“What?” It was Scott’s turn to be shocked. “Liv, you didn’t even tell me.”

“Is this true Liv?” Aiden turned to me with a frown.

“I, uh, no.” I shook my head, my face red. “He’s not talking about me. I don’t even know him. I haven’t even, uh, kissed him, let alone, uh, slept with him.” I stammered, my face bright red as I kept rambling on. “I wouldn’t get engaged to Xander even if he paid me.” I finished and I could see that both of my brothers were staring at me in confusion as Alice made a face at me.

“I guess I didn’t make much of an impression on you then.” Xander’s voice cut the silence and then laughed. “I’m Gabby’s fiancé.” He said simply and smiled. “I assume you two are her brothers?”

“Yes.” Aiden spoke up and stepped forward. “I’m Aiden, the eldest. This is Scott. That’s my sister Liv and her best friend Alice. And our brother Chett hasn’t arrived home yet.” He looked Xander up and down and frowned slightly. “And you’re marrying Gabby?”

“Yes.” Xander nodded. “I think she’s still in bed.”

“Sounds about right.” Scott scoffed. “It isn’t noon yet.”

“Scott.” I rolled my eyes at him and giggled.

“You know Queen Gabby doesn’t arise before she has to.” Scott grinned at me and we giggled. We both felt the same way about Gabby and that was just another reason why he was my favorite brother.

“Are you two still harping on about Gabby?” Aiden sighed and shook his head.

“Why shouldn’t we?” Scott squared his shoulders and confronted Aiden. “You might be the oldest, but you’re not the boss of us all Aiden. We’re not kids anymore.”

“Then stop acting like one.” Aiden looked at Xander. “Sorry about Liv and Scott, they’re both rude and I don’t think that will ever change.”

“That’s okay.” Xander laughed. “I have a younger brother and I know what it’s like dealing with impertinence.”

“Ooh, I have to go and see if Henry is up and well.” I said sweetly, my stomach churning in anger at Aiden and Xander. “I should see if there is anything I can do for him.”

Xander’s eyes narrowed as he gazed at me and his expression changed to one of annoyance.

“Henry is fine.” He said shortly.

“I’m sure he is, but it doesn’t hurt to check and see if he needs a helping hand.” I smiled again and I could see Alice giggling from the corner of my eyes. “I want to make sure all his needs are taken care of.”

“What are you talking about Liv?” Aiden frowned at me.

“Nothing to worry your sweet head about.” I turned and smiled at him. “Excuse me folks, I need to go and perform one of my womanly duties.” I brushed past Xander and I heard his sharp intake of breath as my breasts rubbed against his upper arm. My nipples tingled at the touch, but I made sure not to react. I hurried out of the room and down the corridor with a small smile on my face. That would teach Xander. He wanted to act like he was some hot shot and better than me. Well forget him. I didn’t want him, need him or care about him. He could have Gabby and deal with her crap. I didn’t care if she spent all of his money and then left him when he was broke. It would serve him right. I was fuming by the time I reached the end of the corridor just thinking about Xander. How dare he barge into my room and then say I was impertinent. I could have wiped that smug smile off of his face if I’d told my brothers that I’d fucked him last weekend. I could just image the shock on all of their faces. Aiden would most probably kill me and Scott would laugh. I should have told them everything. That would teach him to mess around with me. How dare he insinuate I was impertinent? And how dare Aiden act like he was some leader of the world. Grr. They both made me so angry. I had no idea why Alice was interested in Aiden. I was going to urge her to change her mind and to focus on someone else. There was no way I wanted my best friend dating my bossy older brother. And there was no way I was ever going to sleep with Xander again, not even if he begged me. Not that I really foresaw that happening. Xander had no interest in sleeping with me again. He just wanted to torture me.

Chapter Five

I stopped outside of Henry’s bedroom and stood there like a fool. I didn’t really have anything to say to him. And I certainly wasn’t going to offer to do anything for or to him as I’d insinuated to Xander. I stood there for a few seconds and was about to turn back around when I saw Xander coming towards the room with a sneer on his face.

“Did Henry throw you out already?”

“Excuse me?” I glared at him.

“You’re standing in the hallway looking embarrassed.” He shrugged as he stood next to me. “I assumed that you got blown off.”

“Men don’t blow me off.” My head tilted up as I avoided looking at his chest.

“True, you’re not really the sort a man would blow off.” He licked his lips. “I think—”

“Can I help you Xander?” I cut him off, not wanting to go down the flirting road with him again.

“You look sexy this morning.” He looked down at my tank top and short shorts.

“Okay and?” I would not let myself get caught up in this man again.

“And it makes me want to kiss you.”

“I don’t want to kiss you.” I sneered at him. “I don’t go back for seconds unless the meal was really really good.” I looked him up and down. “And you, Xander James were just not that good.” I lied, but pride making me try to hurt him.