Page 3 of The Billionaire’s Fake Fiancée
"You need the money. You'll do as I say, no questions asked." His voice is taut.
Ah. There it is. The smugness that comes from knowing he has me in his control. He wants to control, to manipulate. Wants someone who does as she is told.
"So what does being your girlfriend involve?"
A flash of amusement in those silver-green eyes. He takes a step forward, another. "Intimate kisses."
That pine and cloves scent of his cuts straight to my core. "Whatever it takes to convince the world that we are lovers."
He's so close now the heat leaps off his body to wrap itself around me.
"Why don’t you come out and say it?" My words whisper out on a gasp. "Sex for money, is that it?"
The thought sparks a melting inside, one that confuses me.
I want this man. I may have even considered sleeping with him if he hadn't taken advantage of my helplessness, offered me this crazy deal.
"I won't do anything... not unless you ask me to." His voice is clear. Face innocent.
Yeah, right.
He runs his gaze over my body, and my nipples tighten. Dammit, he hasn't even touched me, and I'm half mad, out of my mind with wanting him.
If I give in to all his demands, I'll also give up every single shred of pride I have left.
"So, we have a deal?" His tone is cajoling, persuasive.
"No." I cut off the only means of salvaging my future.
2
Sienna
* * *
Silence in the penthouse. Outside a jet flies overhead, cutting through the space between us.
"Excuse me?" he grates out.
"No," I say, my voice thin yet firm. Folding my arms across my chest, nails digging into my forearms, I shake my head. "I can't do it."
A flash of pure anger ripples over his features, tightening them so his cheekbones stand out.
My heart trembles. But I will not give in. Not yet. I need the deal alright, but I must structure it to my benefit.
"If you don't take this offer, not only will you lose your start-up ... but?" he pauses for effect, "?you'll have let down your sister."
The words hang between us. My throat closes, heart thudding against my rib cage. "How did you know?" My voice comes out hoarse.
"Bella. Straight A's, brilliant student. And a gifted athlete." At his words, a trickle of sweat drips down my back.
Bella. My lovely, talented sister who'd got admission into the filmmaking program at UCLA, the one she's been working toward the past few years. After my adoptive father died, my mother struggled to make ends meet.
Jace is right. Without this deal I can't pay Bella's university fees. She'd have to miss the course, and that would shatter her.
I owe it to her to see this through.
I hate that Jace holds all the cards.
