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I approach him, trying to steady my nerves.
"Hey, I was looking for you," he says.
"Yeah, I just went to use the restroom," I reply, forcing a smile.
"Did you enjoy the event?" Shane asks, smiling in return.
"It was wonderful, Shane," I say, though my voice wavers as I try to conceal the fear still gripping my chest.
"Well, from what I've been hearing, people really loved your gift bags. The show only just ended, and I've already seen three posts about them on Insta... Are you sure you're alright?" he asks, studying me closely.
"I'm fine, Shane. Really," I say, my tone colder than I intended.
He takes my hand gently. "I've got the sitter for another two hours. I was thinking maybe I could say a few more goodbyes, and then we could—"
Before he can finish, Balina Porter calls out to him from across the room. She's standing with a group of actors, a few of whom I recognize. She waves him over with a smile.
"I'm sorry, Shane, I really just need something to drink," I say quickly, cutting him off. "Why don't you go talk to your famous friends, and I'll catch up with you in a bit, okay?" I give him a quick pat on the shoulder and turn to walk away.
I can see his frustration as I say it, and I feel his eyes on me as I walk off. Space is what I need—from him, the event, and the fearthat still grips me. I head to the bar and order a drink, hoping it will calm my nerves.
I can't let them control me like this. One text, and I'm hiding in a restroom for hours.
After two drinks, I start to feel better and more in control. I'm ready to head back in, take Shane's arm, and walk out with him, smiling confidently at Balina Porter as we pass. But just as I reach the doors to the auditorium, my phone buzzes again. I hesitate, not wanting to look. What if it's Jaime? Or maybe even Gio? My heart races as I check the message.
Be cautious who you trust. We think your brother may have flipped and given you up.
"No!" I gasp, the word escaping my lips before I can stop it. A woman nearby glances at me, curious. "Sorry," I mutter, staring at the screen in disbelief.
Lies. Gio would never betray me—he'd die first, just as I would for him.
It all suddenly becomes too much—the event, the expensive dresses, the kiss... Who do I think I am? My job is to protect Jaime, not to play the role of an event organizer with a billionaire boyfriend.
I scoff at myself and turn to head outside, deciding to catch a car home. I'll tell Shane I'm leaving once I'm already gone. For now, I'll let him enjoy his night.
Chapter 13
Shane
It's Saturday, just two days after the charity event, and the house is unusually quiet. Jaime is out for the weekend and won't be back until tomorrow evening. I've planned an entire getaway for him and his friend Alex—a trip that includes a chauffeur, a car, and accommodations at a resort on the city's outskirts. Annette has gone along as their escort, along with our backup nanny, to give Annette some much-needed relaxation, or as she calls it, "cocktail and spa time." I'd offered Nicole the choice to either join them or take the day off, and she'd opted for the latter. Deep down I hoped, like me, she was looking forward to some quiet alone time together. But after the charity event, I'm not so sure anymore.
It's around noon when I finally get out of bed, the quietness of the house allowing me some much-needed sleep. I head downstairs to the kitchen and find a pot of coffee, still hot. Pouring myself a cup, I wander over to the window.
Nicole is on the rear deck, comfortably dressed in her loungewear, enjoying the tranquility by the pool. A slice of pecan pie sits on her plate as she sips on her coffee, her focus on the book in her hands.
I step outside, walking over to her. "Good afternoon," I say, breaking the silence between us for the first time today.
"Hey, Shane," she replies, giving me a brief smile before quickly returning to her book. I'm about to say more when she continues. "Look, I'm sorry for bailing on you at the event. I just… had a lot on my mind."
"Is that it? Just a lot on your mind?" I ask, trying to keep my tone even.
"Yeah, I'm just putting myself through a lot, and I'm confused about things right now."
"You know you can talk to me if you need anything," I offer, my voice softer.
"Yeah, I know, Shane," she responds, her tone suddenly cold.
I start to turn away, ready to give her the space she clearly wants, but something inside me tells me to push a little further. "I just have to know… the kiss… did it mean anything to you?" The words come out bolder than I expected, my heart pounding as I wait for her response.