Page 128 of These White Lies

My pulse stutters.

I must give something away because Ray makes an excuse about finding the bar and moves us away to an empty spot nearby. His mouth lowers to my ear so only I can hear. “Are you nervous?”

“A little,” I admit.

“You’re trembling.” He places a comforting hand on my forearm. I hadn’t noticed the faint shake until he drew attention to it.

“Cold?”

I straighten, forcing the quiver out of my body with sheer will. “Just taking it all in.”

“Good girl.” He smirks. “Can’t have people saying my date is scared of me.”

I choke out a small laugh. “Definitely bad for the reputation of a womanizer.”

Ray presses a hand to his chest. “You wound me, darling. I’m doing a good job so far, aren’t I?”

I smile at that, a genuine one. “Yes. Thank you.”

“Excellent. So, you’ll say nice things about me to the family, right? Help smooth things over?”

“If it comes up,” I say archly.

Ray barks out a laugh. “Damn. I didn’t expect to like you.”

A man in his early thirties steps into our path as we turn from the bar, champagne in my hand, a glass of water in Ray’s. The man’s pale, slicked-back hair and smug expression smack of entitlement. His watery, blue eyes drag over me with deliberate slowness before snapping to Ray and he claps a hand on Ray’s shoulder.

“I’ve got some special VIPs I need you to greet.” He doesn’t even glance my way.

Ray doesn’t move. His grin turns almost mockingly indulgent as the man’s fingers tighten on his shoulder, a silent test of strength against a world champion.

“I’ll get to all my fans, don’t worry.” Ray’s smile is sharp, and for a heartbeat I see Brady in him—the same charm masking something harder underneath.

“Elizabeth Gowan, meet Seth Wyland,” Ray says. “Seth is one of the sponsors of the charity match.”

Seth stiffens. Recognition flickers across his face, and his eyes narrow. He knows who I am.

I mask the icy sensation trailing down my spine.

“You’re an entertainment lawyer.”

“I am. Though I don’t think we’ve met.” My glass rises to my lips, cover for the quick swallow I need.

His gaze cuts to Ray. “How do the two of you know each other?” His tone attempts idle curiosity, but his coiled body betrays him

“Mutual friend,” Ray answers easily. “Elizabeth heard about the party and asked if I could bring her.”

“Really?” Seth’s eyes are flat when they meet mine and vaguely reptilian.

The sips of champagne are sloshing in my stomach, but I keep my best social smile on my face. “I thought it’d be an excellent opportunity. A lot of influential people within these walls tonight. Too good to miss.” I smile sweetly. “Hopefully, find some common ground.”

His stare bores into me, but I don’t flinch, even as Ray shifts slightly in front of me. I squeeze his arm to let him know I’m okay. I can handle this.

“You’re extremely honest.” The sound Seth makes could pass for a chuckle, though there’s no humor in it. “Most people pretend they aren’t here to trade favors.”

“It’s always important to network.” My tone is dry, but inside, I’m shaking.

Seth purses his lips and cocks his head to the side. “You know… I think I’ve heard Anna mention you before.”