Page 109 of Untether

‘Once you’ve spoken to Pip and Kit, we go public in a big way. I’m sorry, but there’s no way the tabloids won’t swallow that shit up.’

‘They’ll say it’s a publicity stunt.’

‘I don’t give a flying fuck what they say.’ He traces the outline of my cupid’s bow with a fingertip. ‘It is a publicity stunt, it’s just a real one. You keep talking about changing the narrative. It’s your fucking show. You should set the agenda.

‘Let’s see how excited we can get people about the prospect of us being together. If we play our cards right, they’ll be clamouring for more of us as a couple. Then you can talk all you like at the end of the show about how much you love me, and they’ll eat it up.’

He shrugs, a cocky grin on his face, and I survey him thoughtfully. He’s oversimplifying, but he has a point. And much as I dislike the idea of willingly throwing us and our fledgling relationship into the spotlight, I can’t deny it would be a powerful way of ensuring that the messaging in the show lines up precisely with both what I want in lifeandthe kind of impact Lizzy and Mara want the show to have.

Who says the idea of my settling down with Cal isboring? I for one know it’s anything but. So maybe it’s time to take a little of that heady magic that Cal Sinclair weaves upon womankind and sprinkle his fairy dust more widely.

If half the female population is in love with the idea of him, and us, before the show even airs, then I’ve made my point.

A relationship with Cal ismoreradical,moreexciting, than unfettered sex at Alchemy is.

‘You’re a media genius,’ I tell him. ‘Ever considered a career as a political spin doctor?’

He grins and replaces his fingertip with his mouth for a gentle kiss. ‘I’m far too morally upstanding.’

‘Hmm,’ is my diplomatic reply to that. I keep ahold of his shoulders while I pull myself upright. The flare of hunger in his eyes when he sees my wet breasts is unmistakable. He reaches down to weigh them in his hands, flicking a thumb over each nipple, and I shiver at the pleasure of it.

‘Jesus, sweetheart,’ he says reverently to my breasts, eyelashes fanning over his cheeks. ‘So fucking beautiful.’ He releases them and strokes my cheek with a wistful smile before getting to his feet.

‘Ouch. Dead legs. You soak, okay? I’ll check dinner and keep an eye on the boys.’ He stoops to kiss my forehead. ‘I love you. And I’m here for whatever media circus you think is necessary. Bring it on.’

71

CAL

‘Ihave a girlfriend,’ I announce to the room at large. ‘And she loves me.’ I pause. ‘And I love her, obviously.’

Cue stunned silences all around me.

Except, that is, for Norm, who opens his jaws to emit the most enormous yawn before settling his head back on the rug.

I have no idea how I’ve kept this to myself all week. I wanted to wait until Aida had chatted to her boys and pitched my PR strategy to theParadiseteam.

Suffice to say, the boys were an easier win than Lizzy and Mara, but the latter are coming around. They’ve reluctantly agreed to record various voiceover options for the ending and to withhold judgement until we can assess how the public responds to Aida and me. TheParadisetrailer was hot as fuck, but that’s not enough for anyone to go on.

They need to see us in action.

Which is why I’m doing the school run with Aida later and will also be an enthusiastic audience member on theGordon Kayshow when she makes her appearance on his sofa tonight.

Back to the stunned silences.

Gen recovers first. What a shocker. ‘Wow. Well, I love this for you,’ she says with her usual cat-like grin. ‘Honestly. For both of you. I’m so happy for you two.’

‘Thanks, babe,’ I tell her.

Rafe and Zach are nodding like proud fathers. ‘Didn’t think we’d see the day, mate,’ Zach says. ‘I mean… I would never have put you two together in a million years, but like Gen says, I love it. She’s…’ He trails off and holds his hands up, like Aida defies description, which is a sentiment I can get behind.

‘I know,’ I say. ‘It’s crazy. She’s like some kind of brainiac megastar who’s also sex on legs. She’s so fucking accomplished, too. The woman makes me feel simultaneously exhausted and so proud it’s ridiculous.’

‘She’s a proper grownup,’ Maddy says sagely. ‘She’s like Zach, but famous.’

‘And a lot sexier,’ I point out.

‘We need to meet her again so we can see you two together properly,’ Rafe says. ‘Last time at the club you were both really fucking awkward.’

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