Husband With Benefits-Chapter 55: The Brothers’ Club

The pulsating beat of the music enveloped the VIP floor, casting a vibrant, rhythmic spell over the night. Ian, Seb, Gabe and Lucy, sat at a plush, crescent-shaped booth, their presence commanding attention amidst the kaleidoscope of lights as they each nursed their drinks.

Seb leaned back against the plush upholstery, his dark hair slicked back, a sly grin playing on his lips. His eyes scanned the room, catching the appreciative glances from the ladies in the vicinity.

Ian, also in the mood to wind down, tapped out a rhythm on the table with his fingers, while winking flirtatiously at a woman who’d caught his eye.

Lucien, on the other hand, seemed impervious to the attention that his boyish charm and disheveled blond hair earned from the ladies.

Gabe was the most reserved of the bunch, his finely tailored suit and calm demeanor setting him apart. He took a sip of his scotch, studying the dance floor with a discerning eye. "You guys are drawing quite the crowd tonight," he remarked, his voice carrying a tone of amusement.

Ian rolled his eyes at Gabe as he remarked," It would have been better if the two of you would not have become such party poopers! We are here tonight to enjoy and yet, you are sitting here with a long face about Arabelle ignoring you while Lucy here is mooning over some crush like a schoolgirl!"

Lucien blushed and objected about having a crush, but his face belied his denial. Seb and Ian exchanged amused glances. "Looks like someone’s got it bad," Seb teased causing Lucien to glare at his brother and turn away his head. He needed to quickly divert his brother’s attention or they would tease him for the rest of the night.

Trying to shift the focus away from himself. "Speaking of crushes, what about our elder brother? He’s been awfully secretive about his mystery woman. Have you discovered anything more, Ian?"

Ian grimaced and chucked the rest of his beer. "Not yet. Other than the stunt Demon pulled at the airport, the girl still appears to be a figment of our imagination. And that reminds me, you will all be summoned by grandfather soon. He has discovered the existence of this mystery girlfriend and is intent on finding out her identity. So be prepared to be grilled.

Seb rolled his eyes. First off they knew nothing about the girl. Secondly, their grandfather seemed to have forgotten that they would never rat each other out. So what if Demon was not the same person he used to be? He would always be their big brother, their first role model. And they were all well aware of their grandfather’s intention in trying to identify the woman.

As the night progressed, the men found themselves surrounded by even more intrigued women, drawn to the magnetic charisma of their group. Laughter, music, and conversation flowed seamlessly, making it easy to forget about broken hearts and secret crushes as all four enjoyed their time out.

***

While the four brothers enjoyed their playtime, Demetri and Elijah Frost were engaged ina battle of wills.

"Do you really think that you can marry willy and nilly? I am warning you, Demetri, if you try to bring in some trash through our door, I will handle it accordingly. Until now, Arabelle is the only one worthy to carry the title of the daughter-in-law of the Frost family."

Demetri shrugged and pointed out," I’ve already given my opinion on that. She can marry Gabe."

Elijah thumped his walking stick against the floor and pointed his finger angrily at Demetri," Gabe is not the eldest! He is not the heir to my empire!"

"So?" Demetri sipped the water in front of him, being deliberately obtuse to what his grandfather was trying to imply!

"Demetri! Are you trying to anger me to death? I have already promised Arabelle’s mother that Arabelle would be the CEO’s wife!"

"The solution is simple. I’ll resign tomorrow and Gabe can be the CEO."

Elijah sucked in a sharp breath, his arthritic hands trembling with the force of his hands while the nerves in his forehead bulged," Demetri! The Frost brides have always been chosen based on their status and upbringing! And this tradition will be continued, or else..." As the old man left the threat hanging in the air, a chill permeated the room.

Finally, when Demetri said nothing, Elijah spoke again," Get rid of the woman you have on the side or I will do it for you!"

"The way you did ten years ago?" Demetri cut straight to the point.

Elijah stared at his grandson, trying to read him but the man gave away nothing. Hoping that he was actually threatened, Elijah nodded forcefully," Yes. Exactly like I did all those years ago."

"Then you would be inviting trouble, Grandfather. All those years ago, I was powerless but there is a vast difference between then and now. Your power has declined while mine has peaked. If you insist on harming my person, then I will simply get rid of the person you want to put in my life."

"How dare you? How can you even think of harming an innocent girl? A girl who has grown up admiring you? Have you really turned into a Demon?" Elijah Frost shouted angrily.

Demetri placed the heavy crystal glass in his hand on the table with a loud thump as he fired back," Did you think before you harmed an innocent girl? What was her fault? That she loved your heir apparent? You are my first teacher, Grandfather. And I’d like to think that I have learnt well."

Demetri stood up with that and walked away leaving the older man shocked. However, he paused at the door and turned back to throw one last look at his grandfather as he said," Also, I do not have a mistress. I have a wife."

The clash between Elijah and Demetri Frost had reached its peak and as each insisted on upholding their choice, the future of the entire Frost empire hung in the balance.