‘You’re right. I couldn’t trust him, not after what his father has done.’

‘Exactly. Jake is just like him.’

I feigned a girly giggle. ‘Oh, you’re sweet to look out for me, Davis. Maybe we could have coffee sometime when we’re back in London, I’d love some career advice from such an experienced person in the industry.’ I wondered if I might have overdone it but his chest practically visibly puffed out.

‘I would love to give you advice; why don’t I get your number and we can—’ Davis broke off, looking over my shoulder. ‘Oh, hey, Jake, we were just talking about you.’

I spun around to see Jake behind me, wearing a tense expression.

‘So I gather,’ Jake asked, looking at Davis and avoiding meeting my eyes. I wondered how much of our conversation he had overheard. I really hoped he hadn’t heard the bit about his dad or me not trusting him.

‘Nice try with Freya here,’ Davis said, stepping forwards so quickly, I couldn’t back away from him. He slung an arm over my shoulders. I saw Jake tense as much as my body instantly did. He still wouldn’t look at me, though. ‘But mate, she needs a real man.’

‘You wouldn’t know what a real man is like,’ Jake said through gritted teeth.

I felt I needed to diffuse the situation and fast. Hayley was only feet away. Everyone at the conference was on Jake’s side again. If he started a fight with Davis, it would all be over. I threw on a smile. ‘It’s sweet, you both wanting to look out for me; I am a big girl, though.’ I stepped out from Davis’s arm. ‘Why don’t we go back to the party? I need a refill.’ I waved my now-empty glass. I hadn’t even noticed I’d drained another one. I was now feeling decidedly light-headed. ‘Davis, can you get me one then maybe we can dance?’ I asked him, fluttering my eyelashes in his direction. I was disgusted with myself but I knew I needed to get rid of Davis before Jake exploded.

Davis smiled at me. ‘Sure thing, gorgeous.’

‘I’ll follow you in a minute,’ I said, handing him my empty glass.

‘Don’t be long.’ Davis brushed past Jake. ‘Looks like you’ve lost your touch,’ was his parting shot as he went back into the party.

I exhaled. ‘Thank God I got rid of him.’ I looked at Jake, who finally met my gaze. ‘You almost ruined the whole thing.’

‘Ruined what, Freya? You coming on to that twat?’ Jake demanded, the anger in his tone taking me back.

‘Huh?’ I started at him, confused. ‘He saw us kiss in the lift earlier; I was acting like I didn’t want it…’

‘And why would you?’

‘What do you mean?’ I asked, the sharpness in his tone taking me back.