“Where are you, putz?”
“Hard at work, which is more than I can say for you, bozo.” Jarryd grinned, pleased to hear Rory’s voice.
They didn’t talk much these days, what with their hectic schedules, usually on opposite sides of the world. “Let me guess. You’ve just wound up shooting some mindless action flick with a vapid blonde who’s waiting naked in your trailer right this very minute.”
“Guess again, bro.” Rory sniggered. “Better yet, turn around.”
Jarryd turned, confusion turning to shock as he saw his brother and no sign of Desiree. “What the hell are you doing here?”
Rory hung up and slipped his cell into his pocket. “I saw you follow some hot chick in here, so when she left, I slipped in.”
“Where’d she go?”
Rory shrugged. “No idea, but she pretty much ran out of here.” His brother sauntered toward him with the lazy, confident step of a man used to getting the world on a platter and then some. “She’s a stunner. Much too good for you.”
Rory enveloped him in a man hug and Jarryd slapped him on the back before shoving him away.
“Desiree’s mine so back off, bozo.”
Rory’s forehead crinkled in thought. “How do I know that name?”
Jarryd blew out a breath. “She’s Sushma’s daughter.”
Rory’s eyes widened. “That Desiree? Shit, man, do you know what you’re doing? What if she’s like her mom?”
“She isn’t,” Jarryd said, sounding so fierce his brother took a step back and held up his hands.
“Whoa, chill. Just don’t want you winding up like the old man.”
Jarryd shot him a scathing glare. “Give me some credit.”
“When you earn it, I will,” Rory flung back, as quick witted as always. “Speaking of Dad, how is he?”
“Same as always. Hiding away in Saravan. Wearing his recluse status like a badge of honor.” Jarryd shook his head. “But he seems happy enough so I try not to interfere.”
“Maybe I should talk to him? It’s been a while.”
Jarryd hated Rory’s confidence that when it came to Voigt, he always knew best.
“Maybe you should. He’s more likely to listen to you.”
Jarryd usually censored any jealousy when talking about their father with Rory, but this time he must’ve let something slip because Rory stiffened.
“What’s up?”
“Nothing.” The lie sounded hollow and he knew Rory wouldn’t let it go. “What do you want me to say? That you’re the golden boy and Dad always favored you? There. I’ve said it. Happy?”
Stricken, Rory reached out then let his arm fall to his side. “That’s not true—”
“Cut the bullshit. We both know it is,” Jarryd said, swiping a hand over his face and wishing he’d never opened his big mouth. “Look, it’s okay. I made peace with the fact a long time ago. But it bugs the hell out of me that you waltz in whenever you feel like it and think you know it all.”
Rory took a step back and propped against the wall. “Dad and I have more in common, that’s all. He’s always been proud of you too—”
“He will be, once I restore this hotel back to its former glory.” Jarryd shook his head at his clueless brother. “You don’t get it, do you? The only reason I’m here in Mumbai is because Dad asked me to. I could be making a fortune on a new housing development in Manila but I delegated because I thought that for once, if I did a good job on the Baron Hotel here, I’d get some sliver of recognition from Dad…”
Jarryd trailed off, wishing he hadn’t let the truth slip, when Rory stared at him, horror-struck.
“Forget I said anything, let’s go get a beer.” Jarryd tried to stalk past Rory but his brother’s arm shot out and clamped onto his bicep.
“Why didn’t you ever say anything before?”
“What good would it have done?” Jarryd shrugged off his brother’s hand. “Come on, I’ll fill you in on the hotel.”
Thankfully, Rory let it slide as he fell into step beside him. “And fill me in on Desiree?”
“Not a hope in hell, bro,” Jarryd said, mostly because he didn’t have a clue what to say.