Hired a Gigolo Got a Billionaire (Zoey and Christian) novel Chapter 136

Chapter 136

I was still adjusting the zipper on my dress when I heard Christian grumble from the bed, his voice thick with frustration-and something that sounded a lot like barely hidden jealousy.

“It’s pathetic,” he said, and I could feel his gaze burning into my back. “Watching my wife get ready for a date with her ex-fiancé while I can barely get out of bed.”

I rolled my eyes and checked my neckline in the mirror for the third time. The dress was elegant-a deep navy blue that made my eyes stand out-but not too revealing. At least, that’s what I hoped.

“It’s not a date, Christian,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady as I added another coat of mascara. “You know damn well we need that information.”

“Alex thinks it’s a date,” he shot back. I could practically hear his teeth grinding. “The way he talked on the phone… like you two were about to pick up where you left off.”

I couldn’t deny it. Alex had made it pretty clear when I called. His voice had that same old familiar warmth, too comfortable for what it should’ve been. He’d suggested the café we used to go to, mentioned how much he missed our talks. I’d felt awkward, unsure what to say, the guilt settling over me even though I hadn’t done anything wrong.

Then Christian’s tone shifted completely, softer, teasing, and I knew he was trying to lighten things up-for both of us.

“Well,” he said, and I could hear the smile in his voice, “at least you look incredible. If it were me sitting across from you in that dress, I’d spill every secret I’ve ever had in five minutes flat”

I couldn’t help laughing, the tension easing a little. When I turned to face him, he was propped against the pillows, hair tousled, a mix of amusement and worry in his eyes.

“You’re impossible,” I said, walking over to give him a quick kiss.

“That’s why you love me,” he replied, catching my hand and pressing a kiss to my palm.

I smiled and headed to the bathroom for the final touches. A dab of lip balm, a quick adjustment to my loose hair, and a last check to make sure the recorder was hidden safely inside my purse. When I stepped out, Christian was already dressed and standing by the dresser, looking way too steady for someone who’d almost died barely a week ago.

“Don’t even think about it,” I teased, but I knew that stubborn look all too well.

“No way,” he said firmly as he slipped on his blazer. “I’m not sitting this out. I’ll ride with Marcus and Annabelle. And Zoey, this isn’t a game. It’s dangerous. If you’re putting yourself out there like that, I’m going to be close enough to rip the throat out of anyone who even thinks about touching you.”

That tone-I knew it. The one that left no room for argument. I’d learned the hard way when I could push Christian and when I couldn’t. This was one of those times I couldn’t. There was something in his eyes, a mix of steel and fear, that silenced every protest before it could form.

“Fine,” I said, grabbing my purse. “But you stay in the car. I don’t want Alex suspecting anything.”

“Deal,” he said, but I could tell it was killing him to agree.

When Marcus pulled up with Annie, Christian came downstairs with us, moving slower than he wanted to but refusing any help. In the car, Annie handed me a few last-minute instructions.

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