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My heart pitter-patters. He’s performing for the public and trying to ruin my fake relationship. The problem is, he’s so fucking good at it. That’s what frustrates me the most.
Grr.
I let out a long sigh of relief once we’re inside the car.
“I almost forgot Asher’s a brave bastard,” Louis says, pulling his phone from his pocket.
“It’s unfortunate, if I’m being honest.”
“You’re his perfect opponent.” Louis opens a text and replies to someone saved in his Contacts with a fork emoji.
Louis
I’m free now. Are you?
He tucks his phone back into his pocket.
I want to ask him who she is.
When our eyes meet, he smiles as if he can read my mind. “I don’t kiss and tell. Ever.”
“I’m just curious. But I get wanting to keep secrets.”
“I’ve learned that before I take any relationship public, it’s important to really get to know someone,” Louis says, chuckling softly.
“You’retestingher,” I say, raising my brows.
“Always. I’m looking for a wife and a suitable queen,” he replies with a playful flick of his brow. “It could be you.”
I grin widely. “If I’m not married by forty … I’m still all yours.”
“You won’t make it to forty,” he counters. “Our plan is working. People are more interested in your love life than your business. You’re gaining global attention right now, Billie. I hope you realize how big this is.”
I run my fingers through my hair, tucking it behind my ears. “It’s the perfect distraction while I figure out my next steps,” I tell him. “I’ll do almost anything for Bellamore.”
“Not to your detriment, I hope.”
“It’s my kingdom. If my castle is on fire, I’ll stay with it until it’s nothing but ash. I’ll mourn the loss and then rebuild it bigger than it ever was.”
He nods. “If you ever wonder why Asher chose to play games with you,that’swhy. You don’t quit.”
I sigh. “He has to know this love-triangle rumor only benefits Bellamore, right?”
Louis meets my gaze. “I think he’s focused on the bigger picture, not just Bellamore. I’ve tried to make sense of it, and that’s the only explanation that fits.”
“Hmm. And what’s the big picture?” I ask, still not quite following.
Asher said something similar, and so did my brothers.
“You,” he says simply.
“I want everyone to stop with that,” I respond firmly, knowing there’s no way. “He felt nothing when we kissed. There’s nothing there. He’s trying to hurt me.”
“Oh. I’m sorry,” Louis says, his expression softening. “He’s a bellend.”
“Yes, he is,” I confirm.
The car slows at the curb, and Louis walks me to the door. Paparazzi are camped out, snapping pictures of us.