Mind Code (Coded Connections Duet #2)

Chapter 8

CHAPTER EIGHT

Amelia

The air is filled with the mingling scents of champagne and horse shit—a unique combination that’s quintessentially Ascot on a Race Saturday.

I stand at the racecourse, feeling utterly ridiculous in an oversized hat that makes me look like a fucking peacock. The sun beats down mercilessly, and sweat trickles down my back under the stifling dress my mother insisted I wear.

God, I hate everything about this.

It’s like being trapped in some posh version of hell, where everyone is pretending to have a jolly good time while secretly wishing they were anywhere else. But that might just be me.

Abigail is beside me, looking just as uncomfortable, but probably for different reasons. August is off with their daughters, pointing at horses and trying to act like everything’s normal.

But it’s not.

I can see the strain in his eyes, the tightness in his shoulders. He’s putting on a brave face, but it’s clear he’s barely holding it together .

“You know he loves you and the girls so much,” I say, watching my brother. “He’s sacrificing himself for you.”

The words feel hollow even as I say them, but I have to try. I can’t bear to see their family falling apart like this.

Abigail’s laugh is bitter. “He’s sacrificing us. And he thinks he does it out of love, but he’s wrong.”

I want to defend August, but deep down, I know she has a point.

“What if he refused to take over the firm?” I ask, trying to gauge how bad it already is. “Would you still want that divorce?”

“Him leaving your father’s grasp is all I want,” she says, her voice cracking. The pain in her eyes is so clear it hurts to see. “It’s why I left and took the girls. Why I agreed to go back to live in the house if he leaves. Why I told him it would be over if he takes the path his father wants. I do this because I love him . I can’t stand by and watch while he destroys himself. Maybe making him choose will ultimately be the thing that saves him.”

Or it will be the final cut.

It’s like being caught between a rock and a hard place with no good options in sight. “It’s not that simple, Abigail. He’d lose everything. You and the girls would lose everything. Father would make your life hell.” I shudder, thinking of the lengths our father would go to if August defied him.

“I’m from a good family, too, remember?” she retorts, her chin lifting defiantly. “I have money. We don’t need him.”

Abigail always had that fire in her eyes that I admire and fear. She’s such a strong woman, but that also means that she won’t back down easily.

“You know he doesn’t want this either, right?” I ask, and we both watch him grab one of the girls by the hips to hold her up so she can look over the fence.

“No, because he always says he has to. He never talks about what he wants.”

“Maybe you should ask,” I say softly when August turns with the girls, coming back over to us. “Talk to him,” I mutter, and to my surprise, she nods.

They walk away, and I watch August reach for Abigail’s hand. She lets him hold it for a moment before pulling away. The devastation on his face before he plasters on a fake smile for the girls breaks my heart.

I have to do something. This isn’t fair. The weight of it all feels crushing, and for a moment, I consider just turning around and running away from it all. But I know I can’t abandon August, no matter how much I might want to.

Suddenly, a voice in my ear makes me jump. “I heard Macklemore is going to be the fastest today.” I turn to find Daniel standing there, grinning. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.” He chuckles, pulling me close. “You like race days, darling?”

No, I fucking hate them.

The words are on the tip of my tongue, but I bite them back, swallowing the bitterness while I take a step away from him. “I don’t like how they treat the horses.”

Daniel’s eyebrows rise, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. “Ah, you’re one of them ,” he says, his tone dripping with condescension. “Well, that’s fine. At least we’ll always have a theme for our charity balls. There are enough animals that need help, right? Maybe we could set up a foundation for retired racehorses?”

Wow, you wanker.

“What do you want, Daniel?” I ask, cutting straight to the point, my words sharper than I intended.

He leans in closer, his breath warm against my ear. “I want us to be friends,” he murmurs. “But mostly, I want to get back to my life, and my mother will only let me do that when we make this engagement official.”

I turn away from him, my eyes searching the crowd for a familiar face. I spot August holding up one of my nieces again, pointing to one of the horses while she giggles. Abigail stands nearby, watching them with a look of such pure love it makes my heart ache.

It’s a love she suppresses for the good of her husband, and I wonder if I’m capable of such sacrifice. If I have it in me to put aside my own feelings and dreams.

For him.

An idea forms in my mind, desperate and half-formed, like a lifeline thrown in choppy waters. I turn back to Daniel, my heart racing so fast I can feel it pounding against my ribcage. “If I agreed, if I’d be your wife …” I pause, the word feeling foreign on my tongue. “Would you take over my father’s firm?”

His eyes widen in surprise, clearly caught off guard by my proposition, appearing puzzled. “I thought August would take it.”

