Page 15

15

BILLIE

I lock 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 for that first-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. His jaw 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.

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’re testing her,” 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’s why. 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 .

He gently kisses me for the cameras and then tilts my chin up. “Don’t stress. You’ll make it through this. You always do.”

“My choices are to fight or give up. I can’t let Josh win,” I whisper.

“Trust me, darling, right now, he’s losing big. Heard he had a meltdown earlier today.” Louis holds the door open for me.

“Really? Good.” I smile. “Thanks for everything.” I brush past him and into the lobby.

“Night, Billie.”

“Night, Your Royal Highness.”

I blow him a kiss, and he grins as he heads back to his car.

If only things were different.

Once I’m inside my penthouse loft, I kick off my heels and unzip my dress, letting it fall to the floor. I unsnap my bra and drop it, too, before heading to my bedroom and stepping into my closet.

I throw on some comfy shorts and a cutoff graphic T-shirt that shows off half my stomach. I retrieve my phone from the pocket of my dress and pour myself some rosé in the biggest glass I own. The sweetness hits my tongue, a delightful blend of sweet and tangy.

I light a candle on the counter and briefly watch the flame dance. It smells like strawberry shortcake.

Settling onto the couch, I get comfortable and catch up on what people have been saying about me today.

Most outlets are reporting on my night at Diamond—detailing my supposed romance with Louis and portraying Banks as my jealous secret lover. My nostrils flare as I see photos of our hands brushing together.

The articles speculate that Louis is just a cover while Banks and I plot to take down Josh.

I gasp, realizing that might be why Josh had a meltdown today. Does he really believe this? Could Banks be double-crossing him and somehow helping me in his own twisted way? It’s possible. Easton thinks so. I’m not convinced .

Right now, no one knows the real story. One thing that’s not being discussed is Bellamore versus Lustre Fashion, and I want to keep it that way, so I’ll continue with this angle.

I quickly text my bestie.

Billie

I think I’m entering my villain era.

Harper

You entered that era when you turned twenty-one, and nothing has changed.

I burst into laughter.

Billie

Okay. I’m moving into my supervillain era.

Harper

Are you drunk?

Billie

Tipsy.

I snap a picture of my half-full glass of rosé and send it to her.

Harper

What’s your plan?

Billie

I’m going to reach out to Josh.

Harper

DO NOT DO THAT. BAD IDEA.

Billie

Hmm.

Harper

Sleep on it. Don’t make any decisions about your shitty, lying, cheating ex while you’re rosé drunk. Please. Promise me. If you still think it’s a good idea tomorrow evening, I’ll back you up.

Billie

Okay, okay, I promise. Now, back to my mindless scrolling!

Harper

Thanks! Have fun!

I open a new browser window and type in Asher Banks .

The first article that catches my eye is from LuxLeaks. I can’t help but smirk as I click the link.

FROM THE DESK OF LADYLUX

LuxBabies,

Today, we’re talking about a billionaire baddie I haven’t mentioned before. Meet Mr. Asher Banks, brother of ex-hockey superstar Nicolas Banks, who has officially made it onto my radar. We’ve touched on Nicolas’s problematic behavior before, but now it’s time to dive into his little brother. Since Asher seems to be desperately seeking attention, I figured I’d give him some. If you’re new here, just know that this post is based on speculation about public figures, using information that’s readily available online. My opinions are my own and purely for entertainment purposes.

Don’t mess with me, Asher.

I continue reading about the crush she thinks he has on me. It becomes too much, and I can’t take it anymore. I lock my phone and set it down on the coffee table, then chug the rest of my wine. It’s not enough, so I head to the kitchen and grab the bottle from the counter. With my bottle of rosé in hand, I open the window, inhaling the fresh air, which cools my lungs and brushes against my skin .

“Bastard,” I hiss under my breath, squeezing my eyes shut.

He’s all I can think about.

Playing hard to get is clearly part of his game, but why is it working?

I gulp down more wine, sitting on the windowsill. My thoughts spiral, and I wish they wouldn’t.

