Page 17 of The Billionaire's Fan

A wave of contentment washed over me. The night we spent together last night was amazing, and now, in the early morning light, everything felt even more surreal. I reach across the table, taking her hand in mine.

“This place is so cute,” she said, glancing around the cafe. “How did you find this place?”

“I was hungover and had a craving for a croissant. Stumbled my way around the corner and I haven’t left since.” I grin,pulling my coffee to my lips. “I’m glad you like it. It’s one of my favorite spots. Perfect for quiet mornings and tasty treats.”

The serene morning didn’t last long. As we finished our breakfast and prepared to leave, my phone buzzed with an alert. I glance at it, and my expression shifts. “Looks like we’ve been made out.”

“Huh?” she looks up from her plate of fruit with confusion.

“I just got an alert that there are paparazzi set up outside on the sidewalk and across the street.”

Jordyn’s eyes widen, a mixture of anxiety and disbelief flashing across her face. “How?”

“It doesn’t take much,” I reply, reaching across the table and giving her a reassuring squeeze of her hand. “Someone must have recognized me and tipped them off. Just keep your head down, say nothing, and we’ll rush past.”

I send a text to my agent and a few moments later; he replies.

“A car will be here in two minutes. Just stay close to me, and we’ll be fine. The car will drive us around a few blocks before returning to the house.”

She nods, worrying her bottom lip.

Once I received the text that the car was outside, I stood, rounded the table, and held out my hand to her.

Used to the chaos, I wrap my arm protectively around her shoulders, guiding her through the crowd with a practiced ease. I kept my head down, offering only a brief, polite response to the barrage of questions. Jordyn seemed to tremble in my arms.

Asher. Over here.

Asher! Who’s this woman?

Asher, what’s her name?

Asher, what happened to Serena?

Asher, will you be staying in Empire Bay?

Asher! Asher! Asher!

With my guidance, we make our way to the waiting car, the driver swiftly opening the door for us. Once inside, the noise of the paparazzi was muffled, leaving us in a relative quietness, despite the commotion.

“Are you okay?” I ask her softly, my voice steady.

She nods, though her grip on my hand remains tight. “I’ll be fine. Just… a bit much to take in.”

Even though she’s not looking at me, I offer her a reassuring smile. “I know it’s overwhelming. I’m sorry. I didn’t think going out to breakfast would incur a crowd.”

She takes a deep breath and looks at me. “I don’t know how you deal with that all the time. It’s so intense.”

“It’s part of the job,” I reply. “But I’m so sorry you had to experience it like that. I promise you, it won’t always be that crazy. I usually just embrace it. Smile and move on.”

“Maybe crazier?” she jokes.

“It can be, from time to time. But honestly, it’s probably a big deal because you're the first woman that I’ve been in public with since my ex.”

“Is that Serena or something?”

“Yes. We broke up last year. Kept most of it out of the public.”

“That makes sense. Well, as long as you can shield me or walk me through the processes of the paparazzi, then I’m sure I can handle it.”

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