“I think if we feed them enough, give into the beast, they’ll leave us alone more,” he said softly, drawing my attention back to him. “You’d be doing me a favor. I swear, I’ll make sure this doesn’t come back to bite you. Gia included. Also means more for your yes year, I’ll take you wherever you want to go. Movie premiers, fancy parties, fashion shows.”
I studied his face, searching for any hint of hesitation or ulterior motive, but all I saw was sincerity.
“I don’t know, Alexander,” I said finally, my voice uncertain. “This feels…risky.”
“It’s just for a while,” he promised. “Until the hype dies down or Belen backs off. Then we go back to normal.”
Normal. Like anything about this situation had been normal since the moment I stepped into it.
I sighed, running a hand through my hair. “Okay,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper. “But we need to set some serious ground rules.”
His smile was soft but triumphant. “Of course. Whatever you need.”
* * *
The moment we sat Matteo down in Alexander’s suite to explain the plan, I regretted agreeing to it. My brother leaned back in one of the oversized chairs, arms crossed, a skeptical scowl plastered across his face as he listened.
Alexander was calm, composed, like he was briefing a teammate on strategy. Me? I was squirming in my seat, dreading Matteo’s reaction.
“So let me get this straight,” Matteo said, his tone dripping with disbelief. “You two are going topretendto date. To throw the media off, control the narrative or whatever, and help Alex’s PR image?”
“Exactly,” Alexander said smoothly, his voice steady and confident. “It’s temporary. Just until the noise dies down.”
Matteo snorted, shaking his head. “And you think this is a good idea?” His gaze darted to me, and I could see the mix of concern and protectiveness bubbling just beneath the surface.
“It’s not like we’re getting married,” I said, attempting to inject a little humor to lighten the mood. “It’s just for the cameras. Nothing more.”
Matteo’s eyes narrowed, his scowl deepening. “Nothing more, huh?”
“Nothing,” Alexander confirmed. His voice was resolute, but there was a subtle edge to it, a seriousness that even Matteo couldn’t dismiss. “I would never hurt her, Matteo.”
My brother’s gaze locked onto Alexander, the moment felt like it lasted forever. “Good,” Matteo said finally, leaning forward with a sharp edge in his voice. “Because if you do, I don’t care how many championships you’ve won or how good of a friend you’ve been—I’ll make you regret it.”
Alexander didn’t flinch. “Understood.”
“Matteo,” I interjected, my voice firm. “This isn’t some grand scheme. It’s practical. We control the narrative, and Alex gets to clean up his image, which will help with management. It’s a win-win.”
“Yeah, sure, win-win,” Matteo muttered, slumping back into the chair. “Except for the part where my baby sister is fake dating one of the most gossiped-about athletes on the planet. That part feels like a loss.”
I rolled my eyes. “I’m a year younger than you.”
“Not the point,” he shot back. “You’re my sister. Mylittlesister. And Alex…” He glanced at his best friend, sighing heavily. “You’re…Alex.”
Alexander raised an eyebrow. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”
“Don’t.” Matteo pointed a glare at him, but there was less heat behind it now. “Look, I get it. It’s not the worst idea. I mean, the media’s been circling like vultures since you got here, Lucia, and Alex’s playboy reputation could use a break.”
“Gee, thanks,” Alexander said dryly.
“You know it’s true.” A smirk tugged at the corner of Matteo’s lips.
I glanced between the two of them, the tension in my chest easing slightly. Matteo might not love the idea, but he wasn’t completely against it either.
“So, you’re okay with this?” I asked hesitantly.
Matteo sighed again, scrubbing a hand through his hair. “I’m okay with it as long asyouare. But,” he added, pointing at Alexander again, “if this goes sideways in any way, I’m holding you responsible.”
“Fair enough,” Alexander said with a nod, his expression serious.
