Page 129 of Prickly Romance

I want to pat her shoulders, but I cannot risk looking as though I approve of her methods. Especially since they cost the foundation so much.

“If only we had a way to rattle the reporter’s cage,” Nova says. “A bargaining chip.”

Dejonae jumps in her seat. “Holy crap.”

I raise a hand to steady her but, she settles down on her own. When she takes her seat, she is sitting closer to me than before.

“I have evidence.” Taking out her phone, Dejonae plays a voice recording. “I learned from my sister to always record interviews. Especially if you’re being recorded too. I didn’t take off the recording until I got home.”

My eyes gleam. “Good work.”

She smirks, making her lips look so delectable it causes a physical pang inside me. For the hundredth time, I want to lean down and nibble on her mouth.

Almost as badly as I want Nova to wave her PR wand and fix this nightmare of a scandal.

“Dejonae, forward that recording to me. I’ll speak to the reporter and make sure she understands the ramifications of what happens if this recording gets out.” Nova pulls out her phone and taps furiously. “Sazuki, you said you’d worked out a deal with the magazine, right?”

“Yes, Beverly is to post an article refuting all the gossip and writing a glowing review about the foundation and its instructors.”

“That won’t be enough. We need to change the narrative. Bury this under positive PR.” Nova rubs her chin. Then her eyes latch onto me. “How do you feel about doing a performance?”

“I do not perform anymore,” I say sternly.

“Not for an audience. That would take too much time and we need something fast.” Nova waves the thought away. “Something low-key here at The Sazuki Foundation. We’ll use your fame to get people to click on our post and then we’ll ask the parents’ permission to share videos of the students learning music. You would be the lure. The kids would be the hook. We need people to see why the foundation’s mission is important to get them on our side again.”

“I think it’s a good idea,” Dejonae says.

“If you think so, then I will do it.” I nod.

“Just because I said so?”

“You have evidence against Miss Beverly that would clear your name. If you released that recording, everyone would know that you were not the villain in the scenario.” I give her an understanding look. “But you are choosing to be quiet about it even if it is against your nature. You are making a sacrifice for the good of the foundation. If you can do so, I can do the same.”

“Are you saying you learned something from me, Mr. Sazuki?” She nudges me in the shoulder. “Be careful. You might actually start to seem human.”

“What did you think I was before? A beast?”

Her eyes crinkle. “No comment.”

There it is again.

That spark of electricity. It dances in the silence between us.

Nova slides a suspicious glance at me. “Since you’ve already handled the magazine editor, I will handle the reporter. Look forward to a glowing review in the next magazine issue. Sazuki, I will need a recording of the performances by tomorrow so I can release it along with the article. We need to move fast so this doesn’t get any more out of hand.”

I rise when she does. “Nova.”

“Yes?”

I glance down at Dejonae. “Do I have to play alone?”

She follows the line of my gaze. “No, I don’t think you have to. In fact, playing along with an instructor might show just how… close of a bond you all have here at The Sazuki Foundation.”

I start to walk her out.

“No need to see me out, Sazuki.” She gives me a curt nod. “Look forward to my update.”

“I will.” I dip my head.

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