“It doesn’t change the greater issue.My associates at home still think you made a move on my daughter.Your engagement to Ms.Harper has, let’s say, removed that concern.”
Christ.
That’s out of my hands now.Emily would never agree to continue the ruse.
“However, while I was happy to go along with it, now my brother and others overheard Victor.They know Emily is not your fiancée.That and the zoning delay is going to cost a lot.”
My brain races, trying to search for a solution.
“I’ll carry that cost personally.This was my fuckup.I should have seen he was a problem earlier.”
I fully take responsibility.I’ve been on edge with him for almost a year.It’s my job to foresee these things.It is going to cost a small fortune, but the impact on our reputation would be far greater.
If I can turn this around...
“That’s a big financial commitment.”He tilts his head in question.“With no return.”
Not as big as letting this collapse and taking my entire reputation and company with it.
“You have my word.”I slide my hands into my pocket and let out a long breath.“Tell me what you need to get back on board.”
He studies me for a long moment, then a sly smile creeps onto his lips.It grows the longer I watch him and it’s impossible to stop my frown.
“Announce your engagement.”
“What?”I exclaim.“Khalid, you heard what happened in there, right?Our relationship was not real.Emily—”
“Is in love with you.”
I blink.
Is she?She might be.Hell, I might even have feelings I wasn’t expecting, but all of that is irrelevant.
I will not marry.
Yes, I told her tonight that I wanted her to stay longer, but I never intended it to lead to an actual marriage.
I’ve seen enough pain between two people.Jack was fucking murdered.Catherine was a broken mess for almost two years.And those are just two examples of people close to me.
My relationship with Emily is steeped in lies, deception, and drama.
I cannot marry her.
But you want her.You want the stupid card games that have you teasing her, laughing, and then lowering her onto your cock.You want to wake up with silky locks in my face, then sliding down her body to lick her awake.
“I doubt very much she likes me right now, and I can almost guarantee she doesn’t love me,” I say instead of rejecting the premise.
Khalid laughs.Like throws his head back and barks out a laugh, then speaks words in Arabic I don’t understand.
It’s probably a good thing.
“Two weeks, Sebastian.Sort out these matters and come back to me in two weeks.Then, I will wire the funds to you.”His smile fades.“Last chance.There is good money to be made, and you are one of the best developers in this part of the world.”
But?
“But our reputations are everything, and I cannot be made to look like a fool.Put that ring back on her finger and get the zoning and protesters sorted.”
He walks toward the limousine.
