hapter 683


    Wayne’s brows pulled together. “I know you’re still struggling with losing Hayden, but don’t punish


    yourself lize this. If you’re ever feeling lonely or overwhelmed, you cane to me.”


    His eyes locked on mine, full of sincerity.


    But that kind of sincerity? It wasn’tforting–it was suffocating, like a weight threatening to pull


    me under


    I lowered my gaze slightly. “Wayne, I don’t want to see you and Jace at odds. He’s already reached


    out to


    “You don’t need to worry about that. I’ll handle it,” Wayne but in, reaching out to hold my hand


    The warmth of his touch sent an icy chill through me. I wanted to pull away, but I forced myself to


    stay put, meeting his gaze with a flicker of unease. “You know how your parents feel about this.


    They’re against it too.”


    Wayne shook his head. “I’ve told you before–missing my chance with you once was more than


    enough. This time, I don’t care if the whole world is against us.”


    Wayne’s love had crossed the line into obsession.


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    My chest tightened with unease, and I quickly pulled my hand away, tucking it under the table and


    rubbing it against my skirt as if that could erase the lingering sensation. “But I don’t want that.”


    “Is it that you don’t want it… or that you just can’t ept me?” he asked quietly.


    I lifted my head, meeting his gaze, but didn’t say a word.


    Sometimes, silence is the clearest answer a person can give.


    The tension hung between us for a moment before he let out a softugh. “I’m being too


    impatient. I need to give you time.”


    He gently ced a portion of truffle sd on my te. “Rea, don’t feel pressured. I’ve waited for


    years already. I can wait a little longer–until you’re ready to truly ept me.”


    If I didn’t know what he was capable of–if I hadn’t seen the shadows behind his polished exterior–I


    might’ve been moved.


    But now, all I felt was fear. The deeper his obsession ran, the more dangerous he’d be if he


    couldn’t have


    what he wanted.


    I forced a calm expression, quickly steering the conversation away. “I was joking earlier. I didn’t go


    to DracoLux for myself. Thepany’s nning an event, and we needed male models with the


    right look and charisma. Since DracoLux is known for its all–male staff, I figured it’d be a good ce


    to start.”


    Wayne hummed lightly. “You definitely picked the right ce. The men at DracoLux are top–notch.”


    “Seems like you know the ce pretty well,” I said, my tone carrying a hint of suggestion.


    “Clients,” he exined with a shrug “Big deals tend to happen there now. They insist on meeting


    there for some reason. You’d think it’s because they’re sleazy, but there aren’t even any women


    around.”


    “Maybe they’re just decent guys,” I replied “They go there for business, have some fun, and still


    make it home in time to keep things smooth with their wives or girlfriends.


    “You might be onto something”


    Then be asked, “Did you find anyone suitable? If not, I can help. As far as I know, DracoLux


    doesn’t let their so- called male models take outside pigs.”


    “I found someone. Cole helped me,” I said, keeping my gaze steady on him as I spoke.


    A flicker of surprise crossed his face. “You know Cole?”


    “Mm. He even said he wants me to be his girlfriend,” I added, my tone light and deliberately casual.


    Some rivalries are just begging to be stoked, and this one was no exception.


    Throughout history, every empire and organization has crumbled faster with a little internal drama. If


    I wanted to bring them down, I’d need to light a fire between him and Cole.


    Men are territorial by nature–especially when ites to women they care about.


    Right on cue, Wayne’s reaction was instant. “Cole’s a yboy. If he bothers you again or tries


    anything, tell me.”


    I nodded, keeping my eyes on my te.


    Wayne added, “Yourpany uses male models for events? I’m curious–mind if I check it out when


    it happens?”


    He wasn’t interested in the event; he wanted to test me.


    I smiled like it was no big deal. “Sure.”


    The word slipped out so smoothly it probably looked like I had everything under control. But inside?


    Total panic.


    There was no event. I’d made the whole thing up on the spot.


    Now I was stuck. I’d have to rope Ron into helping me put together something real.