“Good.” I nod confidently.
“Good?”
“Yes, good. We’re playing a part, remember?” I widen my eyes and he nods. “Wouldn’t it look weird if the two newlyweds who couldn’t wait to marry each other stayed on opposite sides of the ballroom and didn’t dance together?”
“I guess you’re right.”
“Those four little words are quickly becoming my favorites coming from the Stone siblings. I just need to get Noah to agree and then I’ve got the set.”
“You’re so weird.”
“You love my brand of weird.”
“I do.” He huffs out a laugh. “So it’s all an act?”
“Yep, all an act.”
“And you both know that?”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, my sister isn’t used to one-night stands and fleeting relationships. Don’t lead her on. If it ever feels like there’s more on her side, this stops—you don’t hurt her.”
“Do you honestly think I would hurt Ria?”
“Not intentionally, no. But this isn’t a normal situation.”
“Don’t worry. We both know what we’re doing.”
“Good, because I’d hate to have to break my best friend’s nose for breaking my sister’s heart.” He claps me on the back before walking off into the crowd.
I think she is going to be the one to break a heart—mine.
Chapter 32
Ria
“Miss Stone.” Turning at the sound of someone calling my name as I exit the bathroom, I come face-to-face with the man who has had it in for my family for years.
Dale Lucas.
“Oh, sorry, I mean Mrs. Brent.” His tone has an edge to it and I straighten my spine. “Congratulations are in order.” He takes my hand in his and brings it to his lips, kissing the top, my whole body turning cold at the contact.
“Thank you, Mr. Lucas.” Snatching my hand away, I look over his shoulder, hoping Leo will appear. The need to have him close by builds as Dale’s smile widens and his eyes drop to my chest. Shifting my body, feeling exposed, I squeeze past him. “I best get going.”
“Wait.” His hand clasps around my wrist and pulls me into him, making me stumble. “Steady. I’ve got you.” His other hand rests on my hip, and I twist to give myself some space.
“What do you need, Mr. Lucas?”
“As I understand it, you and Ezra are in competition.”
“Currently we are, but why should that concern you?” My lip curls as I assess him.
“I think you know.” He crowds me and I back up against the wall. The sharp bite of the cool marble sends a shiver up my spine.
“Do I?”
“Yes.” He leans down, his hot breath making bile rise in my throat. “I know you now know who I am to Ezra.”
