Ashley immediately shrank closer to Gideon, rubbing her nose lightly against his arm as she put on the perfect act of a pampered young woman seeking protection from her man.
The moment she moved closer, Gideon's eyes flashed.
How could he possibly let such an opportunity slip away?
Without hesitation, he wrapped an arm around her slender waist and pulled her firmly against his side. The movement was natural enough to fit their roles, yet his hold was possessive enough to make it clear that Ashley belonged under his protection.
Internally, Gideon was thoroughly pleased with himself.
After all, even if he held Ashley a little longer than necessary or kept her a little closer than their act required, nobody could call him out on it.
Everything could simply be explained away as part of the performance.
The thought alone made him inwardly smug.
Outwardly, however, none of those emotions showed on his face.
Instead, his expression darkened.
