**Third person**
Valerie's throat suddenly felt dry. She forced a swallow before pressing her lips together.
Then Lucas massaged her shoulder. “Are you okay?” He asked sweetly, his piercing blue eyes staring down at her, and she felt her breath hitch.
Yes, she'd signed a contract to act as his girlfriend, but that was only supposed to be in front of his family.
Still, the way he spoke to her just now, the way he looked at her... it all felt good.
Adam’s eyes widened in stunned horror. “Girlfriend? Who is that?” His eyes darted from Val to Lucas with his mouth hanging open.
“Is there a problem?” Lucas arched a questioning brow, his focus returning to Adam.
Adam's fists clenched by his sides and his blood boiled, but he willed himself to respond. “No, no, of course not,” he said, try
