Chapter 153: Truth or Dare
Hailey
I level my gaze at Marcus, but I don’t rise to the bait. That’s what he wants.
Josh’s fingers press lightly into my shoulder, grounding me, and I know he’s trying just as hard not to react.
Elise chooses that moment to stretch, her hand brushing against Josh’s knee like it’s an accident. His jaw tightens. My blood simmers.
"Elise, I appreciate the offer. Really. But Milan’s not in my plans right now," Josh says.
The entire hot tub goes still. Even the bubbles seem to pause.
Elise recovers first, offering a tight smile. "Well. That’s disappointing."
"I’m sure someone else will be thrilled to take the spot," Josh says gently but firmly. "Someone who actually wants it."
Elise’s smile doesn’t falter, but her eyes flash with something sharper—challenge, maybe, or annoyance. She slides a little closer to Josh, the movement smooth, deliberate.
"You know," she says, voice dripping with silk, "most people would kill for a shot like this. Milan, the shows, the exposure..." Her fingers trail through the water, dangerously close to his leg again. "And let’s be honest, you’d look very good under those lights."
Josh shifts slightly, his arm tightening around me. "I’m flattered," he says carefully. "But I didn’t start modeling to end up in Europe surrounded by strangers. That was never the dream."