Page 21 of Modern Romance September 2026 Books 1-4

Axel shook his head. ‘You’ll be fine.’

Chapter Four

It was only later, when they were in the thick of the event, that Hope had to concede that what he’d really meant was don’t worry, no one will talk to you because you’re not important. She had to appreciate his diplomacy.

It was almost funny. The people either side of her at the vast dinner table, on learning that her name held zero recognition, had simply turned to the—presumably—more recognisable people on their other sides, leaving her looking across the expanse of dinner table—artfully decked out with what seemed to be an entire field’s worth of wild flowers—at Axel, whose dark gleaming head was inclined towards his neighbour as he listened intently.

The event was being held in one of Paris’s most iconic museums and it had been lit with thousands of candles and glittering chandeliers, making everyone look as if they were glowing. She’d never seen so many beautiful people in one space.

There had been paparazzi outside when they’d arrived and Axel had taken her hand in his and said, ‘Just keep walking, no matter what they call out.’

The barrage of shouts and flashing lights had been seriously intimidating and she’d unconsciously gripped Axel’s hand tight and stuck as close as she could to him.

At the entrance, when they’d run the gauntlet, she’d realised she was gripping his hand and had let go, saying, ‘Sorry, I hadn’t expected it to be like that.’ She’d had a new appreciation for anyone on the other end of that attention on a regular basis.

‘No, I’m sorry, I’m so used to this that I didn’t fully consider what it would be like for you.’

Hope had shaken her head. ‘I’m sure I’ll get used to it.’ She’d have to, if this was part and parcel of appearing in public with this man.

Then, when they’d walked into the venue, her mouth had dropped open in sheer wonder and Axel had touched her back lightly with his hand and said softly, ‘Close your mouth.’

She’d snapped it shut more because of the effect of his hand on her bare skin than because he’d told her to. Where he’d touched her still felt warm. As if he’d branded her.

As if sensing her regard he looked up now and their eyes met across the table. He raised a brow in question and she forced a wide smile back, trying to assure him all was fine even though she was being ignored by her companions on either side and she felt like a fish out of water.

It was still totally unbelievable that she was here with him.

She was almost too afraid to touch the food. It didn’t really look edible—it was too perfect. And she couldn’t really see anyone else tucking in. Her belly rumbled though and she went red, hoping no one had heard it over the chatter.

And then, as if a silent signal had been given, people started to move, getting up from the table. Hope looked around, wondering what she should do, and she looked across at Axel, who mouthed across to her, Stay there. He didn’t have to tell her twice. People were mingling now, in couples and small groups. She had a very real sense that everyone in this world knew everyone.

Axel was making his way around to where she was but he kept getting stopped by people. Hope could see his frustration, the way the muscle in his jaw popped. It wasn’t because he wanted to get to her, it was most likely because he was afraid that if she was left alone too long she’d do something to embarrass him.

Eventually he got to her and held out his hand, she took it and let him pull her up. He didn’t let go. She figured he had to make it obvious they were together.

‘OK?’

She nodded and then said with a touch of wryness, ‘Dinner was interesting.’

He made a face. ‘Yes, you don’t come here to eat. And your neighbours didn’t seem very polite.’

Hope shrugged. ‘They realised I had nothing to offer them and that I was a nobody.’

To her surprise Axel looked angry. ‘Don’t say that. You’re not a nobody and they’re idiots.’

She blinked up at him. ‘I… OK, thank you.’

‘If we come to something like this again I’ll ensure we’re together.’

Hope was touched by his assertion. She wanted to tell him that she didn’t want to be a distraction or a burden but he was saying, ‘Let’s get out of here.’

‘You don’t need to stay?’

He shook his head. ‘Not really, the paparazzi will have done the job for us, establishing you with me. There’s no one here I need to see. I have a meeting tomorrow before we leave. All the charities have received generous donations. Their CEOs will feel obliged to acknowledge it but I don’t need it.’

‘You’re the boss.’ And he was, literally. Hope had to remind herself of that as he took her hand again and led her back out. Thankfully the paparazzi had moved on. Hope held one side of her dress up to avoid tripping over it. Axel’s car was waiting for them and they got in.

As the car moved into the Parisian traffic Hope smoothed a hand down the dress. ‘It seems an awful shame that dresses like this only get a brief outing. I’m sure no woman in that room would be seen dead in the same outfit twice.’