Page 119 of Rejected By My Shifter Billionaire

People who might wonder why the passion vines around us were now glowing deep crimson.

“The flowers,” I whispered, glancing at the walls in panic.

“What about them?”

“They’re red. Really red.”

“Excellent data.” His purring tone made me want to kiss and kill him at the same time.

“It’s not excellent when everyone can see—”

“That we’re attracted to each other?” Nicolo asked.

Yes! I mean, no!

The device pulsed again, and I stumbled into his chest, my hands fisting in his jacket as I tried to stay upright.

“I can’t do this,” I breathed.

“Yes, you can.”

“People will notice—”

“No one is paying attention to us.”

But even as he said it, I noticed another man approaching from across the dance floor. Tall, confident, wearing a mask that didn’t quite hide his aristocratic features.

“May I cut in?” he asked politely.

Nicolo’s arm tightened around my waist. “We’re not finished.”

“Surely the lady can speak for herself?”

The device chose that moment to pulse harder, and I gasped audibly.

Both men turned to look at me with concern.

“Are you all right?” the stranger asked.

“She’s fine,” Nicolo said firmly. “Just a little overwhelmed by the atmosphere.”

“Perhaps some fresh air?” the man suggested. “The gardens are lovely this time of night.”

“That’s very kind,” I managed, trying to keep my voice steady as the vibration continued, “but I’m quite happy here.”

The lie was obvious to anyone with eyes. I was flushed, breathing hard, and clearly struggling to maintain my composure. But the scent dampeners meant neither man could detect the real reason for my distress.

“Are you certain?” the stranger pressed. “You seem—”

“She seems perfectly fine to me,” Nicolo interrupted, his voice carrying just enough edge to make it clear the conversation was over.

The man backed away with another polite bow, but I could feel his eyes on us as Nicolo guided me to a quieter corner of the dance floor.

“That was close,” I choked out.

“That was perfect,” he corrected. “Your responses are exactly what the protocol requires.”

“My responses are going to get us thrown out of here!”