CHAPTER 3
738 Words
Date with a Tyrant
Brielle quickly discovered that being Siege Valentino’s personal physician was exhausting.
The man had security everywhere. Two cars in front, two behind. A helicopter on standby 24/7. And apparently three different staff members whose only job was to check if Brielle had eaten, slept, or drank water.
“I can feed myself,” she complained during their third day.
The head of security gave a stiff nod. “Mr. Valentino said—”
“I don’t care what Mr. Valentino said.”
A voice came from behind her. Dry. Amused.
“I heard that.”
Brielle turned. Siege stood there in a black suit, sleeves rolled up, watching her like he’d been there the whole time.
“You’re spying on me.”
“I own the building.”
“That doesn’t answer the question.”
“It does.”
She sighed and rubbed her temples. “I need coffee.”
Without a word, he handed her a cup. Exactly how she liked it.
She stared. “You remembered.”
“I remember everything about you.”
The air went quiet. Siege noticed.
“Too much?”
“A little.”
He smiled, slow and dangerous. “I’ll work on it.”
That evening, Siege announced over dinner, “We’re attending a charity gala.”
Brielle lowered her fork. “Why?”
“Because the people who tried to kill me will be there.”
“Then why would we go?”
“Because they’ll expect me to hide.”
“And you want me to come?”
“Yes.”
“Absolutely not.”
“You’re already coming.”
“No.”
He looked at her over the rim of his glass. “You’ll be my date.”
Brielle laughed. “My what?”
“Your date.”
“I’m your doctor.”
“Tonight, you’re both.”
“This is unethical.”
“Then we’ll call it a medical emergency.”
She stared. “That was terrible.”
“I know.”
At the gala, Brielle wore a black gown that hugged her like armor. Siege wore a black tuxedo that cost more than most cars. They entered together. Every head turned.
Charmaine was already there in red silk. She grabbed Caspian’s arm. “They look married.”
Caspian sighed. “Don’t start.”
“I haven’t started.”
Brielle approached them. “Why are you both staring?”
Charmaine grinned. “You look beautiful.”
“Thank you.” She glanced at Siege. “And you look…”
“Expensive?” he offered.
“Annoying.”
“That’s my natural state.”
Caspian actually laughed.
The music started. Siege extended his hand. “Dance with me.”
Brielle frowned. “Why?”
“Because everyone is watching.”
She sighed. “Fine.”
His hand settled at her waist, warm and steady. She looked up. “You’re surprisingly good at this.”
“I’ve had practice.”
“With women?”
“Yes.”
She frowned. “Why do I suddenly hate that answer?”
Siege’s mouth curved. “Jealous?”
“Absolutely not.”
“Liar.”
She stepped on his shoe.
He winced. “Accident?”
“Of course.”
Then she saw him. A man across the room, wearing a golden half-mask. Her stomach dropped.
“Siege.”
He followed her gaze. His whole body went rigid.
“Stay beside me.”
“Who is he?”
“Someone who should be dead.”
The man vanished into the crowd. Siege moved immediately. Brielle chased after him.
“Siege!”
He turned sharply. “Go back.”
“No.”
“Brielle.”
“I can help.”
“You have no idea what you’re dealing with.”
“Then tell me.”
He stared at her, jaw tight. “Not here.”
A gunshot cracked through the ballroom. Screams erupted. Siege grabbed Brielle and pulled her under a table. Across the room, Caspian dragged Charmaine to the floor.
“Stay down!” Caspian ordered.
Charmaine nodded, clutching her dress. “I’m staying down. Although this gown cost more than my car.”
Caspian stared at her. “Seriously?”
“What? I’m traumatized.”
Brielle looked at Siege, heart pounding. “Who was that?”
Siege’s eyes were ice cold.
“The Golden Mask.”
“What does he want?”
Siege met her gaze.
“You.”
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