Page 52 of Love on Ice

“I thought they needed to know,” he argues.

Tears of shame and embarrassment well in my eyes. I thought I could trust Felix, that he might be different. I was so fucking wrong. He’s just like every fucking guy, a liar. I shake my head as a single tear falls down my cheek. “I told you in confidence.”

Felix’s face falls as he sees the hurt he’s caused me. “Harper …” He walks over to me.

“No,” I tell him, holding up my hand, “you betrayed me.” Felix’s face pales at my words.

“Harper,” Kimmy says my name softly, “he was trying to protect you.”

“I don’t need his protection. I want nothing to do with him,” I say angrily.

“Too bad because we all agree that we think Felix should stay here and make sure you’re safe until things settle down with Josh,” my brother explains.

“What?” I gasp as I look around the room at my closest friends, who look slightly uncomfortable as I glare at them. “No,” I say, shaking my head.

“Yes,” Felix says.

“Fuck you.” I point at him. “What the hell, guys?” I ask, placing my hands on my hips. “I’m a fully functioning adult, I don’t need a babysitter, and especially not him.”

“What if Josh comes back?” Kimmy argues.

“I was going to call Jackson and talk to him about upgrading my security,” I tell her.

“Already done. I just got off the phone with him,” my brother states. I stare at him, surprised by this.

“You can’t be okay with this?” I turn and ask Issy, who winces at my question.

“I kind of think it’s a good idea.” She scrunches up her face. “Everyone already thinks the two of you are a couple. Why not let the world keep thinking that if it means you are safe?” I stare at her blankly, she can’t be serious.

“Kimmy?”

“I agree. I’ll do anything to keep you safe, especially after what happened to Camryn,” she states firmly, and I can see the emotion in her eyes.

That’s not fair. The two situations are not the same.Do you believe that?He’s threatening you. Maybe not physically but mentally.Josh won’t release the photos. Plus, he sent me stuff, too. I’ll release them if I have to, be damned for the consequences.“Do I get a say in my own life?”

“You both need this,” Meadow pipes in. “You’ve taken a hit publicly, both of you. You know, I think all that misogynistic rhetoric that you’re the problem because men can’t keep theirdicks in their pants is bullshit. People like this pairing. The fact that Felix saved you from a disgruntled ex, defending your honor while you helped mend his broken heart after his ex was caught screwing his teammate, the public is lapping this up. We have already had brands enquire about you taking them on as clients.”

I stare at her as if she has grown a second head. “No.” I shake my head. “This is wrong. We aren’t dating. We are not a couple and never will be. I’m not going to fake it, not even for my own business.”

“We have Mom’s gala coming up. And you know the Fairfax’s are some of the biggest donors,” Sam reminds me. “Do you seriously think Josh isn’t going to show up to that?”

“He wouldn’t,” I say, shaking my head.

“Pretty sure he would,” Sam states firmly.

“Don’t you think it would be a‘fuck you’to Josh showing up with Felix on your arm?” Kimmy adds. I glare at my bestie who ignores me. “We will all be there, so you just need to fake it for the red carpet and until you run into Josh. Because you know he is going to make sure he runs into you.”

“I wouldn’t be surprised if he brings someone to try to make you jealous,” Issy adds. Why are my girls ganging up on me?

“You think Mom and Dad are going to be pleased about this?” I ask, folding my arms across my chest.

“I think you taking a respectable date to the event will ease Mom’s fears,” Sam adds.

“And you think he’s respectable?” I point at Felix.

“Hey,” he argues, offended by my comment.

“Um, Dad loves him,” Sam adds.

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