Page 66 of Pucking My Bad Boy Boss
I stare at the message, the weight of the question heavy in my mind. I don't know, I type back. It's the truth. I'm not sure what this means for the fake engagement, for Dom, for me. Everything feels like it's in a state of flux.
Before I can delve deeper into the conversation with Jenna, a shadow falls over me. I look up to find Jason Sinclair approaching, his confident stride and well-tailored suit making him stand out among the athletes.
"Bella," he greets me, a hint of something unreadable in his tone.
I straighten up, tucking my phone away. My heart starts to race, not from excitement, but from a mix of wariness and irritation. What does Jason want now?
"So, how's the future hubby?" he asks, a smirk playing at the corner of his lips.
I force a smile, keeping my voice neutral. "He's fine, Jason. Focused on the training, like all of us here."
As Jason's gaze lingers, a discomfort settles over me.
"And the training camp… are you getting my money’s worth?" he asks, his tone deceptively casual.
I resist the urge to roll my eyes, instead returning his gaze, maintaining a professional demeanor. "It's going well. The team's really pulling together, showing great progress."
"Good to hear," he replies, though his eyes suggest he's more interested in something else. "And how are you managing with the... added responsibility of your engagement? Must be a lot to juggle."
His question, edged with insinuation, makes me bristle. "It's fine, Jason. Dom and I are managing just fine."
He nods, but there's a probing intensity in his eyes. "Must be quite the change, right? Spending so much time together, sharing... everything."
I force a smile, even as irritation bubbles within me. "We're professionals, Jason. We know how to balance our personal and professional lives."
His smile widens, but it doesn't reach his eyes. "Of course, of course. Just curious, you know. After all, engagements can bring out so many... new dynamics."
The way he stresses 'new dynamics' sends a clear message—he's digging for something more, something beneath the surface of my and Dom's relationship. I stiffen, my guard up.
"Is there a point to all these questions, Jason?" I ask, my tone firm.
He leans in slightly, a conspiratorial glint in his eye. "Just making conversation, Isabella. It's not every day you see two high-profile individuals like you and Dom getting together. People talk, you know."
I straighten up, my patience wearing thin. "People talk, huh? What exactly are they saying, Jason? And why are you so interested?" My voice is sharp, cutting through the facade of casual chit-chat. "This feels like more than just idle curiosity."
He pauses, letting the tension thicken around us. The rink, with its echoes of skates and pucks, feels miles away. Jason leans in, his voice lowering. "I have reason to believe that you and Dom aren't quite the lovebirds you're pretending to be."
The air seems to still around me. His words, so blunt and accusing, send a shockwave through me. How much does he know? And more importantly, why does he care? My mind races, trying to piece together his angle.
I straighten up, my instincts kicking in. "I don't know what you're talking about, Jason." My voice is steady, but inside, a storm is brewing. "Dom and I are engaged. That's all there is to it."
Jason raises an eyebrow, his smirk widening. "Really, Isabella? That's all there is to it?" His tone drips with skepticism. "You expect me to believe that? You two have barely known each other, and suddenly you're engaged. It doesn't add up."
I feel a flash of irritation. "What's it to you, Jason? Why are you so hung up on my relationship with Dom?" I ask, trying to steer the conversation away from dangerous waters. "And why do you care so much about Dom's business ventures? It's not like it affects you." My voice is firm, trying to establish boundaries in this increasingly uncomfortable conversation.
Jason's expression hardens, his eyes narrowing as he leans in closer. "Let me be blunt, Bella. Apex Arena, Dom's brainchild, it's more than a minor inconvenience for my plans. It's a direct threat."
I raise an eyebrow, trying to keep my voice level. "And why is that your concern?"
He smirks, the gesture devoid of any warmth. "Because, dear, it's not just about a stadium. It's about control, influence. Dom's expansion into the West Coast with this project is a power move. It could shift the balance in our industry, and I can't have that."
I feel a surge of indignation. "So this is about your ego? Your need to be the top dog?"
Jason chuckles, a sound that grates on my nerves. "It's about business, Isabella. And in business, you either lead or get left behind. Dom's project could overshadow my ventures, attract my clients. I can't allow that."
I cross my arms, trying to maintain my composure. "Then discuss it with Dom. I'm not involved in his business decisions."
He chuckles, a sound devoid of humor. "Oh, but you are, Bella. Whether you like it or not. Your engagement is part of his public image now, part of the narrative he's selling to his investors."
