Page 7 of My Hired Valentine

“I’m out, dude!” William says, throwing his hands in the air. “But I’m getting what you’re putting down. Good for you. That guy is a horse’s ass.”

Someone taps a microphone, announcing it’s time to get seated for dinner. I offer Violet my arm, and she takes it, though she doesn’t look happy.

“This is not what we talked about,” she whispers through a forced smile.

“You’re right,” I say, kissing her temple again. “But, babe, you need me right now, and I’m going to be here for you.”

CHAPTER 7

Violet

The dining hall glows with soft light, and the low hum of conversation and clinking glasses create a sophisticated backdrop. Dex pulls my chair out for me, his hand grazing my lower back as I sit down. It’s a small gesture but sends a shiver up my spine. How does he do that? Every touch feels deliberate, protective…intimate.

I’m not sure how much of this is fake anymore.

“Let me know if I need to switch seats with you,” Dex murmurs as he slides into the chair beside me. His dark eyes flicker toward Harris, who’s conveniently seated directly across from us.

“I’ll be fine,” I whisper back, trying to summon a confidence I don’t quite feel. The way Harris looks at me like he’s already undressed me in his mind makes my stomach twist.

“So, Violet,” Harris says, leaning forward as he spears a cherry tomato with his fork. “You’ve been holding out on us. Never mentioned you were seeing someone. And there isn’t aring on your finger.” His voice is oily, the words slithering out like they’re meant to trap me.

“It’s new,” I reply smoothly, placing a hand on Dex’s arm for support. His muscles tense under my touch, solid and reassuring. “But it’s… been wonderful.”

Dex glances at me, his lips quirking into a small smile, then turns his attention back to Harris. “When you’ve found someone like Violet, you don’t waste time letting the world know. Ring or no ring.”

There’s a sincerity in his voice that takes me by surprise. For a moment, it’s easy to believe we’re really what he’s saying we are.

“Must be serious then,” Harris drawls, leaning back in his chair. His eyes linger on me, and I tighten my grip on Dex’s arm.

“Very,” Dex answers, his tone leaving no room for argument. “In fact, I’m planning on making it permanent the moment she says yes.”

I whip my head toward him, my mouth dropping open slightly. “Honey…” I start, but Dex cuts me off with a look that says,Trust me.

“Is that so?” Harris’s smirk falters for the briefest second before he recovers. “Well, congratulations. I’ll have to make a toast later.”

Dex’s hand slides down to cover mine on his arm, his thumb brushing over my knuckles. “We’d appreciate that,” he says with an easy smile, but I can feel the tension coiled in him.

The rest of the table shifts the conversation to safer topics, but the weight of Harris’s stare lingers. By the time the salads are cleared, I’m ready to crawl out of my skin.

“Excuse us for a moment,” Dex says suddenly, standing and offering me his hand. His expression is calm, but his eyes tell me there’s no room for debate.

I take his hand, letting him lead me out of the hall and onto the terrace. The February night air is crisp, and the distant sound of waves crashing against the shore is a soothing contrast to the charged atmosphere inside.

“Dex…” I start, but he holds up a hand.

“I know what you’re going to say. That I’m overstepping. That I’m making this more complicated than it needs to be.” He steps closer, his eyes searching mine. “But you need to understand something. Men like Harris only back off when they know someone is willing to stand in their way. Someone willing to protect what matters.”

My breath catches at the intensity of his gaze. “Dex, I don’t need you to fight my battles for me.”

“Maybe not. But you shouldn’t have to fight them alone,” he says, his voice softer now. “Not when I’m here.”

I glance down at his hand, still holding mine, warmth radiating from his touch. “Why are you doing this?”

His thumb brushes over my knuckles again, a slow, deliberate motion. “Because you deserve better. And maybe…” His lips curve into a faint smile. “Maybe I like you more than I should for a fake boyfriend.”

My heart stutters, and I look away, needing a moment to collect myself. But Dex steps closer, his free hand tilting my chin up so I’m looking at him again.

“If this is too much, tell me now, and I’ll back off. But if even a part of you wants me to stay…” He trails off, his eyes dipping to my lips.

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