in Arpad’s body stiffens. He glares down at me.
"But," I glance up at him and his gaze intensifies, "but my husband has more presence and more charisma. He’d beat you outright when it comes to personality and magnetism."
Arpad’s eyes gleam. The skin around his eyes tightens, then he reaches up to touch my cheek. "Thank you," he whispers.
"You’re welcome," I half smile back.
"Aww…come on, Karina," Declan protests, "that’s not fair."
"Life’s not fair." I turn to face him. "Not that you have anything to complain about, Mr. Flavor-of-the-month-hot-shot-film star."
"Flavor of the month?" He chokes. "You sure do know how to come to the point, don’t you?"
"It’s the trait I like most about her." Arpad wraps his arm about my chair and pulls me closer.
Heat flushes my cheeks. I stay frozen, trying not to lean back further. If I do, I am sure to brush against his arm, and that’s only going to turn me on. Something I definitely don’t want happening here in front of his family.
"Do you now?" Declan stares at Arpad. "It’s certainly a change from your other girlfriends."
I gape. Did he actually say that?
Arpad’s muscles tense and he leans forward in his seat. "That was unnecessary and disrespectful. Apologize to Karina," he growls.
"Declan Beauchamp," Grandmama snaps, "I raised you better than to insult a lady."
The brothers stare at each other, then Declan blows out a breath, "I’m sorry." He clears his throat and turns to me, "I didn’t mean to come across as so rude." He drums his fingers on the table. "I am afraid your husband rubs me the wrong way."
Arpad scoffs, "At least, find a better excuse."
"Yeah, no." Declan chuckles. "You know we bring out the worst in each other, brother."
"And the best too," Grandmama interrupts from the head of the table. "When you are family, you are bound to fight and then have each other’s backs when the going gets tough. Remember that, boys. When things get hairy, it’s your family—made or blood—that will be there for you."
"Like the Seven?" I pipe up.
Grandmama’s eyes gleam. "The Seven." She takes a sip of water "A kinship that can only grow more solid with age." She turns to Arpad. "They’ll also be there for you, when you most need them," she says. "Along with Declan, of course."
"Like I have a choice," Declan quips.
"You always have a choice," Grandmama raises a small bell next to her and rings it, "but your bark is worse than your bite." She turns to Arpad. "When you need him most, he’ll be there to help. That's what family does."
The door to the dining room opens and two members of the staff walk in. They’re dressed in uniform—of course they are, how had I forgotten just how rich Arpad’s family is?—and place plates in front of Philippe and Grandmama. Once we are all served, I dip my spoon into the soup, a bacon and mint combination I’ve never had before. "This is delicious." I scoop up some more.
"You should tell our chef that; she’d be very happy. She’s the one who taught Arpad to cook," Grandmama replies.
I shoot a sideways glance at Arpad, trying to imagine him learning anything from anyone. I mean, of course, he’d gone to school and had teachers, but somehow, it’s easier to think of him as having arrived fully formed and growling at everyone he sets eyes on. I snicker to myself, then turn it into a cough.
Arpad meets my gaze, and frowns. He pours a small amount of wine into a glass for me, then fills his own.
Grandmama raises her glass, "To Arpad and Karina."
Philippe raises his without comment.
"To the woman who turned my brother into an adoring lovesick Romeo," Declan jokes.