“Ice Queen?” I hear a familiar deep voice from below.

I turn, blinking twice, as if I might be imagining him.

I groan loudly. “Wow, still stalking me!”

“Still flattering yourself. I picked up a pizza,” he says, holding up a box I didn’t notice.

I take another swig of wine. “What kind?”

“Pepperoni and mushrooms with extra cheese,” he replies.

“That’s my favorite. Now you’re trying to win me over with food? Who told you? Harper?” I ask.

“No. It’s how I order it. I would’ve pegged you for more of a pineapple-on-pizza type of girl though.”

I scoff. “I could say the same about you.”

He chuckles. “You’re good at that.”

“Why did you walk by my place, knowing the next block is faster?” I ask.

“Pfft. The next block only seems faster. It’s not. The distance is the same; the scenery is all that changes.” He shrugs, opens the box, and grabs a slice. He takes a bite but immediately spits it out. “Yep, too fucking hot. I know it’s a lame complaint, but I’m starving.”

“Patience is a virtue.” I laugh.

He tilts his head, watching me. “You should do more of that.”

“Deliver proverbs from my balcony?” I ask, though I know he means letting loose—laughing, smiling, enjoying life.

We share a moment.

My gaze drifts over him, and I notice he’s still in the suit he wore earlier. It’s a textured cashmere silk that fits him perfectly. I can still smell his lingering scent on my skin. If we could just talk, maybe we’d find common ground instead of trying to tear each other apart.

I clear my throat. “Do you?—”

“Fuck off, Calloway.” He smirks, cutting me off before I can finish.

“Only if you fuck off first,” I retort, walking inside and gently shutting the window.

I attempt to drown my worries in rosé and take several big gulps.

Banks looked at me like he was hungry for more than just pizza. I know I wasn’t imagining it.

I pick up my phone, return to LuxLeaks, and finish the rest of the article.

Asher, if you’re reading this, I believe what you’re doing publicly is performative. I’m not convinced you two have ever had a private moment together. I guess this is me saying prove it because I’m overly skeptical, but I know you won’t.

Edited to add: Proven wrong. Asher’s response.

Sounds of zooming cars echo off my building. I chug more wine and click the hyperlink, which opens my Instagram app and takes me straight to the photo on his account.

“What?” I whisper, realizing I’m no longer blocked.

My mouth drops open when I spot the picture of us in the hallway, but my hair and his profile cover my face. His fist is buried in my strands, showcasing his big hand and plump lips close to my ear. His gorgeous face steals the show, eyes closed. The photo radiates intensity, much like the moment itself .

“Oh no,” I whisper, realizing he just sealed the deal.

If he can convince LadyLux …

I swallow hard, staring at the photo, recalling how his warm breath felt against my ear and the way his voice rumbled in his throat. My thighs instinctively squeeze together. I sit up straight, my breathing becoming erratic as I read the caption, meant for me— Pretending you don’t exist .

Butterflies swarm in my stomach.

I scroll down to the comments and notice some accounts even tagged me. Most of the comments mention me directly. My face flushes crimson, and my entire body feels like it’s on fire. I stand and pace my living room, having a full-blown panic attack as I scroll. He posted it thirty-five minutes ago, and it already has thousands of comments.

The hair grab … wow.

Tap out, girl. I’ll trade you.

Is this how you let the world know you’re secretly together?

This woman has a choice between a literal prince or Asher. I honestly don’t know who I’d pick .

I’m convinced Billie Calloway is God’s favorite.

This was tonight at Diamond! OMG, does Louis know?

I bet Josh Lustre didn’t see that coming. Yikes.

Thank God! I was hoping she’d choose you. Prince Louis is a douche!

This is the only time I’ve ever seen a hair out of place on her head.

This will take over the internet tomorrow.

The comments continue on for what feels like a mile.

My jaw locks tight, and I feel my temper rising as a soft knock echoes on my door.

I set my phone down, happy for the escape as I move to answer it .

I glance through the peephole, hoping it’s Harper because she randomly stops by. But it’s not my best friend. It’s my mortal enemy.

Banks.