Kieran straightened, his dark eyes sharpening under the bright lights.
“Boyfriend?” he demanded.
Alarieka tilted her head. “Why? Interested in him?”
His gaze pinned her. “I recall stating that our partnership requires transparency in all matters—including romantic entanglements.”
She cut him off. “Message received. Rest assured, my personal life won’t interfere.”
His voice turned icy. “Prove it.”
“Words alone mean nothing.”
Her eyes narrowed. He was deliberately provoking her. Since when did business partners police each other’s relationships?
“I—” she began.
“Mr. Argent needn’t worry.”
An arm suddenly circled her shoulders, pulling her against a warm chest. Startled, she looked up to see Shi Yao smiling down at her. Understanding flashed across her face. She stayed silent, allowing his closeness. Head bowed, she listened as Shi Yao spoke.
“Perhaps you’re unaware, Mr. Argent, but Alarieka and I have been together five years. Our relationship’s solid.” He chuckled warmly. “She’s my first love. I’d never risk what we have—would you?” His earnest delivery could’ve moved mountains.
Alarieka’s breath hitched.
Kieran remained silent for a long moment. She finally lifted her gaze to study him. His expression stayed impassive, lips pressed into a stern line.
“Well?” Alarieka prompted. “Any other concerns?”
“If there’s no issue, we’ll head out first. I’ve got some business to handle later.” Kieran glanced at her, then at Shi Yao, gave a hum of acknowledgment, and turned away, his back facing them.
Alarieka looked up at Shi Yao. “Let’s go.”
The moment her voice faded, Rose’s chime cut through: “Kieran.” Alarieka arched an eyebrow, catching sight of Rose’s blissful, gentle smile as she glided toward Kieran, looping her arm through his with slow, tender grace. Kieran lowered his gaze to her, the taut line of his mouth softening into a faint curve.
After Alarieka turned away, Kieran pivoted too, his obsidian eyes drilling into the intimate, retreating figures of the man and woman. He narrowed his gaze, replaying the scene he’d witnessed earlier while stepping out of the VIP Lounge for air. A fluke of positioning had given him a crystal-clear view of Alarieka and Shi Yao’s table. Their main-floor seating left nothing hidden. Alarieka’s face had been alight, all wild energy as she practically launched herself into Shi Yao’s arms. Shi Yao looked down at her, laughter and adoration flooding his eyes, weathering her playful assault with patient warmth, his arms encircling her protectively. Their closeness was undeniable. Kieran stood there, cigarette in hand, absorbing every flicker of their interaction.
Her boyfriend?
A sardonic twist touched Kieran’s lips now.
Rose murmured, “Kieran, what’s wrong?”
In a blink, his expression smoothed. “Nothing. Let’s go.”
Walking back, Shi Yao kept an arm slung around her shoulders, coaxing, “So? Nailed it, didn’t I?”
Alarieka’s tone was flat. “Passable. Barely human.”
Shi Yao tsked. “Would a compliment kill you? Without me playing boyfriend back there, you’d be stuck watching Kieran and Rose flaunt their love story. Then you’d just be the jealous one left sulking.”
Alarieka patted his arm. “Fine, fine, you’re brilliant. Now let go.”
Shi Yao dropped his arm, sulky. “What’s wrong with a hug? Getting shy?”
Alarieka rolled her eyes.
After parting ways with Alarieka, Shi Yao, and Paloma, they headed to a mall and stepped into a gold boutique.
Shi Yao lifted a brow. “What, selling bracelets now?”
Alarieka scanned the display cases while walking, voice steady. “Tonight’s Kieran and Rose’s fifth anniversary. Just remembered I never got a gift. Scouting options now so I don’t show up empty-handed.”
Shi Yao nodded, studying Alarieka’s profile intently.
“Alarieka.”
Distracted by a bracelet the clerk held out, Alarieka murmured, “Go on.”