Page 45 of A Mistake of Identity
Gabriel’s lips curved into a predatory smile. “I’m always happy to oblige such requests, mon coeur.” He drew Ellis closer, claiming his mouth in a gentle kiss that promised more.
The sound of something shattering downstairs broke them apart. Raised voices followed, though the words were too muffled to make out clearly.
Gabriel frowned, heading for the door with Ellis close behind. It wasn’t until they reached the stairs that he recognized his brother’s voice, sharp with anger.
“What the fuck is this? Are you fucking kidding me?”
They walked quickly toward the entertainment room where the shouting originated. Gabriel pushed the door open to find Henri standing rigid with fury, while Lucas positioned himself protectively in front of Jean. The younger man clutched a blanket around himself, but it was painfully obvious he was naked underneath.
There was no mistaking what Henri had walked in on.
“You’re supposed to be in Sweden!” Henri’s voice cracked with betrayal and rage. “Marc said— I can’t believe this. I can’t fucking believe you didn’t tell me, Gabriel!”
“What are you even doing here, Henri?” Gabriel’s voice was sharp with suspicion.
Henri’s laugh was ugly. “Father sent me. He wanted to ensure your little pet had come to his senses and left.” His gaze shifted to Jean, fury building. “He also wanted me to check if Jean was here. Said it was ridiculous, but wanted to humor Olivier.” He gestured at Lucas and Jean with barely contained rage. “Guess the old man’s instincts were right about Saint-Clair’s youngest son.”
“I ran away,” Jean said, chin lifting defiantly despite his trembling. “Please don’t tell them, Henri. Please.”
“Why would you—” Henri’s gaze snapped to Gabriel. “Did you take him? And now you’re letting your staff fuck him?”
“Lucas isn’t staff,” Gabriel’s voice carried dangerous quiet. “And no one took anyone. As he just said, he left of his own accord.”
“Then why—”
“Because they’re cruel!” Jean’s shout echoed off the walls. “All of them. You, of all people, should know that, Henri!”
“Shut up!” Henri’s face contorted. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Don’t I?” Jean’s laugh was bitter. “I’ve seen the way Marc—”
“I said shut up!” Henri advanced a step, but Lucas blocked his path. “It’s not like I had a choice about Marc.”
“What does that mean?” Gabriel asked.
“None of your fucking business.” Henri ran shaking hands through his hair. “Just... just send him back. You have to send him back, Gabriel. You don’t understand—”
“No!” Jean pressed against Lucas’ back. “Please, I can’t go back. You know how Marc is, Henri. You know what Father lets him do.”
The accusation hung in the air like poison. Henri went still, face draining of color as he stared at Jean in horror. The silence stretched, heavy with an unspoken understanding that left Gabriel and Lucas exchanging confused glances.
“He needs to go back,” Henri repeated numbly. “He has to go back.”
Jean’s fingers dug into Lucas’ shirt. “Henri, please...”
Henri’s shoulders slumped. “Fuck.” He dragged a hand down his face. “Fine. I won’t tell them where you are.” The words seemed dragged from him. Then, almost absently: “Though speaking of family secrets, Gabriel—” He gestured vaguely toward where Ellis stood partially hidden behind Gabriel. “Father knows he’s still here.”
Gabriel shifted, blocking Ellis completely from view. Henri’s bitter laugh cut through the room.
“Don’t bother hiding him now. You know how Father gets when he’s crossed. And he’s made it clear your... investment has overstayed his welcome.”
Ellis made a small sound. Gabriel’s hands clenched into fists. “Ellis isn’t going anywhere.”
“Your funeral.” Henri turned and stormed out. The front door slammed moments later.
Gabriel stared after him, chest tight. “I should have paid more attention to him growing up.”
“How?” Lucas asked quietly, running soothing fingers through Jean’s curls. “He’s ten years younger than us. And he always had Marc.”
