Page 86 of From the Moment We Met

He could see Lilly considering his words, weighing the truth versus the appearance, and she softened. “That’s horrible.”

“Which part?”

“That someone would dangle your dream role over you, requiring you to make unrelated payments to be considered for something you have enough talent to play in your sleep.” Lilly stared at her hands as if deciding whether to forgive him. “You’re not together, even though she’s here tonight? And I’m not some naive, idiotic homewrecker for what happened on the balcony?”

Jacob caressed her cheek, his lips touching her neck and softly tonguing circles there. God, this must be what heaven tastes like. “You’re beautiful and what happened on that balcony was one of the most thrilling moments I’ve ever experienced. I could kiss you forever.”

“Sabina told me about your situation, but after the way you ran to Victoria tonight, I thought you wanted to have your cake and eat it too.” Lilly bit her bottom lip, her uncertainty evident.

“I’m sorry I took off so quickly, but I wanted to ensure Victoria toed the line. She was less than thrilled with me earlier tonight when I refused to escort her, and she is not beyond telling cruel lies in public. I had to protect you. You’re too important to me.” Jacob realized how true his words were, yet how unafraid he was of their connotation.

“You promise?” Her eyes glistened, and Jacob’s heart sank at the pain in their depths. “I want to believe you, as ridiculous as your situation is, but I’m terrified I’ll wind up the fool.”

“I promise it’s not real. I pretend I’m enchanted by Victoria while we’re here and then she goes her way, and I go mine. The only woman I’m truly enchanted by is you. I’m asking a tremendous amount for you to understand this inane situation, but I have to ask.”

Lilly shook her head, her laugh dry. “It wouldn’t be the first time someone had to pretend to like someone to move ahead. It’s the way of the world. I know what this role means to you. I won’t get in the way of that.” She paused, avoiding his gaze. “You’d better get back out there, she’s about to perform. It wouldn’t do for you to be skulking in the corner with me.”

He pressed his lips to her forehead, unsure how he’d been lucky enough to come across the last true lady in England. “I promise this will be over soon. I want to see you later, after this…I need to see you tonight.” He brought her fingers to his lips, sucking them gently. “Let me show you how much you mean to me. I’ll beg if need be.”

Lilly chuckled, but it rang hollow. “We’ll see, one obstacle at a time.”

Jacob trudged back to the central ballroom, listening to Victoria’s pitch to the crowd about the charity. Victoria possessed a knack for public speaking, and so far, she was on point. She then belted out one of her hits, and the crowd went wild, but Jacob’s focus was on Lilly. He caught sight of her across the room, leaning against a column, and it took everything in him to not cross that floor and sweep her into his arms.

He’d never experienced such a powerful desire, an almost insatiable need when he looked at her. Jacob had his pick of women, but Lilly captivated his mind and heart. She was the epitome of grace, complete with a wicked sense of humor and fierce loyalty to those she loved. However, Jacob was beginning to realize her outer layer was thin and underneath was a woman hiding brutal emotional wounds.

Victoria’s song ended to thunderous applause, and Jacob clapped, smiling as partygoers commented on his talented girlfriend. Victoria coveted the mic—and the adoration—as she began personally identifying charity members responsible for the evening. She mentioned every board member, but never said a word about Lilly.

Jacob’s jaw slackened, horrified that she failed to mention the person who spearheaded everything. She was provided a list of names, so her decision was deliberate and when Victoria’s eyes found Jacob, her smile bordered on a sneer. She was no fool. She knew how important Lilly was to him and now, she would make them both pay.

“There’s my wonderful man, the impeccably talented Jacob Edmonton. Come up here, darling.”

Jacob shook his head, his fists clenched. He would take the microphone and bring Lilly the attention she deserved for her work. He smiled at the crowd as he climbed the stage, shocked when Victoria pulled him into a deep and public kiss.

Jacob startled at her tongue in his mouth, her hands holding his head in place. Jacob broke free but Victoria’s appetite wasn’t satiated, she pulled him back, throwing herself into his arms.

Finally, Victoria pulled away and kissed him on the neck, asking the crowd, “Isn’t he wonderful? Anything you want to say, sweetheart?” Her eyes flashed a warning to play the game.

Jacob took the microphone as he tried to find his bearings. “Victoria saved the most important person for last. I want to bring your attention to Lilly Staver. Without her hard work and dedication, none of this would be possible.” He searched the crowd, but Lilly was gone.

Patrons looked around the ballroom, their gazes questioning at Lilly’s sudden disappearance.

“Perhaps she’s on another rescue run. Let’s get back to the music!” Victoria snatched the microphone from Jacob’s hand. She went to kiss him again, but Jacob held her off as her lips drew into an angry snarl. “I want a kiss, sweetheart.”

“Not in a million years, that was never part of our deal. You don’t touch me again,” Jacob seethed.

Suddenly she laughed. “You’re quite fond of your little trollop, aren’t you?” Her fingers hooked his belt loops and he flung her off, his fists clenching.

Their heated exchange was attracting attention, but Jacob didn’t care. “Lilly’s every inch a lady.”

“She’s a step down, if you ask me. But I suppose everyone is entitled to go slumming once in a while.”

“Don’t say another word about her. My relationship is none of your business.”

Victoria’s laugh made his skin crawl. “Your relationship? That’s a laugh. Well, if your relationship with that skank is so important, I guess you won’t have any issue walking away from your dream acting role, will you?”

And just like that, Victoria threw down the gauntlet. It was Jacob’s ultimate test. And judging from her narrowed, scornful stare, she knew how Jacob would react to her ultimatum.

The only trouble was, she was dead wrong. “If that’s what it takes to keep Lilly in my life and you out of it, then consider my interest in the role rescinded.”

---