Page 35 of The Road Less Traveled By

“Did you hear what I said?”

Shit, she said something?“Yes, I did.”

“Great. Then I’ll have Alex’s bodyguards send over the information you’ll need about the fashion show next week. I know you want the layout plans and everything, so I’ll be sure they send it all. Does that sound good?”

“That sounds great. Are you headed somewhere? I thought today was a content creation day?”

Her smile grows even larger when she realizes I have her schedule memorized. “It is, but Teags wanted to go for coffee. Is that okay?”

“It’s perfect. I’ll grab Emerson and we can head out in ten minutes.”

“Great. I’m just going to put this in my room. Can you tell Nico thank you for me?”

“Yeah, I’ll let him know.”

And as her heeled boots click as she walks away, it hits me that Nico was fucking right.

I’m way more invested in this girl than I thought, but I know I can’t fucking have her.

Fuck.

Chapterfourteen

— MIRRORBALL BY TAYLOR SWIFT

I hate fashion shows.

Why do you need strobe lights that have nothing to do with the clothes you're showing off? And when did clothes get so eccentric?

This isn't what I had in mind when Bree told me about the show. I figured it was going to be this huge thing, but I forgot how much I hated loud and crowded spaces. This was never my scene, and by the way Bree keeps fidgeting in her seat, it’s not hers either. She keeps smoothing the fabric of her light blue mini dress, even though she steamed it four times before coming out tonight. She keeps crossing and uncrossing her legs, her white heels almost hitting Alex’s leg every time she does.

She always preferred the safety and tranquility of her room over being in public. There’s been a bunch of photographers in her face since Alex is with her, and I can tell how uncomfortable she is.

Despite that, she still looks radiant as always. I swear, Bree and her aura attracts every person in the room. It’s hard to look away from her sometimes, and tonight is no different.

She reminds me of a disco ball in the middle of a dance floor because when she smiles, it reflects in everyone's faces—including mine. Even though I know most of her smiles are fake in public, I like being able to pull out her real ones when I can.

I force my gaze away from her when I see Alex move his hand onto her thigh, slowly trailing up while Bree tries to stop him. I could go over there, but since they’re sitting in the front row, I decide not to ruin the entire show and go to his security instead. I head for where Jason is—his head bodyguard—and stand next to him. He’s got a decent angle on Alex, and I don't bother lowering my voice.

“If he touches her without her permission again, I’ll cut his hand off.”

He doesn't turn his head to face me as he speaks. “Is that right, Vince?”

“Yeah, that’s right. It’s in the goddamn contract, and his blatant disregard for it is making Bree uncomfortable. Tell your boy he needs to take that clause seriously, or I’ll make good on my promise.” I don't wait for his reply before I head back to my spot.

Bree must’ve known where I was standing because I see her head moving back and forth, trying to find me, but when her eyes lock on mine, she takes a deep breath. She places her hand on her chest, all her fingers splayed out, and I know that means there’s about five minutes left of the show.

Thank fuck. I don't understand the appeal of shows like this, and the sooner I can get her out of this building, the better.

After a huge applause, all the models walking back out and showcasing whatever the fuck they’re wearing, I head over to Bree.

“Angel is on the move. We should be out in five,” I say over comms and hope someone is getting the car ready. As we head out, and I don't feel Bree behind me like I normally do, Emerson speaks since he’s the one who follows behind them.

“Boss, we’ve hit a snag.”

I turn around to notice another girl talking to Alex. From what I can tell by this exchange, Bree looks insanely uncomfortable, and Alex almost looks…human. I’ve never seen his guard down before, but it looks to be now.

This has got to be the ex-girlfriend I’ve seen all the magazines talk about. If it’s not, then this guy sucks more than I thought.

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