“Is that all you’ve got?” Connor growls, eyes blazing blistering contempt.
Heat floods my cheeks. Asshole.
Vicky moves to intervene, but Connor silences her with a raised palm.
I straighten my spine. “The facts remain, Mr. Quinn. You got caught with your Armani trousers down, quite literally, at an important event.”
Vicky makes a strangled sound.
“So, we spin it. Make it a love story, not just some fling.”
“Willow rescues me from fast cars and casual sex, we skip off into the sunset, and what? I’m a saved man?” Connor surveys me calmly, cocking one arrogant brow. “Is that the fairy tale?”
My pulse leaps at the car reference.
I hold firm. “That’s the idea. Paint it as true love conquering all.”
He smirks. “Who’s to say it isn’t true love?”
My breath stalls. Well damn. Wasn’t expecting him to lean into it.
“In fact,” he drawls, “no other woman has even come close lately. They’ve all been entirely forgettable.” His wolfish smile widens.
Jerk.
The senator makes another noise of deep displeasure while Willow smirks.
“That’s great!” Vicky chirps.
I ignore them and meet Connor’s gaze coolly, staring him down like we’re the only two people in the room. “Perfect. Then I suggest going very public with your new relationship. Declare your undying love from the rooftops. We can even stage a loved-up photoshoot on the Empire State Building or somewhere fabulously romantic. Really sell the love story.”
All eyes turn to Connor, waiting for Mount Quinn to blow.
“How strategic of you.” I can’t tell if he’s being sarcastic. His jaw tightens up, solid as rock. “Willow, is this really what you want?”
“I think it’ll work,” she says softly, gazing at him adoringly. “We fake being in love.”
Yeah, no faking required there.
He lets out a heavy sigh, the sound loaded with frustration, and turns to her dad. “Senator?”
“The last thing I want is my daughter associated with the likes of you!” A bit rich considering Willow’s smitten gaze.
Connor levels him with a dangerous glare, almost making me feel bad for the old guy.
“This better work,” the senator blusters. “Or you’ll find yourself in a lot of hot water, my boy. I need these ridiculous headlines about my Willow off the internet!”
A charged look passes between them, rife with unspoken threats. I wonder if Connor’s playing along just for Willow’s sake or if the Senator has some leverage over him.
“We’re done here,” Connor declares abruptly, standing.
“Mr. Quinn, wait!” Vicky blurts, leaping up.
My eyes widen. What does that mean?
“My legal team will handle the contract. If Willow wants your services, I’ll finance it.” He nods curtly at Vicky.
Holy shit, am I off the hook here?
