Alicia leaned back to avoid Louis' smooch and ended up with his lips on her chin. His breath was getting heavier, and he was holding her tightly by the waist with one hand while the other gripped her chin. He asked with a serious tone, "Why did you tell Leo that I'm your cousin?"
Alicia looked down and answered in a soft tone, "We're splitting up soon, and there's no need to make it a big deal by going around and telling people we're married. Your family is bigwigs, and if we break up, it might affect how my colleagues judge me. I don't want to be called a 'gold-digging ex-wife,' so calling you my cousin is just more convenient."
Louis shot her a meaningful look and said, "You're quite thoughtful."
Alicia chuckled self-deprecatingly and said, "I have to be, being a small fry and all."
Louis responded with a smile, "You're not a small fry. You're one of the few people in the city who can make me spin around like a top." His eyes were full of hidden meanings.
