Page 58 of The Devil's Canvas

That’s when I feel it. The nerves roll off her in waves.

I don’t hesitate. I pull her closer. My hand finds the small of her back and I hold her to me. Leaning in, I take my chance and press a slow, deliberate kiss to her temple, letting my lips linger against her skin just long enough that I feel the tension in her shoulders start to ease.

"It’s okay, darling," I murmur, my voice low, smooth, meant only for her. I turn my head slightly, just enough for my breath to ghost against her ear. "I got you."

Geneva Fox is smirking before she even speaks, and I already know what’s coming.

"Ophelia," she starts, "I know you’ve heard the latest buzz."

Ophelia lifts a brow, unimpressed. "You’ll have to be more specific."

"Oh, come on," Geneva presses, tilting her microphone just a little closer. "Ashton Mercer had Dominic and Melanie on his show last week. It was quite the moment."

Ophelia exhales through her nose, but she doesn’t shift, doesn’t flinch. "I’m sure it was."

I grin. Oh, I love this.

Geneva tilts her head, eyes narrowing slightly. She knows Ophelia is a tough nut to crack.

"Ashton was quite bold, though," she continues, lips curling. "He said—what was it again? Oh, right. Before Melanie, Dominic was actually withyou."

The words hang between them. Geneva’s microphone is poised, ready for the fallout.

Ophelia gives her nothing. Just a slow, measured stare—cool, unreadable.

"That’s not exactly a secret, Geneva," she says calmly. "But I do appreciate Ashton reminding everyone."

Geneva was expecting denial. A flustered backpedal. She didn’t expect ice. She didn’t expectOphelia.

I decide to make this even more fun.

"You know," I muse, slipping an arm around Ophelia’s waist, pulling her just a little closer. "I quite liked Ashton’s delivery. He really knows how to command a room."

Geneva turns her attention to me, curiosity piqued. "You watched it?"

"Of course," I say smoothly. "I love comedy."

Ophelia lets out a quiet laugh, shaking her head.

"So you don’t mind being part of this story?" Geneva asks, watching me carefully.

I tilt my head, pretending to think. "Why would I?"

I glance at Ophelia, running my thumb along the curve of her hip, just enough to make sure Geneva—and everyone else—sees it.

"I know exactly where she stands," I say, voice silky, taunting.

Geneva hums, watching us. "Dominic might have something to say about that."

"Oh, I hope he does," I murmur, smiling. "It’s been far too long since anyone put him in his place."

Ophelia laughs at that, fully and unapologetically.

Geneva’s eyes flicker between us. She knows she’s not getting anything more.

"Well," she says finally, "this is definitely the most interesting story on the carpet tonight."

"I do try," I reply with a smirk.

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