Page 75 of Knights Game

“No, Layla, the mask is in place. It’s almost game time, I suggest you find yours.” He’s practically sneering at me.

“Talk about whiplash,” I mutter and turn towards the window.

Game face.

I can do this, I’ve got this.

“Katy will be joining us.”

I whip back around in surprise. “What? Why?”

“I figured you’d appreciate an ally.”

“Is she in danger?”

“No,” he says resolutely. “Roman is picking her up and will drop her off after. We need to sell this—” he points between us “—to her as much to anyone else, otherwise she puts herself and you at risk.”

“And what about you?”

“What about me?”

“Won’t she put you at risk?”

“Careful, sunshine, anyone would think you were worried about me.” His grin is smug, and I want to smack it off his face.

I shrug and take a sip of champagne. “Not worried about you, more worried about the fact that if anything happens to you, I can say goodbye to my protection. Our fates are aligned now.”

He looks past me as the limousine slows. “I guess they are. We’re here.”

“What the hell?” I say in wonder as the limo pulls up underneath the overhanging awning of a large hotel. “Are those paparazzi?”

“It’s a big event.” He shrugs. “What were you expecting?”

“I dunno, like some seedy affair. This is—”

“Prestigious.”

“I can’t do this, Luca,” I say in a panic. “Look at all the cameras, and the people. Th- This isn’t me.”

“Sunshine.” He squeezes my hand. “You’ve got this.” The car pulls to a stop, and the driver jumps out. “It will be just like a walk through the park.”

“What parks do you go to?” I reply and he chuckles.

“Just follow my lead. Now smile.” I pull a weird face. “Try again without looking like you’re about to shit yourself.”

“I am about to shit myself,” I mutter, allowing myself to smile as he tucks my hair behind my ear.

“See, perfect.” He kisses my forehead before the door to the car opens and he climbs out to the wild flashing lights of cameras.

I scoot across the seat, and slowly climb out of the car, careful not to fall on my arse. His hand is there, and I grip it, before looping my arm through his.

“Ready.” He looks down at me.

“As I’ll ever be.” I gulp in a breath and keep my eyes on the darkness of his, reflecting the lights of the cameras that flash around us.

“And smile.” He turns his attention to the crowd, and I’m mesmerised, watching the mask fall in real time, the light-hearted Luca, gone, replaced by Luca Knight, the cold, calculating, businessman and criminal. His eyes turn cold, his mouth tilts into a neutral expression and he leads us up the steps that are shrouded in gold carpet towards the reception area in the hotel.

People arrive around us in streams, couples, small groups, singles, all dressed in beautiful and expensive clothes. The doormen waiting in their meticulously pressed black suits.

---