Chapter 4 A Dazzling Facade
They stepped into the brightly decorated hall and the door shut behind them, cutting off the loud shutters and questions from the reporters.
But they weren't safe yet.
The frantic shouting was replaced with a heavy, watchful silence. At every corner of the grand hall, the top reporters in the country were situated, their lenses focusing on the duo the moment they walked in.
Remy's heart was spiraling. He needed to go somewhere and recharge—somewhere with no people and definitely no cameras. All his life, he'd been the one holding the camera, shooting scenes and objects. Now, he was the object.
It was exhausting, to say the least. There were so many people, so many flashes; he was on the verge of melting down from all the emotions piling up from the day.
But then, he felt the gentle heat beside him. Jaxon was leaning close to Remy's ear, his arm holding Remy closer to his side. He could feel Remy's hesitation and silent panic. The young man was close to having a panic attack, and that was not what Jaxon wanted.
Naturally, he pulled Remy in, noting how his arm easily wrapped around Remy's slender waist.
"You're doing great. Remember, act like I'm your favorite person. Face up, smile," Jaxon whispered, gently adjusting the collar of Remy's sweater.
Remy chewed the inside of his cheek and inhaled deeply. Then, as Jaxon instructed, he lifted his head and smiled.
But not at the camera... at Jaxon.
For a second, Jaxon was thrown off by the dazzling smile on Remy's face. He wasn't expecting Remy to make such close eye contact, and certainly not a smile like that.
"Good enough?" Remy asked softly, his hand coming up to dust an unseen particle off Jaxon's collar, his fingers grazing Jaxon's exposed neck.
Jaxon stilled, the contact threatening to knock the air out of his lungs. His arm around Remy's waist tightened just a bit as he struggled to form a reply. The air between them suddenly charged, their eyes locked in a silent but loud gaze.
"Thorne, glad you made it," Harper suddenly appeared in front of them, breaking the spell.
Jaxon was the first to move, letting his arm fall from Remy's waist.
"I never disappoint, Harper," Jaxon smirked, clearing his throat.
Remy stood quietly, pushing his hands into the warmth of his sweater pockets as they suddenly felt cold from the loss of contact. What had that been?
"You know your game, Thorne. Look around you; you'll be the only thing trending for weeks," Harper laughed, looking fulfilled. "And who is your contracted friend?" Harper asked, looking at Remy.
Remy clenched his fists in his pockets before lifting his head to look at the older man, a smile fixed on his thin lips.
"This is Remy Pelletier. My good friend from college," Jaxon introduced, smiling at Remy.
Remy's cheeks were starting to hurt from wearing a fake smile for too long, but the night was still young. He feared he might not feel his face at all before the facade ended for the night.
"Remy, this is my manager, Mr. Glen Harper," Jaxon said.
"Nice to meet you, Mr.—"
"Oh, please, call me Harper. Makes me feel younger," Harper smiled and shook Remy's hand briefly.
"Nice to meet you, Harper," Remy nodded politely.
"Good, good. Now, boys, the cameras are rolling. Whatever that was back then, we need more from where that came from. Keep our boy free of scandal, yeah?" He patted Remy's shoulder and then turned to Jaxon, his eyes turning serious. "Clients are watching, Thorne. You have tonight to prove you're worth the investment. Don't flop it," Harper said and walked away.
Jaxon clenched his jaw and straightened.
"I'll need to speak to a few people." He turned to Remy, sighing. "Just stay close." He was about to walk away when he felt Remy's arm hook around his elbow.
"What are you doing?" Jaxon asked, looking down at their locked arms.
Remy looked calm, his face relaxed like he was finally adapting to his role and environment.
"You heard Harper. I'm saving you from scandal... by creating a better one. Just walk, and smile. You're frowning," Remy pointed out.
Jaxon blinked slowly, narrowing his eyes at Remy. Playing along, he leaned down like he wanted to share a joke. "I do hope this is still acting?" he asked. He could not risk Remy's feelings getting in the way. It would complicate the whole thing.
Remy almost rolled his eyes. "You just made me sign a contract for a fake boyfriend and you're talking about feelings? Are we doing this or not? I'd like to return to the hospital as soon as I can," Remy said, his voice low and neutral.
