"Do not speak unless I give you a cue," Anthony's deep voice whispered close to my ear the moment we entered the elevator.
We were heading to the top floor, where we were told his uncle would be waiting. Was this some kind of private conversation?
Whatever it was, I wasn't sure I felt good about it.
"My uncle has the eyes of an eagle," Anthony said again.
I glanced at him briefly, but his cologne wrapped around me like a warm cloak. And his throat—my God. And why was I staring at those sharp jaws and smoky gaze? His eyes locked onto mine, and even as I flinched, he didn't look away.
Unlike that brief moment on the balcony, he now looked at me with the coldness I'd seen before.
"When you lie to him, you need to lie well."
I nodded. "Very well."
"Did you go through the file? My assistant gave you the details about how we met."
"I did glance at it, but before I could finish..."
"I thought as much," he cut me off, his brow knitting tightly. "When you meet my uncle, you tell him you're a singer, and I met you at the club."
At the club?
A flash zipped through my head—me, holding a mic, singing off-key and drunk… and then this handsome man walking up to me.
HUH.
I shook my head. "That's a lie, Anthony. You want me to lie to your uncle? Isn't he family?"
"Ah, ahh." He glanced at me, then looked straight ahead. "All the more reason you should. I told you—no one has to know this is fake except us."
I gulped. My gaze shifted forward, breath catching, heart pounding. Then I asked the question that had been troubling me.
"Is your uncle dangerous?"
Anthony's voice came light, almost too casual. "What do you expect? He's one of the world's most renowned billionaires… and a politician."
The elevator dinged.
"Avoid him as much as you can," he said.
He stepped out of the elevator, but I remained rooted to the spot. My legs wouldn't move.
Dangerous?
Tell me, why would my father sell me to these people of all people?
I thought I could have a moment of peace, but now I'm swimming with sharks.
No.
I don't want to go.
"Alicia."
I looked up. He stood at the other end—handsome, clean, dangerous. Waiting for me to take his outstretched hand.
"Can I… why don't I wait for you in the car?"
But Anthony wasn't having it. His hand stayed firm, extended, waiting.
"My uncle wants to meet you. If you avoid him today, he'll just find another way. Let's get this over with."
I nodded and stepped out of the elevator. I tried to walk past him, but Anthony groaned.
I glanced up.
His face looked tired.
"Take my hand, Alicia," he said, voice tight with impatience.
Huh. Was that really necessary?
But Anthony didn't back down. So I took it.
And again, I felt it—that jolt.
Why?
We barely know each other.
This is a lie.
So why do my toes curl at the faint mint of his breath and the feel of his strong hands?
We entered the private suite.
Warm light spilled from a chandelier overhead, and another glowed softly from a lamp near the table setting.
There were covered plates, polished cutlery, and neatly folded towels. But my eyes were drawn to the man seated at the far end of the four-seater table.
Marcus Blake.
His hands were clasped neatly on the table. His eyes narrowed at me—he didn't even glance at Anthony.
Then, unexpectedly, he smiled and stretched out a hand.
"Come, come. Sit next to me."
I froze, instinctively moving closer to Anthony.
"She stays with me," Anthony said, stepping beside the table. He didn't sit, only stared down at his uncle. "What game are you playing, Marcus?"
Marcus's dark gaze met his nephew's. The smile vanished.
"One my young nephew started." He picked up a glass of champagne and took a slow sip. "Tell me, when did you get engaged? And why was I not informed?"
Anthony clicked his tongue. "My private life is none of your business."
The hair on the back of my hands rose as the tension thickened.
But his uncle only laughed it off, then turned his gaze on me.
"You're going to be dealing with that attitude? Tell me, where did you even meet him?"
Wanting nothing more than to crawl into bed and disappear, I blurted out, "At the club. I was singing... and then he came up to me with a dri—drink."
I glanced at Anthony, silently begging for help, but his attention stayed locked on his uncle.
I swallowed hard. "It was... love at first sight."
Anthony's grip on my hand tightened.
"Love," his uncle echoed, eyes darkening.
What? What did I say wrong? I thought I could say we were in love—that's the point, isn't it?
"We need to talk," Marcus said finally. "Alone."
Anthony nodded. "Wait here, Alicia."
The two men stood—tall, sharp, and powerful. They moved into the inner suite, the door closing behind them with a quiet finality.
I clasped my hands tightly, my heels pressing into the floor. Curiosity grew like a vine inside me until I couldn't ignore it. I rose quietly and stepped toward the door, leaning in to eavesdrop.
"What do you think you're doing?" his uncle's voice thundered. "Bringing a woman to your side? Do you understand how dangerous the world is? A public engagement?"
"I can handle the sharks," Anthony replied, calm and cold as ever.
The sharks? Who were they talking about?
"They won't just come for you, Anthony. She'll be in danger too. Is this a game? Why drag her into it?"
My breath caught. Danger? What danger? What were they hiding?
"She's mine to protect," Anthony said, his voice rising for the first time.
His uncle let out a bitter chuckle. "Does she know? About this little game you're playing? That she's your shield? That she's this?"
"She's not a shield," Anthony growled.
It was rare—his voice cracking under emotion. But then it softened, barely audible, and if I hadn't been pressed so close to the door, I might've missed it.
"She's my wall."
I stepped back.
"You're making a mistake," his uncle said, still clearly displeased.
"I'll protect her," Anthony replied firmly. "So stay out of it."
I didn't want to hear more. Quietly, I slipped away from the door and returned to my seat. My heart raced. My palms were damp.
When they stepped out moments later, I said nothing—just stared at the floor until the words tumbled from my lips.
"I want to go home."
Thank heavens, Anthony didn't hesitate.