Sending me a smirk, she shows me her phone. And I scoff at what I’m assuming is now my name.
“Mr. Meathead. Real creative.”
This girl drives me crazy, and our fake dating just started.
“I think it fits your personality to a T.” Dropping her phone into her lap, she sends me a serious look. “We don’t have to go over ground rules, do we? I think they’re very obvious.”
“Spare me the boredom. This relationship is just professional. We get our jobs done, and we’ll leave each other alone.”
She extends her hand to me, and I eye it carefully before placing my palm in hers. I try to ignore the unwanted electricity that travels throughout my entire arm when my rough skin meets hers.
I yank my hand from hers, and she stands on shaky legs.
“Text me when you want to meet up to take the picture.”
Nodding once without looking her way, I hear her sweet voice call from behind me, “And, Mr. Meathead, don’t take that handshake as a truce. I’ll make your life a living hell if you make me feel that way.” Laughter is evident in her tone when she says quickly, “Try not to jump in excitement when I walk out of this door.”
Before I can say something snarky back, she shuts the door behind her. Leaving me to hear my pounding heartbeat in my ears.
I’m truly fucked.
* * *
When the boys find out about the torture I’m going to endure, Axel screams like a little girl and complains why he wasn’t given the opportunity. He almost convinces me I need hearing aids after his loud rant. That guy’s voice will be the death of me. But Rowan is silent. I don’t think he likes this just as much as me.
The team proved to me today that they’re shit. They should’ve called and talked to me before making a final decision. Instead, they poured a huge bucket of cold water on my head. That’s what it felt like, hearing I had to fake date the person I think about during my long nights of practicing, who I think about while pushing myself to be better.
Now, I have to date her. Pretend I’m in love, go on dates, go to events, hug, and kiss …
She might as well be an arrow to my heart.
CHAPTER16
AMELIA
“You need to fake date who?” my scary brother’s voice booms, making me flinch at the sudden loudness.
It seems all Elijah can do is stare at me with wide eyes, and Trinity is slightly smirking behind her furious boyfriend. I hate that she’s enjoying this arrangement. She sends me a quick wink before Leonidas whips around to glare at her.
“Babe, Team Drakos, remember?”
“How could I forget it when you remind me every day?” She sends him a smile.
He scoffs, rolling his eyes, “We’ll talk later, missy.” When he turns to face me, his glare is full force again. “Why the fuck are you fake dating Levi fucking Miller?”
I don’t think anyone is madder than me, and if someone acts that way, I might just punch them in the face. “I already told you. Please don’t make me explain this again.” I sigh in exhaustion.
“We’re just shocked and mad—that’s all. I can’t imagine what you’re feeling.” Elijah clasps my hand in his. Giving me a comforting smile.
“I don’t understand why this is necessary,” Leonidas grunts. “We’re already number one on the charts. We’re not going to benefit from this. I need to talk to the team about this.”
I shrug my shoulders, defeated. “Don’t bother. They’re not willing to listen. I tried. We all know our team only cares about gaining more money. They don’t care about us, and they never will.”
Elijah pinches his nose in frustration. “They’ve taken this too far this time. This is literally idiotic. I don’t want that guy anywhere near her,” he expresses to Leonidas.
“You think I do?” Leonidas’s laugh is anything but joyful. “It’s taking everything in me not to go to the studio and beat the living shit out of everyone. I bet this was all Triple Threats’ idea. They’re the ones seeking more fame.”
At first, I thought that, too, but after seeing Levi’s mortified expression, I changed my mind. He was definitely as shocked as I was.
