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“My legal name is Lark Angel, and I teach dance and have my own pay-to-play type website. Most of my income comes from the website. If you refer to me as Skylar, it will put more distance between my website and your organization.” His back is rigid, and he stares at Finn unflinchingly.

“Mav, in the most respectful way possible—are you fucking with me? You’re Captain America, the boy next door, and there’s no need to invent a scandal.” Finn laughs as he shakes his head.

“I said we didn’t need to tell you because no one recognizes his online persona except people he’s told,” I retort, and rub my thumb along Sky’s hand.

Finn’s head snaps up in shock as his eyes ping-pong between us.

“I told him”—Sky’s shoulders curve in—“that for full disclosure, we need to tell you.”

Finn’s resigned eyes find the ceiling, realizing this isn’t a joke. “Why? Why are the cinnamon rolls out to break me?” He yanks his drawer open and sorts through a basket of chocolate.

I lean closer to get a better look, but he throws me a withering stare.

“No chocolate for a heathen who tries to make my job harder.” He holds the basket out. “Skylar, would you like one?”

“No, thank you.” He exhales but remains tense. “Also, two people in your organization are aware of my angeldancer4 identity.”

I squeeze his hand in support, although I don’t think we need to give so many details.

Finn hands Sky his phone. “The images available to the public are artistic and hide your face. It’s unlikely facial recognition software would track you.” He pauses. “But I assume once a person pays, there’s a lot more to see.”

“Yes,” Sky states unequivocally.

“It adds another layer that could bring you unwanted attention.” Finn types on his computer. “Once you go official, I’d give it four to five weeks before the connection is made. Less if you’re seen out on dates and curiosity is piqued.”

“But no one knows,” I object.

Finn stares me down. “Last year, a gossip site posted Grayson’s college transcripts from the semester he blew out his knee. They also found King’s original birth certificate and no marriage license. Do you really believe you can hide this?”

“No,” Sky answers for me.

“But it’s only his job.” I throw my free hand in the air. “Who cares?” This meeting is getting off topic and pissing me off. Sky’s work is no one else’s business.

“People will care. There will be backlash, and pretending it won’t happen is a terrible idea. There are small-minded people who think what I do is sinful and wrong,” Sky whispers.

“It’s not. It’s beautiful,” I disagree, sounding childish.

Finn cuts in. “I’m not here to debate Sky’s chosen profession. But you have to be prepared for the headlines. They won’t be kind. King and O’Keefe had to withstand the Innocent or Incest headline. People click for simple and provocative statements such as The Player and The Prostitute.” I’m halfway out of my seat as Finn holds up his hand. “It doesn’t have to be accurate. It’s clickbait. Whoever wrote the headline for King and O’Keefe knew they don’t share an ounce of blood but printed it anyway.”

I fall back into my seat, wishing I could pull Sky on top of me. “You tried to tell me.” I apologize to Sky. “I didn’t think about how your lack of privacy and being with me could hurt you.” My actions hurt Sky in the past, and it kills me to be the potential cause of his pain.

“I’m more worried about hurting you,” Sky says.

“Listen, this meeting isn’t ultra time sensitive. As of now, there aren’t pics of you two from the gala. Go home, talk it through, decide how much you’re willing to reveal, and I’ll come up with strategic positive stories to drown out the negative. Don’t wait more than a few days because things online move fast.” Finn stands to dismiss us.

“Sky’s on the wall at The Q Solutions as a success story,” I offer, my head spinning on how to ensure Sky’s okay without giving the impression I’ll bail on him. I stand, needing to hold him, to protect and shield him.

Finn quirks an eyebrow.

“I needed their services and met Emmet there.” Sky walks into my waiting arms.

“Jayce,” Finn bellows, then yells his name again.

“You rang?” Jayce appears in the doorway, since his office is two doors down the hall.

“Your husband will vouch for him?” Finn asks, pointing at Sky.

“Hey, Lark.” Jayce gives him an up nod. “Hi, Mav. Yeah, he’s friends with Em, why?”