The Next Line ( The Lineage Series #2)

Chapter 14

They ignored me.

I struggled, half laughing, half dying, when—

A deep, amused voice cut through the chaos.

"Tacón." (Heel.)

The dogs immediately stepped back, sitting at attention, tongues lolling out.

I wiped my face, glaring as I looked up.

And of course—

Of course, it was him.

Joshuan stood a few feet away, arms crossed, watching the scene like it was the most entertaining thing he'd seen all week.

His dark brown hair was damp, like he had just showered, and he was in low-slung sweatpants and a fitted t-shirt, his muscular arms crossed over his broad chest.

He looked relaxed.

I shoved myself up, wiping my face again.

"What the hell?" I snapped. "Your dogs just tried to kill me!"

He lifted a brow. "They were playing."

I scoffed, gesturing dramatically at my slobber-covered clothes. "Oh, yeah. Sure. That's exactly what it felt like."

Joshuan took a step forward, towering over me, his eyes glinting with amusement.

"You always this dramatic, princesa?"

I crossed my arms, glowering. "You always this annoying?"

His smirk deepened.

"But you got to admit, you love it."

I rolled my eyes so hard I saw stars.

Before he could say something else infuriating, I exhaled and straightened my posture.

"I'm not here for you," I stated. "I need to talk to your mom."

His smirk faded just a little, replaced by curiosity.

"She's in the studio," he said, nodding toward the hallway. "Why?"

I hesitated.

Because this was none of his business.

But knowing Joshuan?

He wouldn't let it go.

So I sighed.

"She's making custom gowns for my mom and me for the gala."

He hummed, studying me. "So you're really doing this whole gala thing?"

I lifted my chin. "Yeah. I am."

His eyes flickered.

Something unreadable passed over his face—something almost approving.

Then—

The smirk came back.

"Well," he said, stepping closer, his voice dropping just a little, "if you need help getting in and out of the dress, princesa, let me know."

My face flamed.

"You are—"

"A problem," he finished for me, grinning. "I know."

I inhaled sharply, fighting the urge to smack him.

Instead, I pushed past him, muttering, "I hate you."

He chuckled.

"Sure you do."

The worst part?

He was right.