Page 74 of In Love with a Cruel Billionaire

She looked like he was killing her again and again, and the most painful thing about it was that it might just be true. If the roles had been reversed, Damen knew he would not be as stoic. If he ever saw another man holding Mairi in any way, he knew would very well lose it and start a fistfight.

As he and Alina reached the podium, Ms. Thorn moved close to the microphone and asked charmingly, “How about a kiss between the lovely couple? I am certain I speak for many students in saying we think you had the loveliest engagement party. The two of you make such a beautiful couple and we’d love to celebrate your engagement with you two today.”

Chapter 13

AFUCKING KISS?Ioniko’s face hardened in disbelief. He had heard that the indomitable Rose Thorn was good at charming people and getting money out of their pockets, and now he knew it was true.

No wonder there was such a huge media presence today, Ioniko thought in disgust. She had planned this all along, and since it was rare to catch Damen and Alina together, much less sharing a kiss, a photo of it would surely put GAYL on the map.

He looked at the couple, who were clearly taken aback by the request as well.

And then he looked ather.

Mairi was completely white, and even this far away he could see the stricken look on her face.

Ioniko’s gaze returned to Leventis, the asshole who had caused Mairi to look like that. He was smiling, talking easily, trying to cajole Ms. Thorn out of the request, but the other woman was just as ruthless, making it impossible for Damen to refuse lest he wanted the crowd to think he disliked kissing his fiancée.

When he turned to Mairi again, he cursed under his breath. She looked like she was near to collapsing.

Fuck this.

He did not like playing the knight in shining armor, but something about Mairi made him want to pretend he was good.

Without a word, he stalked off the stage and headed towards Mairi’s direction.

****

STAVROS MANOLIS LOOKEDup at the imposing entrance of the Grecian Academy For Young Ladies.

After so many years, he had finally found her.

This was the best lead he had in ages, and instincts told him that this time he might really see her again.

Mairi Tanner.

He owed her so many things, not the very least his apology for ruining her life without even knowing it.

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