Page 18 of In Love with a Ruthless Man

Meanwhile, Fawn was doing her best to come up with an excuse—-

And failing.

“I...I...”

The prince raised a brow. “Yes?”

“The party’s going to make you—-” Fawn paused in a panic. It was so hard to lie under pressure!

The prince waved a negligent hand, murmuring silkily, “Go on.”

Giving up on logic and rationality, she blurted out the first thing that came to mind. “The party’s going to make you the subject of rumors again.” She mentally sighed in relief. That had turned out more plausible than she expected.

Turning to the prince, she said firmly, “I’m just concerned, prince. Seriously.”

The prince drawled, “How touching.” What an adorablly inept liar she was, seriously.

Warming up to the subject, Fawn continued, “And because I’d like to protect you from these rumors, I thought it would be a good idea if I work overtime—-”

“A nice idea—-”

She brightened.

“Unfortunately, I have to refuse.”

Frustration had her bursting out, “But that’s so unfair. You’re letting Paula stay, and she’s younger than I am. Then there—-”

The prince said very pleasantly, “Fawn.”

Holy sweet crap.Her courage disappeared in a flash. Whenever he used that coldly charming Prince of Darkness tone with her, the one that promised ecstasy even while he slit her throat with the sharpest blade—-

It. Was. Not. Good.

She whispered, “Yes, prince?”

“Do I pay you to give me your opinion about who should and shouldn’t work for me?”

Fawn gulped. “No, prince.”

“Then?”

She smiled weakly and flashed him a peace sign, saying, “Rock on, prince. It’s time to par—-” Seeing the prince’s face hadn’t even cracked with the slightest smile, she finished lamely, “—-tay.”

The prince said coolly, “Do we have an understanding?”

“Yes, prince.”

“Which means you will now—-”

“Leave, prince.”

“I’m glad you understood.” The prince left then, and Igor, after excusing himself, followed after his charge.

As Fawn collapsed in her seat, Emery patted her head sympathetically. “You were very brave.”

“Very brave,” Noah agreed. “But also very stupid.”

“I didn’t mean to antagonize the prince,” she mumbled defensively. “I just sometimes speak before I think.”

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