Page 96 of Beautiful Lies

I put on my best smile while the camera clicks.

The camera flashes, freezing us in a perfect moment I’m not sure belongs to either of us.

After the first set of pictures, Knox leans close to my ear, keeping his hand steady at my waist. “Well done. You survived, Mrs. Vale.”

Mrs. Vale. Hearing him call me that sends a rush of something through me that makes my head spin.

I glance up at him. “I suppose I did, Mr. Vale.”

“For a moment, I thought you were going to faint on me.”

Outside of taking our vows, this is the first he’s spoken to me. I know what he’s referring to. It was just before we put on our wedding rings.

“As you can see, I’m still standing.”

“You are.”

“Oh, wonderful,” the photographer calls out. “Let’s have a few more shots where you’re looking at each other.” His excitement is almost palpable.

We oblige, holding the pose while he clicks away. After a few more flashes, Knox lifts a hand to signal that’s enough.

“I’ll grab you in a little while for the family shots,” the photographer says before sauntering off.

The guests begin pouring out of the hall. I take a step forward, thinking we’re about to join them, but Knox’s grip tightens around my hand.

“We’ll join them in a minute.” He grins. “We need to talk for a sec.”

My chest tightens, nerves scattering like sparks under my skin. “About what?”

His brows lift. “Heard you’ve been a bad girl this week.”

Lord, what is he talking about now? “I don’t know what you mean. My name’s never been on the naughty list.”

He chuckles, the flash of amusement brightening his eyes. “I find that hard to believe. Especially when you break even the simplest of rules.”

“Like what?”

He brushes a finger along my jaw. “I’m pretty sure I told you to stay away from that old boyfriend of yours.”

Oh, that. My gosh, how did I forget? I’ve been so engrossed withgetting married, I totally forgot Chad.

I steel my spine, refusing to show his taunt has any effect on me. “So, you’re still having me followed.”

“Never said I’d stop.”

“Do you know how creepy that is?”

“But necessary. Hope you didn’t think he was going to turn up and save you.”

Save me?I never thought of it like that. “No. I didn’t,” I lie.

“Just so you know, I wouldn’t have given him the chance.”

“If you were so concerned, how come I’m only just hearing about this now? It’s been more than a week.” Translation:where’ve you been? Were you truly busy or avoiding me?I'm just too afraid to ask him what I really want.

“I had a few things to take care of, and since I was satisfied you were still within contract, I allowed you the chance to say goodbye to him.”

“How do you know I said goodbye?” He may have his spies, but I don’t think they’re listening to my conversations. If they were, he’d be asking me about Chad’s refusal to let me go.