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He never felt he had to be. Women usually fought to be with him, but now he felt it—jealousy. It was new to him and he didn’t like it. The thought of this guy knowing Allegra so well made him want to pummel the guy.
    “Yes, I know her . . . very well.”
    The man’s smile just widened in response to Finn.
    “Yeah, so do I. Nate Reece.” The man held out his hand, and Finn shook it automatically.
    “Finn Williams.”
    “Baby, stop talking to this nobody. There’s the photographer for Vogue ,” the woman whined.
    Finn watched as Nate’s hand went to her knee, his arm wrapped around her shoulder, and he leaned in to whisper in her ear. The actress blushed and laughed. This guy was a womanizer if he ever saw one, and now he was asking about Allegra. Finn gritted his teeth as his mind went in directions he didn’t want it to go.
    “I’m so sorry I’m late,” Allegra whispered in his ear, causing him to jump.
    “Where did you come from?”
    “Backstage. I wanted to wish David and Josh good luck. I missed you.” Allegra leaned over and kissed him. His anger disappeared and neither the lights dimming, the crystal waterfall flowing, nor the models stomping by could draw his attention from the woman next to him.
    “I’m so glad you’re here. I was stuck talking to your ex-boyfriend. I can see why you broke up with him.” Finn was taken aback at how fast Allegra changed. Sure, he shouldn’t bad-mouth someone she’d dated, but he wasn’t expecting her to go white and her grasp to tighten on his hand.
    “Harry?” she gasped as she looked around.
    “No, Nate Reece,” Finn told her. Color rushed back to her face and her hand loosened its grip.
    “Oh, Nate!” Allegra leaned forward and waved. Finn clutched his jaw when the bastard blew her a kiss. “He’s great, isn’t he?”
    “Dandy.”
    Allegra’s eyes widened in surprise. “Well, yes, but how did you know?”
    “What?”
    “Oh,” Allegra laughed, “nothing.”
    “Wait, who’s Harry?”
    Finn saw the reaction immediately. She lost her glow. “He’s who I’ve needed to talk to you about. He’s the reason I couldn’t tell you how I felt. But, it’s a talk for another time . . . tonight, when we get home.”
    Finn wrapped his arm around her and felt her nuzzle in closer to him. Nate Reece could kiss his ass. He had Allegra now, and he’d never let her go. Ever.

     

CHAPTER SEVEN
     
    Allegra stood up and cheered as David and Josh walked the runway with their models. They’d done it. Their show had been astonishing. She watched as editors and advertisers typed feverishly, posted pictures, emailed offers to the models, and ordered Bellerose clothing.
    Finn stood stiffly next to her as Nate made his way over and kissed her cheek.
    “Oh my God, what a hunk,” Nate whispered in her ear and Allegra tried to hide her laugh.
    “I know.” She was sure the press was writing it up that Nate was hitting on her in front of her boyfriend.
    “How’s the other problem?”
    Allegra felt her face tighten into a forced smile. “He’s here.”
    “Did you call the cops? What does Finn say about it?”
    “There’s security right behind me pretending to be my driver. I’m telling Finn about it tonight.”
     
    “You need to tell him,” was all Finn heard Nate whisper into Allegra’s ear. What was going on? Was Nate making his move? Finn felt his heart tighten in his chest. He was about to lose the best thing to ever happen to him.
    “Come on, sweetheart. Let’s go congratulate the guys.”
    Nate smiled at them both. “Tell them it was a great show. I’ll meet with them at the after-party. Tell them to bring their best offer.” Nate kissed her cheek. “Call me if you need me—anytime. Promise?”
    “Promise.” Allegra smiled kindly as she squeezed his hand. Finn knew he was bordering on acting like a toddler in the middle of a tantrum, but he didn’t care. He pulled Allegra away.
    “Did you enjoy the show?” he asked.
    “I’m so