Page 21 of Deadly Wolf Bite

“Which means I should answer some of them—strategically, of course.”

“That might be smart,” I agree, proud of her for catching on to this fucked-up game so quickly.

“We want them to like me,” she says, but it comes out like a question, and I sense her nerves returning.

I take her hand again, turning it over and smoothing her palm with my thumb. “We want them to like us,” I correct. “They’re going to love you, no question.”

She looks reassured for a moment, but then the car pulls to a stop in front of the venue and the cameras begin flashing. Even through the tinted glass of the back window, it annoys me. Growing up on display wasn’t easy, but having to put the woman I love through it is so much worse. The fact that it’s necessary only makes me angry at myself.

Lexi looks at them with trepidation but doesn’t flinch. “I guess that’s our cue.”

I climb out of the car first, reaching back for Lexi. Her grip is firm as I lead her through the small crowd already waiting for us outside the restaurant. Security is doubled tonight, and my father’s men press in close, creating a protective wall. Reporters snap pictures at an alarming speed as I push past as gently as I can. They also toss questions at us rapid-fire.

“What designer are you wearing?”

“What do you think of Indigo Hills?”

“Will you live in the penthouse or at Franco’s once you’re married?”

Most of them are easy to ignore.

“Who has a worse temper—Vincenzo or you?”

That one is aimed at me, but I don’t acknowledge it.

“What does Vincenzo think of your work history?”

That one’s clearly for Lexi, but she doesn’t respond. I bite back the urge to shove the asshole who said it. This game relies on both of us keeping our cool.

Don’t be reckless.

“Have you decided on a location for the ceremony yet?”

“What does Franco say about your engagement?”

“Are you and your grandfather close?”

Lexi pauses at that last one. She meets my eyes, and a slow but sure smile spreads across her gorgeous face. She turns to the journalist who asked her the question and gushes, “My grandfather and I are overjoyed at being reunited. We’re getting to know one another slowly, between wedding planning, of course. I’m just so thrilled to have gained two new families.” She puts her other hand on my arm and squeezes affectionately.

The crowd gives a collective “aww,” and just like that, she’s won them over.

“And what about you, Jericho?” the journalist asks. “You were gone for so long. How is it being back home after all this time?”

He’s used my real name, reminding me of who I was before I left. It grates on me, but I hold my composure.

The crowd is silent, waiting.

“I’ve missed it,” I tell them, surprised to realize I mean it. I love this city. Aside from my asshole father and that prick Franco, anyway. Maybe that’s what prompts me to keep going. “Indigo Hills will always be home, but now I get to share it with someone who means the world to me. We’re looking forward to putting roots down here. Together.”

Lexi’s smile is sweet as she looks back at me. The crowd sighs and snaps more photos. Before they can ask anything else, I wrap my arm around Lexi’s waist and whisk her inside.

The maître d’ escorts us to our table without so much as asking my name. I’m used to it, the recognition, but I don’t miss the way Lexi’s brows lift.

At the table, a woman rises to greet us. And even though she’s a welcome sight, I stiffen for a moment at her unexpected presence. Lexi does the same, though her polite expression never wavers.

“Surprise,” my mother says with a genuine smile. She stands to greet us, sparkling in a silver gown, and gestures to the two empty chairs across from her. “I’m sorry. I hope I’m not intruding,” she adds. “If I am, please tell me to go.”

“Of course not,” I say, glad for the distraction. Not just for me but for Lexi too.

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