Clover started again at the mention of Cory’s name, coming from him. ‘He never trash-talked you.’

He gave a snort of contempt. ‘Now I know you’re lying. He hated me. He hated me more than he loved his own family.’

‘What?’ Clover felt outraged by the statement, her determinedly calm demeanour dropping like a wet rag. ‘I don’t know if that’s the most egotistical thing I ever heard or the most pathetic! What does that even mean? He hated you m—?’

‘Guys, guys,’ Ari suddenly walked in between them, blocking them from one another’s sight. ‘We’ve had a great afternoon. Let’s not spoil it. The adrenaline is still running high. We still need to come down a bit.’ He looked at Kit. ‘Mate, why don’t you go soak in the Jacuzzi? Or I can book you a massage?’

Kit said nothing for a moment. He was still glowering at Clover – or trying to, but Ari’s legs effectively blocked her from his sight. ‘Nah,’ he said finally. ‘I’m going to work out.’

‘Now? But you’ve been going at it all day. You heard Tipper – you’re taking hard knocks out there. Just take your foot off the pedal and relax.’

But Kit got up with a shake of his head. ‘I need to box.’ He looked down at his brother, now asleep on the sofa. ‘You’ll keep an eye on him?’

Ari sighed. ‘Of course, mate,’ he replied, slapping Kit’s shoulder reassuringly. ‘You go box then.’

Kit walked off without another glance. Clover watched him go up the stairs, saw the light go on in his room.

Ari was watching her. ‘He just needs to—’

‘Punch the bejesus out of something?’ Clover finished for him.

‘Look, that was progress. He actually talked to you.’

‘I wouldn’t exactly call it a meaningful conversation, but if you mean he was able to tolerate being in the same room as me for more than three minutes, then yes – I guess that’s progress of a sort.’

Ari’s shoulders slumped, his elated mood all but gone, and she felt almost sorry for him. She didn’t envy him, having to negotiate around Kit Foley’s ego all day long. ‘Where are the others?’

‘Johnny’s chilling downstairs. Matty’s on her way back from Salzburg.’

‘Salzburg?’ He sounded surprised. ‘What was she doing there?’

‘Julian wanted her to meet their PR and marketing guy at the head office for all the Orsini-Rosenberg ventures.’

Ari stiffened. ‘Why?’

She shrugged. ‘They said something about synergies. I don’t really know.’

‘But why? It’s JOR Clothing sponsoring Kit – not any of the other O-R businesses. He’s not got the name of Rosenberg Hotel on his back – thank Christ! Why’s he bringing in their head office team?’