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She blows out a breath. "This is big news. It’s best you drive the narrative by putting out a statement."
"No, keep them guessing. We’re going to let them see only what we’re willing to share."
"That’s one heck of an engagement ring." She jerks her chin toward my left hand. The weight of the band on my left finger balances out that of the bracelet with the charms on my right hand. I’m wearing the marks of his ownership on me and in me. What does that say about me?
"Thanks," I murmur.
"You going to do a post with that?" she encourages me. "It’s one hell of a newsworthy update to your fans."
I look at Declan who shrugs. "That’s up to Solene."
I blink. I thought he was going to dictate every aspect of my life off stage. Guess there are some things he’s happy to leave up to me.
"What do you say, Solene?" Harry pushes down his hair. He’s seated on a chaise. Giorgina’s in a chair, with Rick not far from her. He’s Declan’s security detail but he might as well be Giorgina’s shadow, the way his gaze keeps moving back to her. Finn is positioned near the door, his body language alert, as always.
After Declan and I returned from our little tryst, Finn drove us back, with Harry following. I can tell the sight of him pisses Declan off, but Finn’s been a good addition to my team. Besides, Declan knows Finn isn’t interested in me that way. So, he really has nothing to be glowering about.
"Solene?" Harry prompts.
"Eh, what?" I yawn suddenly. "Sorry, it’s been a long day." And the emotional ups and downs have tired me out faster than I imagined.
"Why don’t we let my fiancée decide after a good night’s sleep, huh? It’s been a tiring day, and she needs her rest now."
Harry nods, then jumps to his feet. Clearly, he can’t wait to get away. Not that I blame him. Between Declan’s grumpy countenance and the unsaid emotions between Giorgina and Rick, it’s a pressure cooker environment in here.
He bobs his head at me. "I’ll message you the dates of your upcoming shows. The venues are nowhere as big as those on your tour, but it’s a chance to keep performing."
I rise to my feet. Declan stiffens, but I ignore him. I walk toward Harry, knowing Declan hasn’t taken his gaze off of me, but whatever. I can’t allow his glowering presence, and the fact that he is now my Dom, change how I interact with others. "You did well, Harry. And actually, I prefer smaller venues. It’s more intimate. A chance to strike up a personal relationship with the people in the audience, you know?"
Harry flushes, then nods with enthusiasm. "You’re a good kid, Solene, and for what it’s worth, I’m happy you and Declan are together. That man’s name carries clout, but together, the two of you are catnip for the press, for your fans and I’m sure, for movie-goers, too."
I blow out a breath. "I sure hope so, Harry."
He nods again at everyone, then turns and walks out.
Giorgina, too, rises to her feet. "That’s my cue." She scowls at Declan. "Don’t go off and do things I wouldn’t do."
"Have I ever?" Declan smirks.
She rolls her eyes, then turns and walks past Rick, who angles his body in her direction. He takes a step forward before stopping himself.
Declan blows out a breath. "Oh, for fuck’s sake, man. Why don’t you leave with her?"
Rick draws himself up to his full height. "You don’t know what you’re talking about."
"Oh yeah?" Declan leans back and throws his arm over the back of the settee. "So why do you look like something crawled up your arse?"
I shoot him a dirty look. Did he say that on purpose? He flashes me another of those killer grins, which has me clamping down on said thing that’s between my ass cheeks. His grin widens like he knows exactly what’s happening down there. I glower at him. He pats the seat next to him. "Sit down and relax, little Rabbit."
I flush a little at his using my nickname in front of the two men, then walk over and sink down onto the chaise… On the side farthest away from him. He arches an eyebrow at me, his only reaction to my having disobeyed him.Ooh, does that mean he’s going to punish me later? I hope so.
He turns to face the two men. "With Solene and me combining forces, it makes sense to have the both of you coordinate our security detail. Rick can continue to be on my team, and Finn on Solene's, and since you two know each other, you two can work out the rest of the formalities."
Finn jerks his chin in my direction.
Once more, Declan’s muscles seize up, then he seems to get a hold of himself.
"I’ll do a survey of the perimeter before I leave for the night." Finn turns and trots off.
