Chapter 22 #2
“And I’m not some fragile thing you need to protect from my own choices,” I added. “I chose this. I choose them.”
This was my life, my relationship, my decision.
Fallon looked between the three of us, then finally exhaled. “Okay.”
“Now, if you’re done being an ass, I’m ready to go.” I hooked my arms with my guys and guided them out of my room.
The gala was already in full swing by the time we arrived at the hotel near the Capitol.
Camera flashes went off the second we slid out of the SUV. The three of us walked in with Fallon and Rhett so we could play it off as a group of friends hanging out rather than me being on a date with someone.
Inside the ballroom, things went as they always did: handshakes, air kisses, surface-level conversations that often turned into requests for help getting a meeting with the president. I said hello to people I’d known for years and to people I’d never met who somehow knew way too much about me.
Once the greetings wrapped up, we headed over to the silent auction items laid out along the wall, which included pieces of art, travel packages, and plenty of expensive jewelry.
“I feel like I should bid on something, but I’m not sure my signing bonus was enough to cover the price of this stuff,” Dylan mused as he read over the details for a trip to Aspen.
I chuckled. “I didn’t invite you guys so you’d spend money. Besides, Fallon will probably come over here and outbid you anyway, just to keep up his stupid little intimidation act.”
Jase shook his head. “He’s married to a Secret Service agent. I think if he really wanted to scare us off, he could have Rhett threaten us or something like that.”
“He’s all bark and no bite. I promise. Besides, he knows I’ll kick his ass if he takes the protective-brother act too far.”
Dylan leaned in and whispered. “Damn, it’s hot when you talk about kicking someone’s ass.”
“Just remember, you don’t ever want to get on my bad side.” I smirked.
Eventually, we found our table, and the guys took a seat.
“Excuse me for a second. I’m going to find the restroom.”
They both nodded and started chatting with Fallon and Rhett.
The bathroom was quiet compared to the ballroom, and I took a moment to breathe. I washed my hands, checked my reflection, and fixed my hair. When I stepped back into the hall, I nearly collided with Callum.
“Faye,” he greeted, as if he’d been waiting for me to come out.
I stilled. “Callum.”
He raised a brow. “You’re looking beautiful tonight.”
My heart rate ticked up, but not in a good way. “Thanks.”
He tilted his head. “That trip you took earlier this month must’ve been exactly what you needed to recharge.”
I kept my expression neutral. “It was.”
“Funny thing, though. You told me you were there with friends of Fallon’s.”
“That’s right,” I said carefully.
“And yet,” he went on, his gaze narrowing, “the media seems convinced you’re dating Jase Matthewson.”
I met his gaze. “I don’t comment on speculation.”
He stepped a fraction closer, and I tried to back up, but my back hit the wall. I caught sight of Agent Pederson nearby. Our eyes met. I gave a subtle shake of my head. Other than being annoying, I didn’t think Callum posed a real threat.
“Yeah, but it makes it seem like you weren’t entirely honest with me when we ran into each other at that bar.”
Before I could respond, Dylan appeared at my side.
“She doesn’t owe you any explanations,” he said calmly, but I could feel the tension radiating off him. “So back off.”
Callum’s attention shifted to Dylan. “You seem awfully protective of your brother’s girl.”
Callum’s knowledge of Jase and Dylan didn’t go unnoticed, and a shiver ran down my spine.
Sure, they’d had some media attention because of Chase and their strong draft performance, but they weren’t huge celebrities.
It seemed more likely that Callum had been looking into the people I was connected to, and I didn’t like that at all.
Dylan didn’t blink. “Move.”
For a second, I wondered whether Callum would push back. Instead, he lifted his hands in mock surrender.
“Relax,” he said lightly. “We were just talking.”
“And now you’re done,” Dylan clipped.
Callum’s gaze lingered on me before he finally stepped back. “Have a good evening, Faye.”
We made it back to the table, but Jase immediately noticed the tension surrounding Dylan and me.
“You okay?” he asked.
“Yeah.” I reached for my water. “Everything’s fine.”
He didn’t look convinced, so Dylan told him what happened.
“That guy from St. John cornered her.”
Jase balked. “What?”
“He accused her of not being honest with him,” Dylan continued. “And I didn’t like how close he was standing to her.”
Fallon leaned forward in his chair. “Which guy are we talking about?”
“Callum,” I replied, since there was no point in hiding it any longer.
My brother’s expression darkened. “I don’t like that guy at all.”
“Join the club,” Dylan said, his jaw tight.
Jase reached for my hand under the table and gave it a quick squeeze. “You really okay?”
I nodded. “Like I said earlier, he’s just pushy because he thinks I should be dating him.”
“Good thing you’re taken.” Jase winked.
Dinner was served shortly after, though calling it dinner didn’t seem quite right.
I managed two bites before someone stopped by the table. Then another. It became an endless line of people handing out compliments, asking questions, and casually networking.
By the time the plates were cleared, I realized I was still hungry.
“Did you even eat?” Jase asked.
I shook my head. “Not really.”
“I can ask them to bring you another plate,” Dylan suggested.
“Actually, I’d love some fresh air.”
“Let’s go then,” Jase replied.
The three of us stood and made our way out the doors to a patio. The night was chilly, so only a few people were outside, and we found a private corner where no one could see us.
I leaned against the stone railing and let out a long breath.
Dylan stood next to me. “Is every event like this, where you barely have a chance to eat, let alone breathe?”
I let out a dry laugh. “Welcome to my life. I hope it hasn’t scared you off.”
Jase tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. “Nothing could scare us off, Princess.”
I smiled. “Really? How can you be so sure?”
His expression softened. “Because I love you.”
I was pretty sure I had stopped breathing.
I pressed a hand to Jase’s chest and felt his heart pounding under my palm.
Dylan moved beside me, and our eyes met. “Please don’t think I’m saying it just because he did, but I love you too, Princess.”
Tears burned behind my eyes. These two guys, who I thought were going to be nothing more than a fun summer fling almost two years ago, had somehow turned my world upside down. With every fiber of my being, I knew I was meant to be theirs, just as they were mine.
“I love both of you too.”
Inside, the gala carried on without me. Out in the shadows, I had everything I needed.