Chapter 22

Holly backed up slightly, causing Bryce's kiss to land on her chin.

His change in mood was palpable.

Bryce's hand, which had been holding her chin, traveled down her back and rested around her waist. He asked, "Why did you tell Hayden I'm your cousin?"

Holly cast her gaze downward and answered softly, "We're going to be divorced soon, anyway. There's no point going around telling others that we're a married couple.

"Besides, you've got a strong family background. My colleagues would judge me if they were to find out about us. I don't want to be labeled as an outcast of a prestigious family. It'd be much easier telling him that you're a distant relative."

Bryce looked at her with a thoughtful look. "You've thought things through pretty well."

Holly smiled self-deprecatingly. "I've got no choice, have I? Inconsequential people and their survival instincts."

"You're no inconsequential person. You're one of the few people in the whole of Jardington who can order me around," Bryce s