Page 23 of Her Fake Island Wedding

“Luke’s also officiating at our wedding,” Bryce put in, thinking that was worth mentioning. “Though Sunfish has a full-time celebrant, she’s away next week, so Luke agreed to stand in for us.”

“Happy to do it,” Luke said heartily, putting a hand on Bryce’s shoulder. “I’ve never seen a couple so in love, have you?” he asked Justine.

“They can’t keep their hands off each other, that’s for sure,” Justine said with her tinkling little laugh, and Bryce was suddenly struck by a flash of inspiration.

“Are you busy, Luke? Because I’m about to head out with the night dive, and I’d appreciate it if you’d stand in for me and keep Justine and Lucy company for a while.”

“I’d be delighted,” Luke said warmly, and Justine brightened.

“Do sit down,” she slid over and patted the vacated seat beside her. The look she skimmed over Luke was positively acquisitive, and Bryce felt briefly sorry for his boss. But then, Luke was a grown man and could look after himself.

“I’ll walk out with you,” Lucy said as Bryce made his apologies. Her hand felt cold as her fingers curled around his, and he held onto them firmly as they left the restaurant.

“You okay?” he asked quietly once they were out of earshot.

“Yeah. I forgot how difficult it is to go out with her in public.” Lucy grimaced slightly. “That was only a fraction of the attention she gets in England, of course.”

“I can imagine.” He could also see how Justine basked in it, manipulating the limelight to push Lucy ever further into her shadow. With a quick glance over his shoulder to check they were still visible from the booth where Justine and Luke now sat, Bryce drew Lucy to a halt. “You’ve managed her awesomely so far, and Luke’s smart enough to spot the signals if you need to let him know you don’t want to be alone with Justine.”

“You’ve been so amazing,” Lucy said earnestly, staring up at him. “Thank you so much.”

Bryce ducked his head a little bashfully. “It’s nothing.” He flicked another glance back at the booth, saw Justine watching them. “And since she’s watching, I think we should give her something to stare at. I’m gonna kiss you now, okay?”

* * *

“Uh,” Lucy said intelligently. “Uh, yeah. That’s okay.”

Bryce’s arm curled around her waist and he bent his head slowly, obviously giving her time to back off if she changed her mind. Not that Lucy could imagine any reason she might ever want tonotkiss Bryce. Even if he hadn’t already proven himself to be an exceptional kisser, he was, well,Bryce. She tilted her face up, eyes drifting closed and lips parting instinctively.

“Fuck, you’re beautiful,” Bryce muttered gruffly, and Lucy’s eyes flew open again briefly just as he kissed her.

Did he really mean that?Growing up in her mother’s shadow, Lucy had always been the ugly duckling, Intellectually she knew she was passably pretty at least, but the way Bryce looked at her, the way he kissed her, made herfeelbeautiful for the first time in her life. She swayed towards him as he broke the kiss, wanting more, wanting to feel that way again, and Bryce muttered a curse under his breath.

“I’ll see you later,” he said before kissing her again, a little rougher this time, a little deeper.

Lucy’s lips were tingling as she returned to the dinner table, flags of scarlet colour flying high on her cheeks. Justine had already looked away, was focusing all her attention on Luke. Lucy wondered if she’d have to warn him off — Luke was far too nice to get caught in Justine’s web — but decided he could take care of himself when he shot her a surreptitious wink at one point. They were all playing their parts, and Justine, the professional actress, hadn’t the slightest idea.

Oh, the delicious irony.

The sensation of victory carried Lucy through the rest of the dinner, and thankfully immediately afterwards Justine admitted jet lag was making her tired.

“Get some sleep, Mum. I’ll meet you in the morning, take you on a tour of the island. Say nine o’clock? Give you time to have some breakfast first. I’ll meet you in the main lobby, by the information desk.”

“Sounds lovely, darling.” Justine air-kissed both her cheeks. “Good night.”

“Lovely to meet you, Justine.” Luke gave her a warm smile. “See you again soon, I hope.”

“You can count on it.” She gave him a sultry look before turning on her heel and heading for the elevators.

Luke blew out his cheeks as he watched her go before shooting Lucy a wry look. “If I hadn’t been forewarned that your mother was a difficult type, I might be trailing along behind her with my tongue hanging out right about now.”

“Please don’t fall for her,” Lucy begged earnestly. “You’re much, much too nice.”

“No fear, hon. I’m married to my job.” Luke smiled, the corners of his eyes crinkling. “Besides, I can hardly have a strict policy of no involvement between staff and guests if I don’t follow it myself, can I?”

“Great leaders lead by example,” Lucy murmured.

“Since you don’t actually work for me, I’ll take that as the compliment it is.” Luke nodded his head to her gravely. “We’re here for you, Lucy. I wondered when you first came to me why you were doing this, but I think I understand a little better now. Don’t let Justine get under your skin, huh? It’s only two weeks, and you’ll have plenty to distract her with.”

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