They looked like two very close friends talking about the evening's events.
Jaxon's brow arched. Remy's tone was borderline bored and even a little annoyed. He didn't need to be told that the old Remy was gone. This Remy barely seemed to notice him.
"Very well. Walk with me," he said, steering them in the opposite direction.
The cameras never stopped flashing at them for a second. Every move, turn, and gesture was captured, and Jaxon knew something interesting was already cooking on the internet. Remy stayed close, clinging to Jaxon as they walked past elite men and women dressed like they were born on the red carpet. No doubt, Jaxon Thorne was way out of his league; he always had been.
They stepped toward a less crowded corner with three men sitting at a round table, and Remy felt Jaxon instantly tense beside him. He saw the way the men watched Jaxon—like he was an object whose value was being measured.
"Good evening, Mr. Lee, Mr. Stan, Mr. Hop," Jaxon greeted as he paused beside the table, a practiced smile on his face.
The first man, Mr. Lee, tall and elegant, nodded, his eyes falling on Remy like he'd seen something interesting. "Who is your friend, Jaxon?"
"I'm his partner," Remy spoke before Jaxon could, surprising him.
"His partner? What kind of partner?" Mr. Stan questioned, staring at them with interest.
Jaxon's hand dug gently into Remy's arm, signaling him to stop, but Remy easily stepped away from Jaxon and smiled brightly at the men.
"I'm his partner. The Bruins were so thoughtful to let me become a personal manager to my best buddy. We've had each other through thick and thin. One thing I love about Jaxon..." Remy glanced at a constipated-looking Jaxon, "is his loyalty to our friendship."
"Are you sure you're just friends?" Mr. Hop asked, arching his brow.
Remy chuckled, taking Jaxon's hand. "Does it matter what we are? All that matters is who we are, and Jaxon is the most decent man I've ever met. It broke me to pieces when I saw the horrible post this morning. It was clearly fabricated," he sighed. "It's tough being a star; many people want to taint you. But I'm glad Jaxon is working with people who know and trust him. Right?" Remy asked, smiling sweetly.
Mr. Lee chuckled. "I knew that post was a lie. I've worked with Jaxon for three years; he's really a decent man, as you said. Sit with us?" He invited, pointing to the chair beside him.
"I'm glad you believe in him. But we have to decline your invite. Harper needs to discuss the upcoming game with our star," Remy said, his smile never wavering.
"Of course, don't let us hold you," Mr. Lee nodded.
"Then, have a nice evening, Sirs," Remy wished, hooking his arm once again onto Jaxon's elbow.
"Excuse me." Mr. Hop stood, walking toward them.
"Shit," Jaxon muttered. He knew Remy's sudden boldness would put them under an unwanted spotlight. What if Mr. Hop suspected something?
"Jaxon, you never gave us the name of your wonderful partner," Mr. Hop said, standing in front of Remy.
"Remy Pelletier." Once again, Remy spoke before Jaxon did, dazzling the man with his beautiful smile.
"Well then, Remy. How would you like joining your partner for his next model shoot for my brand?" Mr. Hop asked, hopefully watching Jaxon and Remy.
Remy delayed. That was never part of the contract. His job was simply public appearances, not sharing Jaxon's official jobs.
"I—"
"We'll be there, Mr. Hop," Jaxon smoothly stepped forward. "Remy would love to work with you. Am I right, Remy?" He turned to Remy, his eyes pleading with him to agree.
Of course, Remy agreed. "It would be my pleasure, Mr. Hop," he replied.
"See you tomorrow, Remy." Mr. Hop shook Remy's hand and walked away.
"Um..." Remy cleared his throat, looking away as he felt Jaxon's gaze on the side of his face. He knew what was coming: a reprimand. He knew he was overstepping, yet he couldn't help wanting to make those rich bullies realize that Jaxon was more than just a piece of good body and heavy revenue. He just wanted to help.
"Jaxon," Harper appeared again, a big smile on his face. "I think your magic is working, Thorne. You have a few more endorsements to sign." He showed Jaxon his screen, which was filled with email requests from high-end clients.
Jaxon smirked. "I think so, too," he murmured, gazing down at Remy.
