‘I’m guessing you don’t like that idea.’ Sebastien grinned.
Gregorio gave his brother an irritated glance. ‘Do not see emotions where they do not exist.’
Sebastien openly chuckled now. ‘If you don’t stop gripping the handle of that mug so tightly you’re going to snap it right off.’
He relaxed that grip. ‘You would be better spending your time thinking of ways to help me locate David Richardson than commenting on things you know nothing about.’
‘I know nothing about Richardson, either.’
Gregorio’s lids narrowed on his brother. ‘This situation needs to be resolved, Sebastien. Quickly.’
‘But then Miss Fairbanks would move back to her own apartment.’
‘Exactly.’
‘Rio—’
‘Why are you really here, Sebastien?’ Gregorio looked at his brother searchingly, noting the lines beside his brother’s mouth and eyes that didn’t gel with his light-hearted banter. ‘What’s wrong?’
Sebastien sighed heavily. ‘Nothing a hot and meaningless fling wouldn’t cure.’
Gregorio winced. ‘Do you have someone specific in mind?’
His brother grimaced. ‘Maybe.’
Definitely, in Gregorio’s opinion. ‘Who is she?’
‘Could we just concentrate on your problems rather than my own?’ Sebastien prompted impatiently.
‘This woman is a problem, then?’
‘Monumentally so,’ his brother conceded. ‘But don’t worry. I’ll handle it when I get back to New York.’
‘Handle it or handle her?’
Sebastien gave a hard grin. ‘Both.’
‘I hope I’m not interrupting?’
Gregorio turned sharply at the sound of Lia’s voice, a scowl darkening his brow as he saw she was only dressed in that over-large thigh-length red T-shirt, with her arm in its sling over the top of it and her hair dishevelled from sleep.
‘I’m Sebastien de la Cruz.’ His brother stood politely. ‘I hope we didn’t wake you?’
‘Lia Fairbanks,’ she returned stiltedly. ‘And, no, you didn’t wake me. I just woke up and felt in need of coffee.’
‘My big brother is in charge of the coffee pot. Rio...?’ he prompted as Gregorio made no move to pour a third cup.
It was the first time Lia had heard anyone address him by the affectionate diminutive; it made him seem less the powerful and arrogant Gregorio de la Cruz and more the older brother. The casual navy blue polo shirt and faded jeans he wore added to that illusion.
She hadn’t been able to help overhearing at least part of Gregorio’s conversation with Sebastien—again. The little she had heard made it clear Gregorio wanted her out of his hotel suite as soon as possible.
Not that it came as a surprise. She already knew Gregorio had only insisted she come here at all because of that sense of responsibility he felt towards her. Nevertheless, hearing him reiterate those feelings to his brother made it all too real.
‘You are not dressed appropriately to receive visitors,’ Gregorio bit out tautly. ‘I suggest you return to your bedroom and put on a robe, at least.’
Lia frowned at the censure she could hear in his tone. And at the continued lack of coffee. ‘I can’t manage on my own.’ She gave a pointed glance at the sling immobilising her arm.
‘Then I will come and assist you.’ Gregorio straightened. ‘If you will excuse us, Sebastien?’