I pat her hand, searching for my father in the crowd. That’s the first hurdle of the evening, and I wonder what kind of mood he’ll be in today.
Not one where he’ll see through our deception, I’m sure. He’ll be fending off his own thoughts, hating every sympathetic smile and whispered comment about poor Alec and his health.
I just hope he won’t unload any venom on Lena.
My phone buzzes, and I glance at it, keeping the screen turned away from her.
Luis, timely as always.
Boss, red alert. There’s a rep from Harry Jay’s RE firm. Probably keeping eyes on you.
Fucking hell.
One more problem I don’t need.
No doubt they’re still sore about the way I left him limping home. Maybe they’re spying because they’ve heard about the engagement, too, and they wonder if it’s my money behind Lena’s buyout of Pawsome Hearts.
Plenty of reason to trail us.
And if I’m with Lena, he can assume I also know Harry Jay’s dirty secrets and the history he never should’ve had with her.
The damage that fucknut did still makes my blood churn.
If I had my way, I would’ve chucked his carcass into the Puget Sound weeks ago.
Not exactly elegant, and very illegal, but hell, it would be satisfying.
Instead, I have to becivilized.
I have to settle for revenge by living well—unless he fucks with my woman again.
More than anything, I have to make sure he never has a chance to hurt her.
Never again, even after this contract ends and even if I don’t have a clue how the hell I’ll keep that promise yet.
“You’re texting here?” Lena glances over, nudging me gently with her elbow.
“I’m done. Had to take care of something.” I say the words too fast.
I’ve never been a stellar liar, despite my life in the public eye.
A line appears between her brows as she frowns.
Her eyes skate across my screen, and I turn it away abruptly before she sees anything.
Too slow and too obvious.
Hurt flashes across her face.
Shit.
Let her go nuclear on me later with demands to see my phone, my messages.Later.
Because I really am an idiot at deception.
The lines on her face just deepen as she looks out at the immaculately dressed crowd. It’s like I can feel her swallowing the grim thoughts and questions on her tongue.
I shove my phone back in my pocket before it causes more trouble.
