“She’ll know what it means.”
Derek glanced between them, clearly wanting to ask more, but nodded and left.
Alone, Ava turned to Victor. “Verification?”
“She’s looking for proof we’re fake.” He moved to the window. “She can’t accept that this is real.”
“But it’s not…”
“Isn’t it?” He turned back, his expression stripped of its usual control. “Tell me you don’t feel something when we kiss. Tell me your pulse doesn’t race when I touch you.”
She couldn’t deny any of it.
“Three days,” Victor said, crossing to her. “We have three days before that retreat.”
“Three days for what?”
“To stop pretending this is pretend.” His hand found hers. “I meant what I said at Mia’s. Every word.”
“Victor…”
“The question is whether you can admit you feel it too.” His thumb traced her knuckles.
She stood there, his hand warm in hers. This was insane. He was her boss. A demon. Someone whose world could swallow hers whole.
But when she closed her eyes, she could still feel his mouth on hers. Could still hear him sayingevery word. Could still see the look on his face in the fitting room.
“This is insane.”
“This is us.” He pulled her closer. “No pretense. No arrangement. Just you and me.”
Her heart hammered. Too fast, too complicated, too dangerous.
“Okay.”
“Okay?”
“Yes. I want to try this for real.” She took a breath. “But if you’re serious about me, you need to meet my parents. Tomorrow night.”
“I’ve been put to the question by the Barons of Hell. I think I can handle dinner.”
“Have you ever met a Chinese mother who wants grandchildren?”
That gave him pause. “Perhaps we should practice.”
“Too late.” She pulled out her phone. “I’m texting them before I lose my nerve.”
“What are you saying?”
“That I’m bringing my boyfriend to dinner.” She hit send. “There. No backing out.”
Her phone exploded. Seventeen question marks from her mother, followed by rapid Mandarin voice messages. Her father sent a thumbs-up and a dumpling emoji.
“Your mother seems excited,” Victor observed.
“She’s probably already planning the wedding.”
“I respect her enthusiasm.” He checked his watch. “What should I wear?”
