After blowing out a breath, I bring up her number and press call, tapping my foot as I wait for her to answer. But of course, she doesn’t. That was the deal. We agreed not to speak after the article was released, in case we somehow ruined the plan.
The fucking plan.
I’m an idiot. Why the hell did I agree to this? To leave the woman I love without any protection while pissing off the people who want to hurt me.
I drop the phone to the seat beside me and massage my temples, digging my thumbs in deep, while my mind whirs.
What the fuck do I do?
A pit forms in my stomach as I let my thoughts drift back to the plan Keeley proposed, trying to remain calm.
…
“What if you use me as bait?” she states plainly, not an ounce of humor in her tone, and I almost laugh.
“I’d ask what you mean, but I can already tell you the answer is no.”
“Wait. Hear me out.”
My shoulders sink at her pleading gaze, and like always, I can’t say no to her. “I’m listening.”
Keeley smiles, before sitting taller, her expression fierce as she speaks. “Our relationship is private, right? Other than our close friends and family at the wedding, no one knows we’re together. That is to say, it hasn’t hit the gossip columns yet.”
“Why would it ever hit the gossip columns?” I ask, my brows furrowed while Keeley laughs.
“You have no idea what an eligible bachelor you are, do you?”
“Okay, so the news isn’t public.”
“Exactly. The Mikklesons want to hurt you or Camilla, only everyone you love dearly is being guarded by security.”
“Not everyone…” I trail off, because while now is not the time to throw the L word around, I can see what she’s getting at. “You want us to go public so the Mikklesons will turn their attention to you?”
“Yes.” She pauses before adding the kicker, “While you’re in New York.”
“No fucking way.” I stand, running a hand through my hair. “The only way I’d ever agree to that plan is if I’m here in San Francisco.”
“Okay. We can brainstorm the details. But I really think it could work.”
I stare at her for a beat, my eyes dropping to her beautiful smile as she stares back at me, and I hate that she might be on to something.
“Let me do this to protect Paige and Isaac.” Her expression softens. “To protect your business. Camilla and Marc.You. Please. I want to help.”
She straightens, her eyes never once wavering from mine, and it’s hard to argue with the determination set in her gaze.
“If we do this, we have to plan outevery single detail.”
“I agree. And we have to keep it between us.”
“I’ll need to tell Austin, but other than that, yes.” I swallow a lump in my throat, my chest tight while I question my sanity.
Meanwhile, Keeley giggles.She fucking giggles.
“You don’t have to look so worried.” She stands up to cup my cheek. “It’s going to be fine.”
…
Famous last words.
