THE BROTHER I SHOULDN'T LOVE

CHAPTER ONE The Man I Couldn't Stand Joan hated Adrian Cole. She had hated him for three years, four months and if anyone dared ask, every irritating second in between. Unfortunately, she was about to marry him. She stared at her reflection in the bedroom mirror, adjusting the pearl earring dangling from her left ear. “Absolutely ridiculous,” Joan muttered. Behind her, Nia leaned against the dressing table with her arms folded. “You've said that at least fifteen times.” “Because it remains true.” Nia raised an eyebrow. “You're complaining about marrying Adrian Cole while wearing the engagement ring he gave you.” Joan glanced at the diamond on her finger. “I can dislike a man and appreciate expensive jewellery.” “That is the most Joan thing you've ever said.” Joan smiled despite herself. Her smile disappeared when her phone vibrated on the dressing table. Adrian: I'm downstairs. She stared at the message. Nia peered over her shoulder. “Is that your future husband?” “My future headache.” “Go downstairs before he comes up here.” “He wouldn't dare.” A knock sounded on the bedroom door. Joan and Nia exchanged looks. The door opened before either of them could answer. Adrian stood in the doorway. Joan's irritation returned instantly. He was dressed in a dark suit, his tie slightly loosened and his expression irritatingly calm. His eyes settled on Joan. “You're late.” Joan folded her arms. “And you're in my room.” “I knocked.” “You didn't wait.” “I assumed you wouldn't mind.” “You assumed wrong.” Nia quietly picked up her handbag. “I suddenly have somewhere else to be.” Joan shot her a betrayed look. “Nia.” “Good luck.” She slipped past Adrian before Joan could stop her. The door closed. Silence settled between them. Adrian looked at Joan again. “You look beautiful.” Joan blinked. She had expected an argument. Instead, she looked away. “Don't try to charm me.” “I wasn't trying.” “That makes it worse.” A faint smile tugged at his lips. “Are you ready?” “For the dinner?” “For everything.” Joan turned towards him. “What is that supposed to mean?” Adrian stepped closer. “Our wedding is four weeks away, Joan.” “I know.” “Then why do you look as though you're preparing for a funeral?” “Maybe I'm mourning my freedom.” Adrian laughed softly. Joan hated that laugh. She hated how easily it made her forget that she was supposed to be angry with him. “Come on,” he said. “Everyone's waiting.” He held out his hand. Joan stared at it. “I can walk without assistance.” “I know.” “Then why are you holding your hand out?” “Because I want you to take it.” Her heart betrayed her with a single, ridiculous flutter. She placed her hand in his. “Don't get used to it.” “Too late.” The dining room was crowded when they arrived. Both families were already seated, talking over one another while candles flickered along the centre of the table. Joan took the seat beside Adrian. For once, she was grateful for the noise. It kept her from thinking too much. Her mother smiled across the table. “You two look lovely together.” Joan nearly choked on her water. Adrian calmly reached for his glass. “Thank you.” Joan gave him a sideways glance. “Don't encourage them.” Adrian leaned closer. “Why not? They're telling the truth.” “You're unbearable.” “And yet you're marrying me.” “Unfortunately.” Their quiet exchange was interrupted when the dining room doors opened. A man walked in. Joan looked up. And stopped. She knew him. Not well. But enough. Ethan Cole. Adrian's younger brother. Unlike Adrian, Ethan rarely seemed interested in proving himself. He carried himself with an effortless confidence that made people notice him without him asking them to. He smiled apologetically. “Sorry I'm late. Traffic was terrible.” Richard Cole shook his head. “You always have an excuse.” “And you always forgive me,” Ethan replied. A few people laughed. Then Ethan's eyes found Joan. His smile softened. “Congratulations, Joan.” “Thank you,” she replied. “You look beautiful.” Joan felt strangely uncomfortable. “That's kind of you.” Adrian's hand suddenly settled on the back of her chair. “Sit down, Ethan.” Ethan glanced at his brother. “I was planning to.” “Good.” Joan looked between them. There was something strange in the way Adrian was watching him. Jealousy? Surely not. Dinner continued, but Joan found herself increasingly distracted. Ethan was sitting opposite her. Every now and then, their eyes met. Each time, one of them looked away. Eventually, Adrian leaned towards her. “You're staring.” Joan frowned. “I am not.” “You've looked at him six times.” Her eyes widened. “You've been counting?” Adrian's expression remained perfectly serious. “I notice things.” “That's creepy.” “What's creepy is you pretending you haven't been looking at him.” Joan lowered her voice. “Are you jealous?” Adrian's jaw tightened. “Of my own brother?” “You tell me.” He stared at her for a moment. Then he leaned closer. “You're my fiancée, Joan.” “And?” “And I don't particularly enjoy watching the woman I'm going to marry look at another man that way.” Joan's breath caught. Before she could respond, Ethan stood. “Joan, could I speak with you for a moment?” Adrian's expression immediately hardened. Joan looked at Ethan. “Of course.” She stood and followed him towards the balcony. The moment the doors closed behind them, the noise from the dining room faded. Ethan turned towards her. “There is something I've been meaning to ask you.” Joan frowned. “What is it?” He hesitated. “Are you really happy with Adrian?” Joan stared at him. “Why would you ask me that?” “Because every time you look at him, you look as though you're trying to convince yourself.” Her heart began pounding. “Ethan, you don't know anything about my relationship.” “Maybe I don't.” He paused. “But I know what I've seen.” Joan opened her mouth to respond. Then Ethan said something that made her blood run cold. Ethan's smile faded. “There's something you should know about Adrian.” Joan's expression tightened. “What?” He glanced through the glass doors at his brother. “He hasn't told you why he agreed to marry you, has he?” Joan's heart skipped. “What are you talking about?” Ethan opened his mouth. Then the balcony door swung open. Adrian stood there. His gaze moved between them before settling on Joan. “We need to talk.” And from the look on his face, Joan knew it wasn't about the wedding