Page 33 of The Rancher's Vengeful Heart

It was the dumbest excuse ever, but...oh?

Why hadn't anyone called her out for lying?

Why were they only staring at her?

Was it possible that they reallydidbelieve—-

"I apologize for the intrusion, but may I have a moment to speak with my...friend?"

Tassy jerked as soon as she heard that very familiar drawl.

A moment later, strong fingers were cupping her elbow to turn her around, andof courseher stunned gaze ended up clashing with coppery eyes that were full of wicked amusement.

"I hope you can spare me a moment, Ms. Bautista."

"Uh—-" She tried pulling away, but this only had the billionaire tightening his grip.

"Perfect."

As he guided her out of the boutique, her colleagues started giggling and Shannon even mouthed'whattafriend'while giving Tassy a thumbs-up to signify her approval.

Oh God.

She stole a look at Lucius, hoping he hadn't seen it, but the gleam in his gaze implied otherwise.

"Is anything wrong?"

She tried once more to pull away, but this only caused his hand to slide down until he was gripping her waist.

"Are you trying to get away from me?"

Her actions suddenly seemed childish when he put it that way, and so she immediately shook her head. "I'm just...concerned. For your sake," she added quickly.

"Is that so?"

She made a vague gesture to their surroundings while being careful not to meet anyone's gazes. "Can't you see how everyone's staring at us?"

And byeveryone,she meant exactly that. She wasn't even sure if he had noticed how all their walking had them ending up in Foxtown's version of Rotten Row. It was the most popular place to see and be seen in the Regency Times, and the same could still be said even now.

So many familiarandfamous faces, andoh God.

Wasn't that Foxtown's billionaire owner himself, Damian Fox? His wedding to Sarah was a modern fairytale all on its own, and if she remembered correctly, part of this weekend's program was for the couple to make their first appearance...tomorrow.

So why were they here now? Was there something in the program she had forgotten, and that was why all of the VIPs were gathered here?

Tassy started feeling a little nervous, but a glance at Lucius showed that he was completely relaxed.

She tried to tug free again, but this only made him pull her close. "Uh, Lucius?"

"Mm?"

"I really think we should go our separate ways for now, just to keep other people from drawing the wrong—-"

Oh no.

Why had he suddenly stopped walking?

She tried to get him moving, but this wasalsoimpossible.

---