AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I fight it by looking up at the pillars and offering a little chuckle in response. But I can’t be rude. This guy is offering my students an opportunity of a lifetime. I slap a half smile on my face.
“That’s very kind of you.¨
“How’s Al?¨
He has never addressed him as Al. It’s always been, Alexander. I’m not sure if I like Simon calling Alexander Al. Sounds possessive of me, but that is my truth.
¨Alexander is good. Heading home later today, I believe.¨
¨Really?¨ He wears an exaggerated surprised face.
¨With his museum just opening. Sorry to see too many bad reviews about it.¨
¨Too many?¨ I ask. I hope I’m not spilling the obvious; Alex and I are not together, but what is Simon talking about.
¨Oh, yes. There’s a steady buzz about the interior design of the building. Many folk are criticizing it, as well as the wild variety of sculptors he has. Too broad.¨
¨Yea, well. The Art business can be pretty brutal.” I roll my eyes.
¨Yes…so brutal that you have to sign a contract to help an ex-boyfriend’s business out in exchange for your studio’s support.¨
I think my jaw is on the floor, but I’m so shocked I believe my face is simply stoic.
Simon smirks, ¨I think everyone knows.¨
¨How?¨
¨Well…I heard it from someone who told me to keep it a secret, and secrets are something I most certainly keep.¨
He walks closer to me. With the back studio’s light off, it appears as if Simon’s approaching me in a dark alley.
¨Sounds a bit creepy, to be honest.¨
He shrugs, grabbing my wrist and pushing his lips upon mine. I tear my hand out of his grip, releasing my mouth from his wet lips. I’m more surprised than disgusted, and a part of me wants to hit him. How am I supposed to work with someone who does this?
¨Simon!¨
¨Really, Micola? As much as we bonded in London and —¨
¨I can’t. I won’t.¨
¨I thought you liked roleplaying.¨
¨Where is this coming from? You tell me you want to help the kids in my studio succeed and then you come and put your lips on me? I thought you were really professional. Like —¨
¨Like Al? Your billionaire fake boyfriend who has you roleplaying for his success.¨
¨Okay, what’s really going on? Because as far as I can tell, you sound like my brothers a bit, and if that’s the case, then maybe Alex is right about you after all.¨
Oh, shit. I really don’t want to get into it with someone who could make or break my kids and their art futures.
¨Coincidence, I suppose. What I do know is that Alex is a Matani, and about sixty percent of people across the pond know of their destruction. And I’m sorry, Micola. I didn’t mean for you to be or feel uncomfortable around me. I read your enthusiasm for working for me as so much more. I do apologize.” His blue eyes warm up as it’s tough to read them as either good or bad.
I don’t think I have enough room inside of me to think critically anymore. I simply nod and say, “It’s okay,¨ before I send him out on his way.
Chapter 18
Alexander
