Of course. Because my life isn’t complicated enough.
They’re leaning casually against a marble column, looking like an absolute dream. I duck down instinctively, clutching my tray like a shield. Maybe if I move quickly enough, they won’t see —
Too late. Christian’s gaze locks onto me, and he nudges Liam, who follows his line of sight, and suddenly, they’re both staring. My heart leaps into my throat, as I turn and bolt, weaving through the crowd. I duck, crouch, and spin, hoping against hope they’ll lose track of me.
But before I can escape, a firm hand grabs my arm, yanking me to my feet. Panic immediately surges through me, my throat ready to release a piercing scream, until I see who it is—Christian and Liam.
That, in fact, makes me want to scream more.
Liam grins down at me, his expression equal parts amused and curious. “What on earth are youdoinghere?”
“I… uh…” I stammer, trying to form words, and inevitably failing. “Long story.” I breathe out, trying to avoid eye contact in this horrible dress.
“You know what would be helpful?” Liam says, still holding onto my arm. “Theshortversion.”
I groan, gesturing to my dress. “Camille left her phone at the café. I brought it to her. Then this happened.”
Liam’s eyes rake over my outfit, a mischievous smile tugging at his lips. “You should wear that more often.”
“Shut up.” My cheeks burn, but I use the opportunity to attempt to release myself from Liam. The moment I try though,Liam’s grip tightens around my arm once again, preventing my escape. I shoot him a pointed look. “Let go. Please.”
“You’re lucky it’s only me and him,” Liam murmurs, nodding toward Christian. “And not Will or Kai. Very lucky. I don’t think Kai likes you very mu—”
“Leave, Adeline.” Christian’s voice cuts him off, low and quite terrifying.
Liam glances over at him, eyebrow raised. “Just think she deserves to know. You know how he can be.”
Christian doesn’t respond, but the look he gives Liam is enough to silence him. A warning. One Liam seems used to ignoring, because he only shrugs.
I consider Liam’s words for a beat. I think back to Kai’s expression earlier, how it changed like the flip of a switch. The disgust I saw there.
Well at least that explains the look he gave me before.
Guess the charm wore off.
Christian’s gaze shifts to me then, his eyes sharp, unreadable. He seems to be considering what Liam said, maybe even to be about to speak—but I cut him off.
“I haven’t even seen Kai, and he won’t see me. I need this job, and I won’t take orders from either of you,” I assert, finally pulling my arm free.
Liam’s grin fades as his gaze shifts behind me. I follow his line of sight and freeze.
There he is.
Kai Steele.
And the sight of him takes my breath away. Dressed in a perfectly tailored suit that accentuates his tall, strong physique. His light brown hair is styled effortlessly, and the slight hint of a smile graces his lips.
Beside him stands Berlin, her hair styled in perfect curls. The two of them seem engrossed in a conversation. And there, rightnext to Kai, is Vivienne St. Claire, the actress. She leans in close, her hand brushing his arm as they talk.
My stomach twists.
“Is that…?” I whisper.
Liam nods grimly. “It’s exactly who you think it is. It’s fucking Vivienne St. Claire.”
I swallow hard, wishing the floor would swallow me whole.
FIFTEEN
