Page 4

Daisy

The past has claws, and sometimes, it digs in when I least expect it. Tonight, it happens the moment I see Lucas Moreau across the ballroom.

He stands near the bar, effortlessly charming a group of sponsors, his polished smile exactly as I remember. For a moment, I can’t breathe. My grip tightens around the delicate stem of my champagne glass, and I remind myself that I am not that girl anymore. The one who let him into my life, only to watch him walk away when something better came along.

But of course, fate has a twisted sense of humor, because tonight isn’t just any night. It’s Finn and my grand debut as the perfect skating couple. A lie wrapped in designer fabric and sparkling smiles.

I feel Finn before I see him, the warmth of his body as he leans in close. “You look like you’re about to set something on fire. Should I be worried?”

His voice is low, teasing, but there’s an undertone of awareness. Finn doesn’t miss much.

I force a smile, lifting my champagne. “Just ruminating.”

Finn follows my line of sight, his expression sharpening when he spots Lucas. “Ah. The ex-boytoy.”

I bristle. “Don’t call him that.”

“What should I call him? The asshole who let you go?” Finn smirks. “Not that I’m complaining. His loss.”

I shoot him a warning glance, but before I can retort, a photographer approaches. “Can we get a shot of the two of you? Maybe something cozy?” His emphasis makes my stomach twist.

Finn doesn’t hesitate. He turns to me, sliding an arm around my waist, tugging me flush against his side. His touch is steady and effortless as if we’ve been doing this for years. “Smile for the cameras, sweetheart.”

I do. It’s what I was trained to do, but the heat of Finn’s palm against my bare back is very real, and when I glance up at him, something flickers behind his gaze—something dangerous.

“You’re enjoying this,” I murmur through my practiced smile.

Finn’s lips barely move. “Immensely.”

Lucas chooses that exact moment to appear. “Daisy,” he says smoothly, his French accent still sharp around the edges. “You look stunning, as always.”

Finn’s grip on my waist tightens imperceptibly.

I steel myself before facing Lucas. “Lucas.” My voice is even, cool. “I see you’re still charming sponsors like your life depends on it.”

He chuckles, unbothered. “It’s a skill. You should know. You’ve always been good at playing the part.” His gaze flickers to Finn, amusement dancing in his eyes. “Though I have to say, you do have a type.”

My stomach twists.

Finn tilts his head, sensing the shift in me. “Oh? What type is that?” His voice is deceptively casual, but there’s a sharpness beneath it.

Lucas smirks. “Ambitious. Willing to do whatever it takes to win. Even if it means pretending.”

Finn chuckles, dark and low. “Funny,” he muses. “I was just about to say the same about you. Except Daisy? She doesn’t have to pretend with me.” He leans down, brushing his lips just below my ear. “And trust me, Moreau, she’s a very dedicated partner.”

Heat explodes across my skin. Lucas stiffens, and for once, he doesn’t have a quick response. My breath catches as Finn pulls away, his expression infuriatingly smug.

“Shall we, babe?” Finn says, holding out his hand.

I should be annoyed that he just turned the tables so effortlessly, but as I take his hand, letting him lead me away, all I can think about is how, for the first time in years, Lucas Moreau was left speechless.

And Finn Sullivan? Finn might be playing a role, but he plays to win, and this time I won’t let my heart get broken.