I shake my head, desperation and determination surging within me. “He wants to do something else, but he can only do it if somebody steps in, somebody my father trusts and thinks of as family.”

Which Daniel would be if we married.

Daniel’s expression shifts, a gleam of ambition lighting up his eyes. “That’s the most prestigious law firm in the whole country.” He huffs a laugh. “Of course I would if I got the chance.”

This could work.

“Okay,” I say softly, the word barely audible even to my own ears. Then, gathering every ounce of resolve I can muster, I repeat with more conviction, “Okay. ”

Daniel’s face breaks into a wide grin. “Is that a yes?” he asks, reaching out to cup my cheek, his touch so foreign.

First, I have to look into whether we could set up a different life for them with Abigail’s money. Maybe somewhere far away, so my father’s impact doesn’t faze them there, like it only did a little when I was in Seattle.

But at least it would be an option.

A last resort.

A way I could save him.

A maybe .

“I—”

“Amelia!”

Someone calls my name, and Daniel’s hand leaves my cheek as we both turn to see the guys arriving. I didn’t think they would come, considering Ascot is an hour from London and known for its strict dress code, but here they are, looking the part in their suits.

So damn handsome.

Daniel looks at me and then back at the guys. “Did you shag one of them?”

Who does he think he is?

Feeling bold, I reply, “No, I shagged all of them .”

Even if I haven’t had Oliver yet.

Yet?

Daniel laughs. “Wow, Stanley, I didn’t think you had it in you.” Then he turns more earnest. “I know I said you can keep your side chicks, but this is not going to work with them.”

I know it won’t, but I ask anyway, “Why?”

Daniel nods toward them. “You need someone you can shag in private. They’re not private. They’re radiating that they want you, that you belong to them. That’s not gonna slide if you’re my wife.”

I nod .

Right.

Misha grins as they come to a stand in front of us. “Look at us, aren’t we looking hella good?”

Daniel whispers to me, “In for a penny, in for a pound,” then says louder, “Gentlemen,” before leaving.

I watch him walk away, a mix of emotions churning inside me.

I fucked up, didn’t I?

Misha raises an eyebrow. “What was that all about?”

I shrug, trying to shake off the tension. “Just… Daniel being Daniel.”

Grey’s eyes narrow, and I can practically see the gears turning in his head. His jaw tightens almost imperceptibly. “What did he say to you?”

My fingers fidget with my dress as I avoid Grey’s piercing gaze. “Nothing important,” I lie, hating how easily the fib slips off my tongue. “Just some rubbish about the races.”

“Well, forget about him. We’re here to have a good time, right?” Misha offers me his arm with a flourish, his eyebrows waggling comically. “Shall we, milady? Your carriage awaits… well, not really, but I’m happy to carry you if you’d like.”

I laugh, grateful for the distraction, and loop my arm through Misha’s, feeling the warmth of his skin through his suit jacket. I catch Grey watching us, his expression unreadable. There’s something in his eyes that makes my breath catch, but I quickly look away. Oliver falls into step beside us as we walk over to my family in the stands.

“You do clean up well,” I manage to say, my voice a touch breathier than I’d like. “I didn’t think you’d come today.”

Misha’s grin widens, if that’s even possible. His dark eyes sparkle with mischief, and my knees go a bit weak. “ And miss seeing you in all your Ascot glory? Not a chance, Bug.” He reaches out to tap my ridiculous hat. “You look cute. But didn’t they have that hat a little bigger? It’s so small.”

“Shut up, I know I look like an idiot,” I murmur, feeling a blush creep up my cheek.

“You could never look anything other than perfect,” Oliver says, and my heart does a flip.

The traitor. We’re still not okay with what they did, dammit.

But for a moment, I allow myself to revel in their presence, pushing aside the complications and just enjoying having them here because it won’t last much longer.

Daniel’s words echo in the back of my mind, reminding me of the choices looming before me. Of what I will do to make sure my brother won’t lose everything.

Even if I lose what I thought I’d already lost.

We make our way through the crowd, navigating the sea of fascinators and top hats, and I can’t shake the feeling that things are about to get a whole lot more complicated.

“Where did you get those suits from?”

Can’t tell me they just had them in their suitcase.

“We befriended James, and he was kind enough to tell us where you were all headed today. He even pointed us in the direction of some proper attire for the event.” Misha smiles, clearly pleased with their little conspiracy.

“James took us into the city,” Oliver chimes in, adjusting his glasses in that endearing way of his. “We did a bit of shopping for everything we might need over the next few… weeks ? That’s why we’re a tad late, actually.”

I stop in my tracks, pulling Misha to a hold, too, and my eyes go wide.

