Page 89 of Modern Romance May 2026 Books 5-8
I step back. “At least something meets your approval.”
Aiden’s brows draw together. His lips part, but before he can say anything, the elevator chimes three times just before the doors open.
Showtime.
One of the most sophisticated-looking women I’ve ever seen steps out of the elevator. Black hair sliced off just below her jaw accentuates the angularness of her face. Dressed in long black trousers and shirt with a white blazer, the woman strides up to Aiden, hand outstretched.
“Mr. Hawke. I’m Dylan Greene.”
Aiden shakes her hand. “Thank you for coming, Ms. Greene.”
“Thank you for inviting me.” Her smile is quick, sharp. “We’re thrilled you selectedGildedto announce your engagement.” She gestures to the young man behind her dressed in similar black pants and a shirt. “My photographer, Liam.” Her gaze slides to me. “And you must be Seraphina Clark.”
The way she eyes me makes me think of sharks and lions, predators on the hunt.
Just like a tough client.
I move forward, offering my hand as I slip into a professional mindset. If I treat this interview like I would any other client meeting, I can maintain the calm I need. I just need to balance that with holding Aiden’s hand and occasionally kissing his cheek.
No pressure whatsoever.
“Hello, Ms. Greene.” I smile, give her a firmer handshake than I normally would have. “I want to echo Aiden’s sentiments and thank you for coming.”
Dylan’s smile grows. “But of course. The world is dying to know more about you.”
Exactly what I don’t want. I turn to see Aiden standing next to me. Might as well start the charade now. I slide my hand into his, biting back a smile when his body tenses next to me.
Good. Let him feel uncomfortable for a minute or two.
“I also appreciate you understanding if I’m nervous.” I glance up at Aiden, giving him the most adoring gaze I can. “We’ve been keeping our relationship under the radar for so long it’s odd talking about it in public.”
“Of course,” Dylan croons.
Aiden squeezes my hand. I glance at him and release the breath I hadn’t even realized I’d been holding when I see the admiration in his eyes. I’m still hurt by how he used our kiss, confused by his transition from flirty fake fiancé to cold, distant billionaire. But I’ll take whatever support I can get right now.
A camera clicks. I start and look back at the photographer.
“Sorry,” he says with a smile that says he’s not sorry at all. “Great candid moment.”
“A warning, next time,” Aiden replies. His voice is quiet, but the menace in his tone is crystal clear. Liam shrinks back a fraction.
“Of course, sir. My apologies.”
“Let’s start on the terrace,” Dylan interjects with another megawatt smile. “Before the sun gets too high. We’ll take the photos, and then we’ll sit down and chat.”
As soon as we get outside, she directs us to a navy chaise longue. She starts off with a simple pose of me sitting and Aiden standing behind me, his hand on my shoulder. Liam sets up his camera as Dylan watches us with a critical eye.
Click, click.
Aiden’s hand tightens slightly on my shoulder. I reach up without thinking and cover his hand with my own.
“Oh, perfect!” Dylan points to my hand. “Liam, close-up of the ring.”
A few more shots and then she instructs me to sit on one side of the chaise and Aiden to sit on the other. We face each other, a few inches between us.
“Okay, Mr. Hawke, if you could lean in closer, maybe put a hand to her face.”
I try not to tense as he reaches up. Try to act like he’s done this every day for the past six months. But when his hand settles on my face, cradling my jaw with a tenderness I know is just for the cameras, I can’t help but lean into his touch.
