I turn to her, my eyes claiming hers. She's breathing hard, but she doesn't look away.
Snorty yips approvingly.
If we could fake it for him, maybe the journalists at the press would believe it too.
CHAPTER 11
MADDIE
"So how did I do?" I ask Antoine once Rio has gone back to rehearsing with his band.
My pulse still races from our exchange.
Antoine's eyes narrow slightly as he considers me.
"Very well," he says after a brief hesitation. "I actually liked that touch of antagonism you two have with each other. It could work in your favor. But it's a delicate balance."
He taps his clipboard with his pen.
"A very delicate balance. Remember the reason Prince Michael engaged you was to help make this concert and the publicity around it a success. The band's future is at stake."
His gaze drops to where Snorty sits at my feet, looking up at us.
"And so, in a way, is Snorty's life."
"What do you mean?!"
Antoine must sense the alarm in my voice.
"Nothing, nothing, sorry I brought it up," he says.
In the back of my mind, I wonder what Antoine's left unsaid. I signed a contract. I'll get the money for Snorty's operation.
But then again, I didn't read the fine print.Could my fee for playing Rio's fake fiancé be at risk?
Unnerved, I scratch behind Snorty's ears.
His fur feels healthy and vibrant under my fingertips.Why aren’t his lungs healthy, too?
Antoine checks his silver watch. "Now it's time for the salon. You must look your best for the press conference."
It's only a short distance to the hotel's salon.
Antoine stops in front of large double doors with gold handles. When he pulls one open, a wave of exquisitely perfumed air hits me.
"Hello," Antoine says in a friendly yet professional tone. "Miss Madison Smith is here for her appointment."
"You must be Mr. LaRue. Delighted to meet you." The receptionist turns to me with a perfect smile.
"We have Miss Smith scheduled for hair and makeup. Follow me, madam."
"I’ll come too," says Antoine.
I've never seen anything like this place. Crystal chandeliers hang from high ceilings, and gold-framed mirrors cover every wall. The receptionist leads us to a row of black leather chairs facing porcelain sinks.
"We'll start with a clarifying wash," she explains, touching my hair lightly. "Then a conditioning treatment, blow-dry, and styling before makeup."
She spots Snorty under my chair, and her perfect eyebrows rise slightly. "We also offer our signature pet spa experience for your adorable companion."
