Page 85 of Torrid Passion
“No, we’ll look like two people walking side by side.”
“At the very least you could rest your arm over my shoulders to make it look more believable.”
“No, the press is going to make up their own stories, why fuel them?”
“But—”
“Enough!” Mom snaps from behind us. She comes to stand in front of us and shoots Bliss a stern glare. “For the love of everything sacred, we’ve already gone over this a few minutes ago. Don’t tell me you forgot. No hand-holding! No fake-date-slash-boyfriend-slash-fiancé-slash-husband plot! No. Fueling. The. Press! Start walking, Bliss!”
“O—okay,” Bliss musters.
Told you. Mom doesn’t take bullshit.
Before we even step onto the red carpet, we’re bombarded with the Hollywood effect.
It isn’t nighttime yet, but the sun is setting, which explains why there are a million flashes going off everywhere. So many, it's blinding.
I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to this.
Bliss and I stop on the red carpet and a bunch of reporters huddle together and start snapping away. One after another they fire off questions at us. Bliss tries to lace her fingers through mine, but I choose this moment to adjust the jacket of my tux.
Which part of no doesn’t she understand?
“Bliss! Over here!” a loud reporter’s voice catches her attention. Bliss flashes him a fake grin.
“Is that Naughty Loki?” another reporter asks.
I just nod and wave.
“Loki, look this way,” a reporter calls.
I oblige.
“Is Naughty Loki dating Miss America?” That’s Payne Meldrum, a celebrity blogger who isn’t afraid of twisting facts to get more hits on his website. Yeah, he’s a royal douchebag.
“Oh, hi Payne,” Bliss waves. “Love your blog. I’m always available for interviews.”
Payne smirks.
“Is it ablissfulrelationship between the two of you?” a female reporter asks.
Really? You couldn’t be more original?
“Bliss! Is it true you landed the campaign with Agent Provocateur?” another reporter inquires.
“Have I?” Bliss looks surprised. “Did they call?”
If you don’t know, sweetheart, chances are the luxury lingerie brand didn’t call. That guy is pulling your leg.
“Loki, how do you feel about dating an Agent Provocateur model?” a reporter asks. He’s wearing a pair of enormous black eyeglasses with colored designs that practically take over his face.Fuck, those are big ass.I guess the bright blue suit and yellow tie weren’t loud enough.
I just smile politely and don’t answer.
Great idea. Let’s build a story around a rumor.
“We’re the new hit couple,” Bliss coos, batting her eyelashes at me.
Good grief, woman.
