Page 45 of The Fake Play

“You… you set me up?”

“No, of course not!” I drop my purse on the kitchen counter. “I’m trying to control the narrative, Luke. Paparazzi can be our enemy, or they can be our friend. Tonight should have showcased the story of a happy new couple. Instead, it’s going to highlight a meathead and the girl who can barely keep him under control!”

“Why didn’t you?—”

My phone rings, cutting him off. The only people not silenced are Luke, Michael, and Whitney, so I pick up immediately, putting her on speaker. “Hello?”

“Care to explain?” Whitney asks sharply.

“He didn’t know they’d be there.”

“Why not?”

“Yeah, tell her why not!” he says.

I sigh. “Because he worries his acting chops are not up to snuff, so I thought some romantic candid shots would be good.”

They both blow out an annoyed breath. “Next time, clue him in. We cannot afford another mistake,” she says bitterly. The line goes dead.

“You should have told me,” he mutters, his head in his hands. “Now I look like an asshole.”

“This isn't just about you. It's about our image and the charity event. We need to show people that we are a united front, not ones who fly off the handle. I get that you feel like you need to prove that you're a big, strong man, and that it's an ego stroke for you to attack?—”

“I didn’t do it for my damn ego. All I wanted was to protect you, Keke. A man is supposed to protect the people he cares about.”

The admission hangs in the air. My breath hitches as I process his words, and something cracks in my chest. “Luke…”

He stands and takes my face in his hands. His lips brush against mine in a soft kiss, igniting a flame within me I hadn't anticipated, not so soon after seeing him act like a caveman. I lean into him, caught up in the moment. It’s been a while since our night of wild sex. Neither of us have made a move since then.

I figured he wasn’t interested anymore so I hadn’t tried, but right now, I want this as much as he does. I have to keep my head clear, however, so I push him away. “The other night was purely physical, right?”

“Not for me.” The earnestness in his voice digs deep. “I like you, Keke. I like you in a way that's more than just physical.”

My heart skips a beat as my instinct to protect myself takes over. “Letting emotions settle in will screw us both. I won't risk that.”

“Fine. But you can't tell me to turn off my feelings.”

I swallow hard, unsure what to do with that confession. “You keep saying I'm your boss, so here it is. Unless I say otherwise, there is no fighting, no aggression. You will be sweet and friendly, and nothing else.”Especially with me.

His gaze sharpens. “I had too much of an adrenaline jolt tonight. The only way that's coming down is if I pick a fight with some asshole in a bar, or I exhaust myself on your body. You choose.”

Heat washes over me and I struggle to maintain my composure. Our hook up had been the best sex of my life. Every part of my body wants me to say yes to this but I know better. “We can't do that again. It’s too complicated.”

He gives me those puppy dog eyes and my heart melts. He steps closer so I step back. One more step and I’m against the wall, trapped. “Think about it.” He comes in closer, nuzzling mycheek. My heart kicks up, thundering in my ears. “What's the harm in a little more fun?”

I shouldn't give in. I know I should keep my guard up but that glint of mischief in his eyes tugs at something deep within me. I want this, again.

But this time, I’m going to make him work for it.

“Only if you promise to keep your temper in check. No more fighting. If you can manage that, I'll consider your proposal.”

“Deal.” He presses himself against me, brushing his lips against mine, sending shivers through me.

“You’re supposed to live up to your end of the bargain first.”

He kisses down my neck. “Do you really want me to stop? I promise, I’ll be a good boy. Just as soon as I’m done being a bad one. Say yes.”

I can’t deny that every moment with him pulls me deeper into this mess of feelings. Suppression had been my only ally. Now what? “Yes.”

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