I take a slow breath, the way my therapist drilled into me.
“Take a beat before you react.”
“Thank you,” I say evenly. “Maybe when it’s not so busy.”
She nods, relief clear on her face. “Of course.”
Keke swans out of her room in a silk robe. “Marco, did my gown arrive yet?”
“Any minute,” he says.
She claps her hands. “Perfect. Are you ready for me?”
The hairstylist introduces herself to Keke and Dani as she sets her bags down next to the director’s chair Dani has set up. She pulls out her tools while she asks about the look for the night. Dani fills her in.
The plan is an intricate updo, designed to keep Keke’s hair off her neck and ears so nothing competes with the jewels. The makeup will be intentionally simple, with minimal color to not distract from the rubies’ deep hue. The dress arrives mid-conversation. Marco intercepts the delivery and carries it straight into the bedroom, muttering about all the wrinkles he needs to steam.
I watch all of it in fascination.
Liev surveys the room. “While you’re working, Ms. Worthington and I are going to confer in the bedroom about tonight’s logistics.”
“You can talk here. I was hoping we could get to know each other,” Keke coos with a flirtatious smile. She waves a hand toward the large sectional. “Hair and makeup are so boring.”
Dani and the stylist exchange a look over her head.
“We don’t want to bore you with technical talk,” Liev says smoothly.
Keke pouts. “How long is this going to take?”
Dani glances at the hairstylist, then back at her. “From this to you fully dressed? I’d say an hour and a half to two hours.”
“Great,” Liev says. “Ms. Worthington?”
He doesn’t wait for my reply, heading for the room Dani has claimed. I close the door until it’s just cracked behind me. It gives us some privacy, but we can still hear if we are needed in the outer room.
“I just needed a break from the chatter. Figured you might, too.”
I don’t argue. I cross the room and sink onto the edge of the bed, then let myself fall back until I’m staring at the ceiling. “I’m not used to being on my feet all day,” I admit. “I forgot how exhausting it is.”
“You get used to it,” he says, then the mattress dips as he lies down beside me. He keeps his distance, our bodies not touching, our feet still on the floor, as we gaze up at the ceiling instead. Maybe it should feel awkward, but it doesn’t, and my shoulders loosen a little as I let my weight sink into the luxury bedding.
For a few minutes we just lie there, listening to the sounds outside the door. Keke’s voice floats through clearly enough to make out her complaint about the champagne, followed by laughter. Dani comments on how nice the hotel is.
“Can you believe they even decorate the ceilings in this place?” I trace the carved details above us with my eyes.
Liev doesn’t answer, but I can feel his attention shift. He turns his head, and even without looking, I know his eyes are on me. My stomach tightens, sensing what he’s going to say and dreading it.
“What did Dani say to you?”
“What?” I say too quickly. “When?”
“You know when,” he says quietly. “You turned red.” He pokes me in my side playfully. “Usually, you only blush for me.”
“You wish,” I shoot back, hoping it will distract him.
It doesn’t.
The air thickens, subtly but undeniably.
