Page 97 of The Sniper
Nadia asks Sadie a question, and I tune them out, wiggling my toes in my very tight but high heels.
I glance behind me, and spot Alexei standing with his arms crossed.He gives me a dark look, which sends a creepy shiver through me.
Why are they here?
“Two minutes, Tiffany.”The Blush coordinator says, holding her tablet and tapping her earpiece.
“Argh, where’s my water?”I flap my hands around, my mouth going dry with nerves.
“Here,” Sadie swaps the bottle for my lipstick a second later.“Gloss.”
Nadia lays a hand on my arm, and I startle.“Darling, give me a closeup look at the Maison diamonds.Wow, Alexei look.”
“Ma’am, please step back,” Todd says, and I almost kiss him.
When I give Nadia and Alexei an apologetic look, I almost fall over.Alexei is smirking.
It’s subtle, but I don’t miss it.
“Everyone, please move away.I need you to exit the back, please.Go take your seats.”
I don’t know what happens next, as the Blush coordinator takes my arm and steers me right at the doorway to the runway.
It’s time.
Suddenly, I’m vividly aware that I’m wearing twenty million dollars of Maison diamonds and about to step out into a public space.Was Jayden right?Is this dangerous?
I glance over my shoulder at Noah, who is blocking everyone with his wall of a body.
He gives me a nod.“Go get ‘em tiger.”
I blow out a breath.
I’m fine.
I’m fiiineee.
I just wish it was a different man protecting and reassuring me, as I take one step after the other onto the runway and take in the lights, cameras and huge crowd surrounding the event.
This is Hollywood, baby.
Jayden, I really wish you were here.
I need you.
