Page 33 of Nothing to No One

How many questions would that raise? If he was Roman, okay, maybe, sure, her boyfriend would want a say, but he couldn’t be in two places at once. Roman couldn’t be on set, where he was supposed to be, and there at Brooker with her. Or he could, if they wanted the ruse revealed.

If either twin showed up for her, no one could be filming. They didn’t need Roman seeming more unreliable. And he’d lord it over them if the situation went that way. More than that disgrace, she didn’t want Roman at Brooker. If he showed up, she didn’t trust him to care about her or help her out of awkward situations.

“If I screw this up—”

“You can’t screw it up. It’s karma. Whatever happens, it’s not your fault.”

“You sure?”

“Positive, Fawn. And if you want to walk on out of there—”

“This is my job, I can’t do that. I still have to make rent.” Whether she was living in her apartment or not. “I’ll need somewhere to live when this is over.”

When she went back to her life. Was she going to do that? What life? Would it even be possible, or would she always be known as Roman Lowe’s ex? A jilted, dumped, humiliated fiancée? Somehow, she could tell this wouldn’t end with everyone smelling sweet and innocent.

This was a fast education. A baptism of fire she’d rather douse. Struan’s comment about this being Roman’s life, not his, started to make sense. Somehow, she was on that same rollercoaster. This wasn’t the life she chose, and couldn’t make decisions for herself, none that would damage Roman.

Without looking both ways, she’d stepped out into the street and been swept up by the Roman Lowe Express. No stops, no takebacks, just Roman at the wheel while the rest of them held on for dear life.

“You don’t have to worry about money, Fawn, I’ll cover whatever you need, but I wouldn’t ask you to detonate your life. Just keep your phone close. If you need me, call. I’ll pick up… Do you want me to call you back in a few minutes? Get you out the room?”

“No,” she said and sighed. “I can do this. I’m sorry I—this is just all happening so quickly.”

“Don’t say more than you have to, don’t ask anything you don’t want to lead to other questions. You can text me, ask questions, call whenever you can. I’m with you on this, Fawn. I promise. I’m there with you.”

“Thank you for letting me vent.”

“Always, baby.”

And the smile in those words reinforced her armor. Do this. She could do this.

On leaving the restroom, Mieux was at the opposite side of the hall with the security guy a little further down.

“Thank you,” she said as they returned to their route.

“Good?”

Just a mild panic attack. “I’m good.”

“Don’t let it overwhelm you. If you want to step out or need a break, just give me the nod and we’ll leave. You’re in charge. Don’t forget you’re with the heartthrob, the one they want to impress, the one you can influence.” Uh, no, not even slightly, but she couldn’t confess that. Lowering her volume, Mieux leaned in when they stopped outside the boardroom. “They want your approval. Let them fawn over you. You don’t owe these people anything.” She smiled. “You get to share your bed with the hot, rich, famous guy tonight, every night. This is for him.”

For Roman? No. If she cast Struan in that role…

“Thanks.”

“It’s what I’m here for.”

When Mieux opened the door, everyone quieted. Renata was there, right in the middle of the room. The woman who’d owned her life just a few hours ago didn’t seem so confident anymore.

“Bambi, we had no idea,” Renata said. “If you’d said something…”

“She doesn’t have to clue us in on her personal life. What’s important is we know now.”

Great. Except who the hell was that. Who were any of these people?

“I’m not looking for special treatment. I just want to do my job.”

“Sure, yes.” Renata beamed. “To make things easier, we wiggled roles around a little, so we’ll be working on set.”

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