Her gaze flicked over me in an assessing way before she tilted her head slightly.
“No boyfriend tonight?”she asked, her tone light, teasing.“I thought you two were…inseparable.”
I didn’t answer right away, keeping my gaze locked on hers.The plan had to go perfectly, so I let her see the cool frustration in my eyes.If I'd been forced to break up with my boyfriend for her, then yeah, frustration would be what I'd feel.
She needed to believe the lie.
“Can we talk?”I asked evenly.“Somewhere private.”
Her brows lifted just slightly, and it was clear I piqued her interest.She was glad to have me at her mercy once again, and the humble look I was giving her sealed the deal.Predictably, she gave me a slow, pleased smile.
Like this was exactly what she’d been waiting for.
“Of course,” she said with a casual shrug, already turning slightly.“Lead the way.”
The crowd swallowed us whole as I moved through it, heels steady against the polished floor, my focus locked ahead.I didn’t check if she was following.
I didn’t need to.
I could hear her heels, laughter fading as the energy shifted, curiosity replacing whatever smug satisfaction she walked in with.
Good.
Let her wonder.
The private rooms sat tucked away from the main floor, guarded more by discretion than security.Knowing what was behind the door, I reached for the handle without hesitation and stepped inside.Soft lighting flickered on as the door shut behind us with a quiet click.
And he was waiting for me.
Jaxon sat at the leather booth, legs wide apart and elbows resting on his knees.He watched me approach, his gaze burning into mine—a look that made me feel secure, grounded, and unstoppable.I knew that no matter what was done or said in this room, I'd have him standing by my side.
Behind me, Lori gave a light, dismissive laugh.
“Oh, Savannah,” she drawled.“If you think you can back out of our deal just because he’s here, you’ve got another thing coming.”
I turned slowly.
“We just want to be clear on the terms,” I said evenly.
Her eyes flicked between us, unimpressed, and folded her arms.
“The terms are simple,” she said, rolling her eyes like this bored her.“This little fake relationship ends tonight.And that means publicly, Savvy.Not some cheap breakdown in this room.If you do it, then what I know stays between us.If you don't…” Her lips curved slightly.“Then I release everything.”
Dramatic as she was, she paused for a beat.
“The contract.The messages.All of it.Straight to my socials and every outlet coveringmywedding.I'm tired of stressing that point—the fact that this is my wedding.Mine.This wedding, this lifestyle, this man.It's all mine.You’ve already done enough to ruin it, but I will not have you screw it up anymore,” she added, voice sharpening.“It’s time you both get put in your place.”
Silence stretched for half a second.
“Is it worth it?”I asked calmly.
Her brows lifted slightly.
“Blackmailing us?”I continued with a deep sigh.
“You already won, Lori.You have Chase.You’re getting married tomorrow.Why do you need us to break it off?”
Her expression hardened.
