Page 112 of See You There

“Of course, Luna,” Dahlia said. “It’s been a crazy couple of weeks, but I’m so glad we are getting this chance to talk.”

Luna simpered, the sound setting Luke’s nerves on edge. “Crazy is one word for it. I’m sure all the rumors swirling about must frustrate you.”

Dahlia plastered a cool smile on her face, but Luke could tell she was annoyed. “Unfortunately, I’ve had to curtail my activity a little, but I look forward to justice being done.”

“It’s true, then? The reason you’ve been out of the spotlight is because you are working with the police and are in hiding for your own protection.”

What the fuck?

“I’m sure you understand I can’t talk about that,” Dahlia said smoothly.

“I’ve heard that even Peachtree Pictures doesn’t know where you are.”

Dahlia barely hid her sucked-in breath. Luke ground his teeth.

Fucking Matt! Or was it Victor? Was the agent getting the revenge he’d promised? What was the benefit to him of exposing that her life was in danger?

“I try not to listen to rumors.” Dahlia injected just the right amount of amusement into her voice, and Luke would have grinned if he wasn’t so pissed.

“People are speculating that it isn’t a coincidence you and your attorney, Luke Bloom, disappeared at the same time.”

There is that tone again.

“He’s quite a catch,” Luna continued. “People are wondering if the two of you are off on a romantic vacation. Of course,I didn’t believe it.” Her tone implied the opposite. “You and Chandler have been so devoted.”

Dahlia chuckled. “My attorney is James Bloom, not his brother Luke. They are twins, so I can see where the confusion began.”

“They are handsome, and Luke has a bit of a reputation with the ladies in Atlanta,” the anchor baited.

“Anyone with eyes would agree with you. But that wasn’t something I considered when I hiredJames. I am only interested in his professional reputation, which is excellent.” The words flowed off her tongue, but he could tell by the flash in her eyes she was angry.

“You and Chandler are still together?”

“It’s been terrible needing to be away from him, but for my safety, it was necessary.”

Luke knew she had to say it, but his gut burned. He was the one who made her scream, and while Dahlia might think this was temporary, he had no intention of letting her go. Dahlia was his. And he wouldn’t be happy until the entire world knew it.

A selfish part of him wanted Dahlia to tell the woman the truth. For her to say she didn’t care about Chandler and never had, that she wanted to be with Luke. But she couldn’t. Luna was already looking for a story, and if Dahlia hesitated… Still… Primitive possessiveness warred with rational thought. Luke wanted to appear on the screen, to tip her head back, and claim her lips for the world to see, so everyone would know she was his.

He froze. What was he thinking? Was that what he wanted? Was he ready to risk something long-term?

Luke watched as Dahlia flicked her thick auburn hair over her shoulder and gave the perfect Lia smile.

Yes. Absolutely yes!

The world could have Lia, but Luke wanted to keep Dahlia. Maybe even forever…

“We were so excited when we heard Chandler would be well enough to come to the premiere.”

Luke was startled by the woman’s comments, shocking him back to reality. Dahlia’s eyes darted to his before refocusing on the screen, trying to hide her surprise.

“I know he’s doing everything possible. It means so much to him,” Dahlia said diplomatically.

Finally accepting Dahlia wouldn’t provide any new gossip, the interview segued into the plot of the movie. Luke tuned out as the practiced answers rolled off Dahlia’s tongue.

The interview wrapped up, and Dahlia stared at the blank screen for a minute before slowly closing the lid of the laptop. She folded her arms and rested her forehead on her forearms.

“Are you okay?”