Building Her Throne Burying My Heart (Claire) novel Chapter 114

We spent the whole day hustling from one scenic spot to another. I stuck close behind the group, legs aching from all the running around. Laura, the stylist, and the photographer let me help out with their gear, and before long we were chatting like old friends.

Laura was especially easy to talk to. Whenever there was a lull, she’d wander over to chat. I took my chances while they were fixing up Garrison’s hair and makeup, slipping in a few suggestions.

“You should try doing his makeup like this,” I told Laura. “Most guys prefer something a little more natural, not too perfect.”

“For his hair, go for something a bit more rugged. Trust me, guys like that sort of thing.”

Technically, I wasn’t wrong, but Garrison was the kind of guy who looked like a wolf in designer clothes. The rugged look just didn’t suit him.

During the photo shoot, whenever they finally nailed a pose, I’d fake a gasp or make some noise, just to throw them off. I wasn’t trying to make trouble for the photographer. I just wanted to get under Garrison’s skin.

“Come on, you two, give me a smile. You look like you’re at a funeral.”

“That smile is way too stiff. Maybe try one without showing your teeth.”

While the photographer was giving directions, I’d toss in my own advice, just to stir the pot. It worked—Claire shot me a death glare, and Garrison looked like he wanted the ground to swallow him up.

“Can you just shut up?” Claire snapped.

I shrugged, playing innocent. “I’m just bored over here. Besides, that last pose was really not doing you any favors. I’m looking out for you—don’t want you to hate the photos later.”

Laura, watching from the side, seemed to catch on that I was messing around. She tried to hide her laugh.

Earlier, when she’d asked what I did, I told her I was just the driver.

She looked at me, confused. “Why does a driver end up doing all this stuff?”

I grinned. “Because someone wants to make sure I’m as miserable as possible.”

I stood up, not really wanting to get into it. “Let’s just say it’s ancient history.”

Right then, Claire heard Laura laughing. Her face instantly clouded over. Laura ducked her head and went silent.

“Lambert! Get out of here! Go wait in the car!”

“Fine by me.”

I didn’t need to be told twice. I made my escape and slipped back into the car. After running around all day, my legs were jelly and my whole body ached. Finally, a chance to rest.

I leaned back, closed my eyes, and let myself drift. I had no idea how long I was out, but eventually, I sensed someone standing outside the car, their shadow falling over me. They didn’t move, just stood there, staring. I could feel the hostility radiating off them, a chill that snapped me awake.

I opened my eyes and looked straight at whoever was there.