Every eye turns to me.
I keep my expression neutral. Professional.
“She’s assisting with community optics,” I say flatly.
Sawyer lifts a brow. “Community optics.”
“Yes.”
Sadie squeezes my hand again.
I don’t pull away.
“You look real,” Axel says.
“We are real,” Sadie shoots back, then catches herself. “For ninety days.”
The room erupts in low chuckles.
“Blink twice if she’s blackmailing you,” Ash mutters to me.
“I’m not being blackmailed.”
Sadie leans into my side deliberately, her shoulder brushing my ribs. “He volunteered.”
I did not volunteer.
But I also didn’t stop her.
“Okay,” Sawyer says, sipping his coffee. “Just know if this explodes, we’re filming it.”
Sadie blows him a kiss.
I guide her toward the hallway before she escalates things.
“You’re enjoying the audience,” I murmur once we’re out of earshot.
“I enjoy a good performance."
“That’s not what this is.”
She tilts her head. “You sure?”
I stop walking.
She bumps lightly into my chest. Too close.
“You want believable?” I say quietly.
Her breath catches.
“Yes.”
I slide my hand from hers to her waist.
Firm. Intentional.
Her eyes darken.
