“I still paid them back and then some. It’s not a big deal. But Millie, I’m the one who’s sorry. What that guy did…he’s—you didn’t deserve that.”
“Thanks,” I whisper, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. “And thanks for not blowing my cover out there. It was embarrassing enough as it was.”
“If anyone should be embarrassed, it’s him. And I think he was. Did you see the way he reacted when you called me over?”
I grin. “Probably because he was jealous I managed to land someone likeyou.”
He cocks his head, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
I shrug, a little too casually. “Trevor’s addicted to money and status. And you clearly win in that department.”
Callum smirks. “Oh, I thought it was because I’m so much better looking than him.”
I blink. “Wait, did I grab the wrong Regent? I feel like I’m talking to Archie right now.”
He laughs, raking a hand through his hair. “Aye, I think he might be rubbing off on me.”
I bite my lip. “But yeah... that too.”
Chapter 14
Callum
I’ve been out of bed for barely an hour, and my phone’s already throwing a tantrum. Missed calls, texts, emails, and what must be a thousand social media notifications—seriously, I need to disable those. Fergie has gotten way too popular. I’m about to open a text from my mum when Alec’s name pops up on a video call.
I sigh and pick up. “Everything all right, Dwarf?”
Alec doesn’t even say hello, instead launching into a terrible impression of me: “‘Of course I don’t have a girlfriend,’” he drawls, then breaks into a mischievous grin. “Liar.”
I roll my eyes. “Is the Aussie sun cooking your brain or something? I don’t have a girlfriend.”
“Tell that to every tabloid on the planet, bro. Millie—that’s the girl who watched Fergie, right?”
I screw my eyes shut. Oh no. Suddenly, the chain of events unravels in my mind. Her stupid ex, her crazy plan. How hurt she looked. Us posing for a picture. “It’s not—we’re not… Look, we were just faking it because of her ex.”
Alec’s eyes stretch wide. “What? You serious?”
“Yeah. Keep it to yourself, all right? I need to call her this morning.”
He shakes his head, still grinning. “You should read the articles, mate. For once, they’re not trashing you. It’s a nice change.”
I hang up with a muttered, “Yeah, yeah. Bye.”
Drawing a deep breath, I start with Mum’s text. Just a quick message relaying exactly what I told Alec. She’ll be disappointed, no doubt. She’s been on a mission to get me coupled up since I hit twenty-two.
Next, I skim through the articles my agent forwarded me. Alec wasn’t exaggerating. They’re calling meromantically reformed,surprisingly sweet,shockingly normal. One even calls meLondon’s most misunderstood footballer,citing the fact that I’m finally off the market.
I snap out of my thoughts when Fergie starts belting out a song from his room. I glance at the time. Right—I was supposed to let him out ages ago.
I trudge over to his room and unlatch the cage.
“Game?” he chirps, flapping over to the TV stand.
“Give me a sec, mate,” I mumble, already pulling up Millie’s number. It might be better if we talk this out before we see each other at the centre. “I have to call Millie.”
He bobs his head, dancing. “Millie pretty. Millie pretty.”
I lean against the wall as she picks up, slightly out of breath.
