You’re welcome.
Rafe
They’re only pretending to date. It’s to draw the stalker out, or to deter him. Either works for me.
West
And explain why I’ll be by her side nonstop for the next few weeks.
Rafe
I think I have a leak in my team. West will take over Nora’s protection in hopes that nothing else comes out.
Alex
And here I thought something salacious happened.
James
There’s still time.
West
No.
Rafe
It’s just for show. West would never.
CHAPTER12
WEST
“Everyone’s watching us,” she says beside me. Her smile never wavers.
“Some of these people were at the party the other night. They’re curious.” I hand her a glass of champagne and ignore the onlookers.
She hasn’t been here before, but they certainly know who she is. Daughter of Francois Montclair and Rafe’s sister. Not to mention heiress to the largest luxury conglomerate in the world.
Her eyes return to mine. “Because you never date publicly. Why not, by the way?”
“It’s not like I have a rule about it,” I tell her. I just haven’t been interested in attempting long-term relationships or the way they always turn toxic and manipulative in the end. They hurt and they embarrass, and I have no interest in either of those things.
Her eyes search mine, like she’s trying to make sense of that response. “You date in private?”
“You’re very interested in my dating life.”
“Well. I think it’s only fair, considering what we’re doing.”
I put a hand on her back and guide her over to the VIP area. “I’ll answer your question if you answer one of mine.”
“You’re bargaining again,” she says.
“It’s what I do best.”
“Fine. What do you wanna know?”
I lower my head, closer to her ear. We pass an elderly couple who stare at us as we walk by. “Why did you choose Mark for your date?”