Page 60 of Ruled By Rivalry

ME, now

> Maybe you should give up journalism and start writing fanfiction about the guy

> It’s work. Promise I’ll call tomorrow! x

I wasn’t sure if it was just because I knew what kind of car we were sitting in, but it felt like we were extra fast. Like one minute we were driving through the heart of SoHo, and the next we were in Brooklyn. Like one minute I’d been frantically texting my best friend, and the next I’d pocketed my phone and we were pulling up to a tall building.

The red carpet in front of it let me know we were in the right place and sent my pulse through the roof.

Chapter 24

“A word of warning.” Elliot had trusted the valet with his beloved car, and his hand found itself in that familiar spot on my lower back, gently guiding me through a back door. “The richer a person, the more insufferable they become.”

I gave him a look that he interpreted 100 percent correctly.

Snorting in amusement, he shook his head. “No, I’m serious. They walk around like they can think, say, do whatever they’d like . . . because they can. Usually, I try not to let them get away with it. Usually, I’d love to see you putting them in their place.” He gave me an apologetic glance. “Unfortunately, tonight it’s their money I’m asking for. So, we’ll have to be polite.”

“Wait.” I faltered in my strides, previously fake-it-till-you-make-it confidence in them. “This is your fundraiser?”

“Yes.” Sheepish smile. “Problem with that?”

“As in you’re . . . organizing it?”

“That’s usually what hosting a fundraiser entails.”

I still hadn’t caught on. Strange feeling for someone usually on top of every piece of information floating through the room. “Not your mom’s? Grandfather’s?”

Elliot scowled. “I’m starting to feel insulted.”

“What for?”

Now, he seemed genuinely baffled. Blinked at me, mouth opening, closing. Opening again. “My . . . charity?” A beat of silence passed before he must’ve realized I was being serious. The confusion on his face morphed into that familiar amusement. “Maeve.” He tsked. “I thought you said you did your research. Did I just surprise you?”

“No.” Yes. More than I’d like to admit.

I wasn’t a fan of unknowns. It didn’t help that we hadn’t snuck in the back but were instead positioned to walk the carpet nearby.

Elliot was too delighted by the situation to notice my growing nerves.

“So, you knew this is what I do?” He gestured toward the dreaded carpet, which wasn’t actually red but dark green.

“Raise funds.” I nodded grandly. “Of course.”

His eyes narrowed, and he knew he’d got me when he asked, “What for?”

I had no fucking idea.

“Oh, whatever, Elliot!” No need to embarrass myself further trying to guess what causes he threw elaborate fundraisers for. “I just think you should’ve told me all eyes will be on you tonight. Seeing as I’m with you.”

He was smiling again, and I hated that I didn’t hate it. “And then what?”

“I probably would’ve put more effort into how I look. I wouldn’t have let this dress crease in the car. I wouldn’t have leaned against the seat. My hair is probably a mess.”

“Your hair’s perfect.”

“More setting spray,” I added. “I would’ve used more setting spray and done my makeup with a little more attention to detail. Some eyeshadow, maybe.” I was pacing. Small circles around Elliot, who wouldn’t stop turning with me.

“Okay.” His hands landed on my shoulders, finally getting me to stop. “I’m starting to feel dizzy. You need to calm down, Maeve.”