Before he ignited chain reactions much lower in my anatomy and made the cameras seem phonier than that ginormous ring on my finger.
Even scarier.
I don’t understand why I’m unraveling and how he’s so good at pulling on every thread.
Pretending to care about Brady was supposed to be the hard part. The improv act I just had to grit my teeth to get through.
When I showed up at his condo, I was certain it would be.
I felt out of place. Awkward.
But after his kiss demolished me twice, everything feels like it’s spinning into uncharted territory.
Ten billion dollars wouldn’t make this any easier.
Not because I can’t stand him.
No, because I don’t know what to do with him baiting my heart like a stray cat, when I know full well it’s just one night by the fire.
He’s keeping me warm and fed and happy to get what he wants, and tomorrow he’ll dump me back on the street.
X
The Three F’s
(Brady)
Mission accomplished.
Now it’s time to figure out if this damn illusion will take flight.
With all the notifications flooding in, I swipe my phone to silent. I’m a veteran at this, and it’s better to wait a few hours after major news for the ground to settle. Even when a few million strangers online have an opinion about my fiancée.
It’s almost too calm in my condo. Anticlimactic.
“See you tomorrow, boss.” Luis waves as he lets himself out.
I walk Lena to the sofa, urging her to settle in.
Although she’s smiling, she’s gone pale enough to worry me. I don’t want to turn her loose just yet, though it’s probably her biggest wish.
“Drink?” I ask. “Lots of reason to celebrate after that performance. You were fucking Oscar worthy.”
“No need to lie.” She laughs numbly and shakes her head, playing with the hem of her blouse nervously. She’s dressed in what I’d call business chic.
Luis suggested she dress up, but I prefer it this way.
Just her, without any artificial glamour to throw her off kilter.
If we’re going to play this game, then we should cling to the truth as much as possible to avoid complications.
She’s agreed to move forward with my bullshit, and she deserves a seamless experience.
“I’m going to order some dinner,” I say casually from the kitchen, pulling a few water bottles from the fridge.
Then I change my mind and grab two beers instead.
Hell, we deserve them.
