Society Girls: Rhieve Read Online Free Page B

back.”
    Jade and Camari follow me into the cabana I choose for my escape. I pull lipstick out of my bag, and start applying it, hoping they’ll let what just happened outside go. I should know better, but I’m in denial about more than just that kiss, apparently.
    “That wasn’t fake,” Jade says, stating the obvious.
    I hang my head, and try to control my breathing. “I didn’t expect what he did, or the way he kissed me. He’s not romantic. Women talk about sleeping with him, but they never say he’s romantic, or even overly considerate. He satisfies them, but he doesn’t plan out proposals, or buy them jewelry he knows they’ll love.”
    “He doesn’t,” Camari agrees. “I’ve heard all the stories, too. Many women have tried to get more than sex from him, but he doesn’t give it.”
    “So why is he doing this with me?”
    “Maybe you should ask him,” Jade tells me.
    Yeah, that’s not going to happen. “No. I’ll just play along like I agreed to.”
    “Good luck with that,” she tells me. I have a feeling I’m going to need it.
    I can only stall another couple of minutes since Calum didn’t mess up my hair, and even his hand on my cheek was gentle enough to not mess up my makeup too much. With a final glance in the mirror, I nod to my friends, and walk back outside. Calum’s typing furiously on his phone, looking angry.
    “Everything okay?” I ask, walking right up to him without him noticing me.
    “Not really. I have some things I need to take care of, so we should finish up here.” His tone is dismissive, letting me know his behavior earlier was definitely an act.
    “Of course.”
    If he’s going to be all business, then so am I. I turn on my heel and move to where Candi motions for me to stand. I feel him at my back, but I don’t acknowledge him until I have to place my hand on his chest, showing off my ring. We both smile for the camera, moving our bodies and faces however Candi needs them. I’m closer to him than I was when we kissed, but there’s nothing intimate about what we’re doing. It’s all for show, and the show must be damn good, because Candi says she’s got her shot only a few minutes later.
    “Be ready to fly out in the morning, Rhieve,” he tells me, jumping right back onto his phone.
    “Tomorrow? You couldn’t have given me some warning?”
    “I need to get to London, and you’re the one who asked me for help. You can fly with me tomorrow, or wait until I can come back again to bring you over with me. Your choice.”
    “I could just meet you there.”
    “You’re my fiancé now, remember? Why would we travel separately?”
    “Because I have a job, and other obligations. Camari can spin it.”
    “Listen, Rhieve, I’m a busy man. I’m willing to give you some of my time to help you find Rhys, but I can’t just ignore my obligations.”
    “Don’t act like you’re not getting something out of this.”
    He sighs, and finally looks up at me. “I have to go, Rhieve. I’m sorry if you’re not ready, but this is what I have to offer you. I didn’t mean to be an ass, but I have to go.”
    “You’re right. I’ll be ready,” I tell him, because he is helping me, even if I’m helping him, too. And if I’m being honest, he’s not asking me anything unreasonable. He has a business to run—well, more than one, but that’s not the point. I’m on his schedule now.
    “I’ll text you the times, and put your name on the passenger list so you can enter the executive terminal.”
    “Thank you, Calum. I mean it.”
    “You’re welcome. Oh, and Rhieve, make sure you have some things to wear to the club.”
    By “things” I know he means lingerie. Stella’s already helped me shop, so I’ve got what I need, and I let him know that. “Already taken care of.”
    “Good. See you tomorrow.”
    He walks out, and a part of me is sad that he didn’t kiss me goodbye. The other, smarter part—my brain—knows that’s a good thing. I’m going to have to