They’re not leaving?

“What about work? And Jamie? ”

Grey steps close, and in a low voice that sends a slight shiver down my spine, he says, “If you’re not coming back home with us yet, we’re staying. And if we’re staying, we can at least try to fit in a little to make things easier for you.”

If you’re not coming home with us yet.

“James told you all this?” I ask, still processing the information.

Oliver nods, a gentle smile on his face. “James is a very nice guy.”

I know that, of course.

I’ve known James since I was little, like a lot of the staff. But nobody besides me, not even August, has ever made an effort to befriend them.

“ They’re employees, Amelia Charlotte.”

Once again, I’m reminded that the guys are my kind of people. They see beyond status and treat everyone with respect.

“You should be glad we’re not in the Royal Enclosure this time, or you would have needed a top hat, too,” I mutter to bring my mind back on topic as we start to walk again.

“Misha was sad that he didn’t need to buy one.” Grey smirks, and it does things to me.

Goddammit.

The grandstands are packed with well-dressed spectators, the air buzzing with excitement. There’s a seat free next to my father, and he waves Grey over to him.

Reluctantly, I sit in the row behind them, beside Daniel, who is seated next to August, while Misha and Oliver flank my other side.

The race starts, and the thunder of hooves pounding the turf fills the air. My father stands, screaming for his horse, his laughter ringing out as he cheers. I watch him with a mixture of disgust and detachment, wondering how he finds joy in this .

Lost in my thoughts, I barely notice Misha’s little finger hooking into mine, which rests at my side. My dress is so voluminous that nobody will notice, our hands are hidden beneath the tulle. He squeezes my pinky with his, a small comfort in this overwhelming setting.

“Does Professor Donovan enjoy horse racing?” my father asks Grey, his voice booming over the crowd.

“No, sir,” Grey replies politely.

“Grandpa’s not into animal abuse,” Oliver murmurs, but only Misha and I hear it, and I can’t help but smile to myself at Oliver’s cheekiness.

“Does he play golf?” my father asks, not missing a beat.

“No, sir,” Grey answers again, shifting slightly. A gentle hand touches my ankle. He’s reached between the seats behind him and starts to caress it, his touch light and soothing. I glance over at Daniel, worried about his reaction, but he simply looks back to the race, seemingly unfazed. Relieved, I allow myself to relax into Grey’s touch. It’s comforting, grounding. “My grandfather was more into the piano, books, and cake. Nowadays, he has only the books and cake left, unfortunately.”

“Growing old is indeed a nuisance,” my father says, nodding. “I’m acutely aware of it myself. I’m on the verge of retiring, and in a couple of months, I’m passing the firm on to August so I can devote my time primarily to horse racing and golf.”

I stiffen, and both Misha and Grey turn to look at me, their concern evident. Misha squeezes my finger while Grey applies gentle pressure to my ankle.

The sun is warm, too warm, as it beats down on the crowded stands, reflecting off the vibrant colors of the spectators’ outfits. The scent of fresh grass and expensive perfumes mingles in the air, creating a sensory overload.

“Are you okay?” Oliver whispers .

I nod, not trusting myself to speak. It’ll all happen way sooner than I thought. The crowd’s roar rises as the horses round the final bend, but all I can focus on is my impending doom.

Probably a little overdramatic, but it feels like it.

As the excitement of the race reaches its peak, Misha leans in closer, his breath warm against my ear.

“Bug,” he murmurs. “How about a hike tomorrow?”

I turn my head to look at him, curiosity piqued. “A hike?”

“Yes,” he says, louder now, a smile playing on his lips. “I’d love to see your favorite hike. Seven Sisters? I did some research, and James mentioned that you guys don’t have anything planned on Sundays. Oliver and Grey would join us.”

Do I really want to do this?

I’m still mad.

Or hurt, rather.

But I would do almost anything to get away from my parents’ critical gazes for a few hours.

Before I can respond, August speaks up. “We can’t say no to a hike, can we, Amelia?” he asks, his voice dripping with forced enthusiasm. “Abigail and the girls would love to come too, right, love? And what about you, Daniel? Going to join us?”

“Of course,” Daniel replies smoothly with a hint of challenge.

A knot of dread forms in my stomach.

“We planned to go pretty early,” Misha tries, but it’s no use with my brother.

“Oh, don’t worry, we’ll be there.” He smirks.

This is going to be a disaster, a family affair with all the complications that come with it.

Misha senses my hesitation and squeezes my finger once more as he whispers, “It’ll be fine, Bug.”

I force a smile, trying to push down the anxiety bubbling up inside me.

Sure.

Fine.

Because what could possibly go wrong?