Page 109 of Pretend To Be Mine

We found Sebastian and Briggs in what had been transformed into a temporary production office. I imagined it had probably been a sitting room originally. It was now filled with monitors and production equipment and several stressed-looking people in headsets.

Sebastian was slumped in a chair, sunglasses on despite being indoors, holding an espresso like it was the only thing keeping him alive.

It probably was.

“You look terrible,” Elizabeth said cheerfully.

“Good, because that’s how I feel,” Sebastian groaned. “Why did I drink so much champagne last night?”

“Because you’re an idiot,” I supplied helpfully. “Also because you insisted on celebrating your ‘genius vision’ until three in the morning. Two nights in a row. You should have stopped with one night.”

“It was a genius vision. The reviews are calling it revolutionary.”

“They’re calling it scandalous,” Briggs corrected, looking up from his tablet. He was, as always, perfectly put together. with his suit pressed, hair neat, and not a single sign that he’d been up since dawn managing logistics. “But scandalous sells, so I’m not complaining.”

Elizabeth perched on the arm of Sebastian’s chair, poking his shoulder. “How many models did you go home with?”

“I’m a gentleman. I don’t kiss and tell.”

“So at least two,” I translated.

“Three, actually,” Sebastian admitted. “But in my defense, they were very persuasive.”

“You’re a disaster,” Elizabeth said, but she was grinning.

“I’m living my best life.” He peered at her over his sunglasses.

“Why don’t you do one of those hydration IVs?” Elizabeth asked. “I thought that’s what you rich folk did.”

He groaned. “I tried. Apparently, I wasn’t the only one in need of hydration. I didn’t have time to wait until they were available, so I have to do this the peasant way.”

Elizabeth laughed. “Poor you.”

Sebastian moaned. “You two look disgustingly happy this morning. Have a nice night in Paris?”

The way he said it made it clear he knew exactly what kind of night we had.

“It was fine,” I said neutrally.

“Fine,” Sebastian repeated. “Right. Well, your ‘fine’ face is a lot more relaxed than your usual ‘stick up the ass’ face, so I’m guessing dinner went well.”

Briggs cleared his throat. “If you’re done interrogating them about their personal lives, we have a show to finalize. Adrian, Elizabeth. Want to help or just stand around being decorative?”

“What needs doing?” I asked.

“Honestly? Nothing. Everything’s on schedule.” Briggs gestured to his tablet with satisfaction. “Unlike certain brothers.” He looked pointedly at Sebastian. “I actually know how to plan an event.”

“Ouch,” Sebastian muttered.

“With my help,” I reminded him.

He rolled his eyes. “I would have had it under control.”

I would give him that. But we both knew he needed some help. That’s what I was supposed to do.

“I’ll give you the tour,” Briggs said. “I know you’re dying to micromanage me. Elizabeth, I assume you want to see the venue?”

Elizabeth lit up. “Can we? I mean, are we allowed to just walk around Versailles?”