Page 71 of His Ruthless Match
And as if that wasn’t enough to send me over the edge, her former co-stars—the ones we’d originally suspected were behind the smear campaign—had lawyered up. Not only had they refused to respond to my communications, but they’d sent us a cease-and-desist letter. Harassment, my ass. They claimed they had no involvement in any of the social media posts or leaked photos, and since Gabe had used questionable methods to obtain the trail, I didn’t have actual evidence I could use.
On top of all that, the gala for theTop 40 Under 40was tonight, and I was dreading it. It was supposed to be a celebration, recognition for everything I’d worked so hard to achieve, but it felt like an insurmountable weight on my chest.
The whispers had already started. A few social media posts had questioned whether I was still as good as I used to be, and if I truly deserved a spot on that list. The posts were designed to sting and unravel a person bit by bit. Gabe had buried them and boosted the glowing coverage of me, but that didn’t stop the doubt from creeping in. What if they were right? What if Iwasslipping?
I sat down and stared blankly at my reflection in the black screen of my laptop. My face was drawn, my eyes heavy with exhaustion. Even with the best dress, the most perfect makeup, and every bit of polish I could muster, I wasn’t sure I couldconvince myself, let alone an entire room full of judgmental strangers, that I belonged there.
Of course, Jareth insisted on accompanying me tonight. He was Raffaele’s man, sworn to protect me at all costs, but his recent behavior had thrown me off-kilter. His sudden change in behavior was almost worse than his usual arrogant antics. At least when he had been poking fun, I could fire back. Now, he was a silent wall of detachment, shadowing my every move with that unreadable look on his face.
I didn’t know what was going on with him, but I didn’t like it.
My phone buzzed, and my brother’s name lit up the screen. I snatched it up and answered. “Hey,” I said, trying to keep the frustration out of my voice.
“Eva,” Raffaele greeted, his tone warm. “How are you holding up? Anything noteworthy happen in the last few days?”
I sighed. “I’m fine. Everything’s under control.”
“Is that so?” His voice had a knowing edge. “And Jareth? Has he been helpful?”
“Jareth’s been…” I paused, searching for the right words. “Fine. But honestly, I think he can go back to The Below. I can handle things.”
“That’s not happening. You know why he’s there.”
I rolled my eyes, even though he couldn’t see me. “Of course I do. I just don’t think it’s necessary anymore.”
“Well, I do. Now, about tonight. Congratulations again. I’m proud of you.”
My stomach twisted. “Thank you.”
“I mean it, Eva. Let loose and have some fun. You’ve earned it.” He paused, then added, “Oh, and I took the liberty of ordering a limo for you. Consider it a special treat.”
“Raffy—”
“Don’t argue. Just enjoy it.”
The line went dead before I could respond, and I let out a frustrated sigh just as someone knocked on the door. “Come in,” I called, expecting Jareth.
Instead, Theo strolled in, a magazine in hand and a grin on his face. “Boss lady, you need to stop pacing and go get ready. Big night ahead.”
“I have so much to do, Theo. I can’t just?—”
“Oh, please.” He waved the magazine in the air. “You’ve done enough. Look at this!” He held it up, open to the spread about theTop 40 Under 40. My photo stared back at me, polished and professional, the article praising my career and accomplishments.
“You look fantastic,” Theo said, his grin widening. “And you did such a great job representing the firm in your interview. You should be proud. I certainly am.”
I took the magazine from him and studied the page. I did look good. And the article reminded me that I was doing something right, even if everything else felt like it was falling apart. “Thanks, Theo.”
“You’re welcome. Now, seriously, go home and get ready. I’ll hold down the fort here and call you if anything happens.”
His reassuring smile and lighthearted tone eased some of my tension. “Okay, but you’d better actually call me if something happens.”
“Scout’s honor,” he said, raising two fingers. “Knock ’em dead tonight.”
As I grabbed my things and headed out, I tried to focus on his words instead of the storm of anxiety brewing inside me. Tonight would be fine. It had to be.
When I steppedinto my apartment, I was fully prepared to see Jareth lounging on the couch. What I wasnotprepared for was the sight of him standing in my kitchen in a tuxedo that showed off his muscled physique.
I actually gasped at the sight of him. He turned to face me, and of course, the bastard’s smirk was firmly in place.
