Page 74

Your move, Ice Queen.
15
BILLIE
Ilock myself in a stall, leaning against the cool door, hoping it grounds me.
It doesn’t.
My heart races so fast that it feels like it might burst out of my chest. I squeeze my eyes shut, trying to understand why. It’s never been like this with him before.
Banks kissing me at Weston’s was one of the worst things that could’ve ever happened. For years, I’d searched forthatfirst-love feeling again, and I’ll never forgive him for forcing it upon me so abruptly. He should’ve never done that.
I take a deep breath to center myself and then leave the safety of the restroom with my head held high. Soft music plays in the background as flickering lanterns cast my shadow against the hallway wall. Even though privacy is expected here, it doesn’t stop people from whispering in their tight-knit circles.
Banks shouldn’t be here, especially with the ridiculous rumors swirling about us. He’s ruining everything. I roll my eyes at the thought. He’s in my head, and I can’t stand it.
As I make my way to the bar, I spot Banks in the VIP area. Hisjaw is clenched, and his gaze sharpens as he chats with Nick. The guys with them look familiar, but I can’t recall any of their names.
Expensive liquor bottles are clustered in the middle of the table.
How long have they been here?
I approach Louis, and as I get close, he wraps his arm around my waist. We give everyone a show to reinforce our dating story—at least for a few more weeks, if Banks will allow it.
“I think I need to go,” I whisper, feeling overwhelmed. The two martinis I had aren’t helping.
“Whatever you want,” Louis replies, pulling me closer with a firm grip on my waist for those watching our every move. “We made our appearance and accomplished our mission,” he whispers in my ear.
I pull away and give him a small smile, relieved that he’s the one I’m fake dating. He leads me through the room toward the exit. I catch a glimpse of the empty seat where Banks was sitting. This is what happens when we’re in the same building—one of us always leaves. For years, I’ve avoided him, and now I find myself at a crossroads with no clear path ahead.
“How long will you fight this?” Louis asks as we descend the stairs to the ground floor.
“What?”
“The crush.”
I roll my eyes as he reaches for my hand, gently pulling me closer.
“You’ll need to try harder to hide it from those who know you. Your eyes give you away,” he says loud enough for me to hear.
Louis knows me inside and out. I choose to ignore him.
His entourage falls in line behind us, as they always do.
As we approach the exit, I’m mesmerized by Banks casually leaning against the wall, laser-focused on his phone, a smirk playing on his lips. The glow of the screen highlights his chiseled features. I can’t help but notice his long lashes and the curve of his lips.
“Mmhmm,” Louis says, glancing toward Banks.
“Whatever,” I whisper as the double doors swing open, and we step outside to the relentless clicks of cameras.
In public, we look like a power couple. The media has already written our story; we just have to stoke the flames a little longer.
An SUV pulls up, and I catch Banks in my peripheral vision.
“Smile, Ice Queen,” he says as he walks by, reaching for my free hand. His fingers brush against mine, sending butterflies fluttering in my stomach.
Louis pulls me away, guiding me to the car. I glance back at Banks, who flashes a smile before disappearing into the vehicle.