Page 80 of Tattletale

“I’m Vienne’s security.”

I scoff. “Don’t be ridiculous,” I hiss. “Her security guards have their own security guards. They’re covered. You’re here checking up on me.”

“Well, should I be? It’s been weeks. No one has heard from you.”

“I’m undercover. You’re not supposed to hear from me.” I speak through a soft smile, trying not to tip off any onlookers that we’re bickering. “What’re you implying?”

“Exactly what I said…that you two look chummy,” Lance says, facing forward, not looking at me. His jaw is clenched, and he looks shaky and pissed off. The earmarks of jealousy bubbling to the service. I feel the immediate urge to comfort him.

“I’m on a mission.”

“You know, he’s dangerous, unhinged, and isn’t right in the head.”

I scoff. “According to who? Vienne? You’re drinking the Kool-Aid. Maybe you should start questioning who the real villain is. Gabriel isn’t a monster. He has a whole world thatuses him, his wealth, and his intelligence. If he’s unhinged, it’s because he was driven to the edge.”

“Wow,” Lance says, pairing it with a humorless cackle. “You deserve a fucking Emmy, Cricket,” he bites out.

“Thank you. Good acting means I’m doing my job.”

“Not for him.” Lance finally looks at me, his piercing stare full of fury. “For me.Ten fucking years of a flawless performance, and I ate that shit up. If you loved me like I love you, no way you could look at another man like that. No way you could kiss him like—”

“Lance,hekissedme.”

“This time,” Lance says. “What happened at the bed-and-breakfast?”

“How do you even know about that?” I seethe.

Lance holds my gaze with unblinking eyes. “Answer me.”

I can’t.Not here.I want to tell Lance that as soon as I’m done with my mission, we can move forward. When Gabriel goes back to his life, and I go back to mine, I’ll start patching the holes with Lance. We can still try at our happily ever after.

“Am I interrupting?” Gabriel says from behind me, making me jump.

After one more glare in my direction, Lance slaps a showman smile on his face. “Not at all. I’m part of the First Lady’s security detail this evening. I’m just making rounds, ensuring everyone is comfortable.”

“Ah, I see. I can read right between the lines. Don’t worry, we have an invitation.” Gabriel smiles and holds out his hand to shake Lance’s. “I’m Gabriel Lochland, and this is my plus-one.”

I want to melt into a human puddle and slip right through the wooden floorboards. I’ve never been so uncomfortable in my life, standing in between the man I love, and the man I’m trying to seduce.

Gabriel sets my fresh drink down on our table.

“Let me guess,” Lance says, “extra filthy?”

“With two extra olives. Fiona’s favorite,” Gabriel adds nonchalantly.

“Fiona?” Lance asks. He looks at me, and I know exactly what’s on his mind. I gave Gabriel my real name, but it’s not because this is real. I have to explain…

Lance pulls the plastic spear from my drink that holds the two fat olives. “You don’t mind, do you,Fiona?” He pops the first olive in his mouth, then chews slowly, his eyes never leaving mine.

I close my eyes and suck in my lips. “Not at all.”

“Have a good evening, folks. Enjoy the party.” Lance storms away, making a beeline to the exit.

Shockingly clueless, Gabriel wraps his arms around my shoulders. “Secret Service is getting a little rude, don’t you think?” He shakes his head and laughs. “Must be the stress. Hang tight, sweetheart.” Gabriel holds up two fingers at a passing waiter. “I’ll summon a few more olives.”

TWENTY-THREE

LANCE

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