Page 59 of The Protégé

Asshole.

But I appreciated him stepping in so I didn’t have to reply to Chantel.

Chantel raked a gaze down my body, making her invitation obvious. “The noncommittal type fascinates me.”

“They’re like a charging bull, focusing only on expanding their empire,” Sabrina said.

Chantel studied me. “There haven’t been many images of you until recently. What made you step into the spotlight?”

Because I wanted to. Because my presence in Providence benefited the WaterFyre Rising video game and several business ventures I needed to promote.

But that wasn’t what Chantel was asking. She believed it had to do with a woman. So I played along.

“I’m redefining the term commitment. It’s time to see who’s out there that’s suitable for me. If I’m in the shadows, she won’t see me.”

“A fashion show is the perfect place to meet potential partners.” Chantel smirked.

Ralph lifted his eyebrows and nibbled on the appetizers.

“What do you know about me?” I asked.

“You’re an eligible bachelor with businesses all over the world. Your father and cousin run the largest bank in Europe. You’re not married, and you don’t have a girlfriend. You’re friends with billionaires like Remington Starke, Grayson Wu, Arrow Holt, Forrest Navarro, and Royce Viktorsson.”

“I suppose you did your homework.”

“I’m a journalist, remember? I like to uncover information about those who interest me.” Her eyes gleamed. “You interest me a great deal.”

“The audience at Hollywood Chitchat would love to know more about you and the WaterFyre Rising team. All of them have significant others but you.” Sabrina got out of her seat. “Can I take a photo of you and Chantel?”

“Take one of me with him first.” Chantel leaned close to me.

“Beautiful.” Sabrina snapped a few pictures and passed her phone to Ralph, asking him to take a picture of me with the two ladies.

Christ.

“That’s enough photos for today,” I said.

“But you’re so photogenic.” Sabrina glanced at her phone.

“Don’t I get a picture with you pretty ladies?” Ralph winked.

“Of course.” Sabrina passed me the phone. “Please?”

I tossed Ralph an amused look. Unlike me, he didn’t mind the attention from the women. Mom told me when Ralph was younger, he was a ladies’ man. But his heart was now set on a woman who took care of my home in Sweden. They’d been in love a long time, but he hadn’t asked her to marry him.

“Can you send me those pictures?” Chantel asked Sabrina, then turned to me. “Do you want a copy?”

Absolutely not.

“No thanks.” I wouldn’t offer my phone number. “Where are your boyfriends? They should be here making donations on your behalf.”

“I’m recently single,” Chantel said.

“My boyfriend is traveling right now.” Sabrina sat back down and began a conversation with Ralph.

Chantel whispered, “Feel free to make a donation onmybehalf.” She placed her hand on my thigh, running it up and down.

I’d dealt with several aggressive women before. They needed to know where I stood before it got out of hand.

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