Page 81 of Dark Reign

“I’m done,” I grumbled, turning to face them when avoidance failed. “In exactly two minutes, I have to bleed myself dry to make amends with the Dynasty thanks to you two thinking it wise to meddle in my personal life. So, I’m sure you’ll forgive me for not jumping to hear whatever scheme you concocted last night.”

Levi’s mouth parted to respond, but a sharp look from my father halted him. The expression was meant to remind us that we were being watched, and ifhenoticed that our conversation had turned heated, others would as well.

“After the press conference, you’ll hear us out,” Levi asserted, retreating with the others to a dark corner just out of my line of sight.

I was still trying to rid myself of the frustration brought on by their relentlessness when two sets of light footsteps approached from behind. The sound commanded my attention.

Turning, I laid eyes on Corina just as hers landed on me. She took my breath away, despite the trouble she’d caused—both knowingly and unwittingly. She was certainly taller than most women, her figure elongated by slim-fitting, gray trousers that tied at the waist. A sheer, white blouse left her arms exposed—a decision I was certain had been Elle’s doing. While, yes, the outfit was fashionable, it was functional as well.

Today’s conference served a purpose, and if we meant to pass Corina off as my Doll, myproperty, she’d have to look the part without question. Dolls were subservient, docile, and proudly boasted their marks for the world to see. Having her mark exposed would at least give her thelookwe intended to achieve.

Her personality, the defiance that was both admirable and maddening, was another story.

I could only hope she didn’t hang me out to dry today, exposing usbothfor the frauds we were. Me, a man coerced into following his heart straight over a cliff. Corina, persona non grata, an enigma I was certain did not belong here.

Elle had kept her hidden in a private lounge per my request. The idea was to shield her from the harsh realities my world would undoubtedly hurl at her sooner or later. It was unnatural to be so concerned with the wellbeing of a human, although, thanks to Silas’ and Levi’s admission, I now understood why. Still, my comprehension of Silas’ gift only confirmed what I already knew.

My deepening feelings for her—as raw and reckless as they may be—were real.

Corina peered up beneath long lashes, flashing her warm, brown irises my way. The gentleness I think she meant to conceal drew a deep breath from my lungs. Had it not been for my gaze shifting to Elle, noting the loaded smile she wore while glancing between Corina and I, I might not have realized how obvious I’d been. Clearing my throat, I forced myself to look elsewhere when I spoke. Unfortunately,‘elsewhere’happened to be my father’s inquisitive expression as he observed Corina and I together.

“We shouldn’t be up there more than ten minutes,” I assured her, peeling my gaze away from my father, to stare at the podium just beyond the curtain. “They’ll ask a few questions, snap a few photos, then it will all be over.”

At the mention of there being photos, a blinding flash went off beside us.

I watched her reaction, noted how her chest heaved as she nodded. She hated this, the attention. Even if I hadn’t detected the hint of perspiration beading around her hairline, I still wouldn’t have missed that my words brought her no comfort.

“They’ll only want to hear from me, so just … stay close.”

“I can do that,” she breathed, shaking both hands at her sides, as if she hoped to rid herself of the nervousness.

The glowing, digital numbers counting down above us meant we had less than thirty-seconds to prepare ourselves for what was to come. So, in the heat of the moment, watching as she did her best to be brave, I acted purely on impulse, the same whim that seemed to bring her needs front and center.

I reached for her hand.

It was impossible not to glance toward my father when I did, and the disapproving look he passed was enough to make me turn away from him.

But not enough to make me let her go.

My gaze locked with Corina’s again, and the warmth of her palm pressed against mine was all I focused on at that moment.

“I can’t say for certain how this will end, but you have my word that I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you safe.”

She passed a curious look my way the moment I finished speaking. Perhaps she wondered why I’d make such a promise, why I’d bother worrying whether she’d be safe or not.

The truth was that I had no excuse whatsoever. These feelings just … were.

With her tucked against my side as her body tremored, my name was announced. The clock had run out. For however long it took to convince the people of our innocence … it was Corina and I standing alone.

Us against the world.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

Corina

There were so many watching, in this room and beyond.

The broadcast was being televised worldwide. Meaning, today, I’d just become the posterchild for one of the biggest scandals in Ianite history.

---