Chapter 139
Briony didn’t answer his question. Instead, she countered, “Do you know Mr. Wentworth, Mr. Ferguson?”
Garry paused, clearly a little surprised by her response.
He took a slow drag from his cigarette, the corners of his mouth lifting in a rakish, easy smile. “Attorney Wentworth and I go way back.”
Briony let out a noncommittal, “Oh.” Then she asked, “Has Attorney Wentworth ever mentioned me to you?”
Garry hesitated again, his brows drawing together. “Ms. Kensington, you still haven’t answered my question.”
Briony met his gaze, a faint smirk playing on her lips. “Are you wondering if I’m being a bit forward, Mr. Ferguson?”
“What?” Garry frowned, this time looking at her with genuine confusion.
“I do think I’m being forward,” Briony said, her smile fading as she studied him. “After all, we hardly know each other.”
With that, she broke eye contact, stepped past him, and walked straight toward the private lounge.
Garry watched her retreating figure, a spark of intrigue lighting in his eyes.
A moment later, he called out, “She’s gone. You don’t have to keep hiding.”
From around the corner, Stewart emerged.
Garry turned to look at him, grinning. “Ms. Kensington is fascinating, isn’t she? Graceful, delicate–she has the look of a classic English rose. She seems gentle and innocent, but trust me, there’s steel beneath that surface.”
Stewart’s eyes narrowed, sharp as blades as he stared Garry down.
“I’m warning you: stay away from her.”
“Stay away?” Garry repeated, raising an eyebrow. “She’s a remarkable woman and I’m a single man–what’s wrong with pursuing her openly? Since when does that make me a villain in your book?”
“Garry,” Stewart said through clenched teeth, his eyes dark and cold, “She’s not like the other women in your circle.”
“Oh? And how would you know that?” Garry shot back, his tone teasing and deliberately provoking. “Are you two close?”
Stewart’s lips pressed into a thin line, his brow furrowed so deeply it looked like he could snap a
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Chapter 139
pencil with it.
Garry took in Stewart’s expression, clearly enjoying himself.
“Stewart, you haven’t changed a bit, have you? Not after all these years.”
“I’m not here for a reunion, Garry. Just remember what I said.”
“And if I don’t?” Garry’s eyes glittered with challenge. “You know, Stewart, if you hadn’t tried to take her from me back then, you wouldn’t be stuck in this mess now.”
“You dare bring up Rosita and her boy?” Stewart’s voice was low and dangerous.
“Why wouldn’t I?” Garry replied, his smile fading, eyes turning cold. “If you hadn’t barged in, Rosita would be with me now. That kid would be calling me dad.”
“As if you deserve that,” Stewart sneered. “You’re just as arrogant as ever.”
“Fine, you win this round–no arguing with a lawyer’s tongue.” Garry took another puff from his cigar, blowing smoke rings as he spoke. “But I’ll be honest with you, Stewart. I came back for
one reason.”
His sharp, handsome features were shrouded in the swirling smoke. He smiled, eyes glinting with determination. “I want her. It’s down to you and me–only one of us gets to choose. So, who’s it going to be? You or me?”
Stewart lunged, grabbing Garry by the collar.
Garry stayed perfectly still, knowing Stewart wouldn’t risk making a scene here. He spread his hands in mock surrender, but his eyes were cold and venomous.
“Honestly, Stewart, I’d very much like to choose Ms. Kensington.”
He grinned. “She seems level–headed–rare enough these days, with how crazy the world’s gotten. Who wouldn’t want to be with someone so steady? And, let’s be honest, she’s exactly my type.”
Stewart’s knuckles whitened as he gripped Garry’s collar, his eyes stormy and dangerous. Anyone else would have backed off in fear.
But Garry didn’t flinch. In fact, the angrier Stewart got, the more satisfied Garry seemed.
“Face it, Stewart. You’ve fallen for her.”
Stewart froze.
“But you promised to take care of Rosita–and her son–for the rest of their lives.”
