Page 39 of The Billionaire’s Fake Fiancée
I'd expected him to be angry, to rage at me. Perhaps even try to take me to bed. Either way I'd hoped to feel his emotions. Find out if he feels for me.
I hadn't expected him to completely blank me like this. Pretend I don't exist.
Unable to bear it, I finally break the silence, "I didn't sleep with him."
He doesn't turn around.
Nothing.
A sliver of anger at being ignored ripples down my spine. I hurt him, I am not the injured party here. And yet, I've had enough. I want to force a reaction from him.
I walk to him, reach out a hand. Let it fall to my side without touching him.
I'd been mistaken. He's not withdrawn or blanking me.
He's not just angry.
He's... livid.
The rage leaps off him, crackling the air around him. I realize then how big a mistake I've made.
I'd wanted to see the man behind the walls he'd put up to the world. Nothing has prepared me for what I'm about to unleash.
I take a step back, but it's too late.
He turns, snaps his eyes on mine. Gold sparks among the silver-green. I've pushed him over the edge.
The anger inside him is a living, breathing thing that threatens to pounce on me. Fear and ... desire curl in my belly, taking me by surprise.
I see the rawness of this man for the first time. Face that part of him he's kept caged so far. And I'm not sure I'm ready for it.
I also sense something beyond anger. Hurt. I've hurt this man. Let him down in front of his family.
Sure, he'd brokered a deal with me, but at some level he'd also put his future in my hands. He'd trusted me.
I'd acted like a rebellious child and broken his trust.
And when I'd seen him with Asher, I'd been so jealous. I'd realized then I couldn't bear to see him with anyone else. Hated him at some level for making me want to care for him, despite the control he had over my future.
And then I couldn't stop.
Well, now I've ruined everything. For him. For me.
I'd expected to feel satisfied at showing him up, but all I feel is regret.
For the first time since I met him, I wish there was a chance for us to have met in different circumstances. Not like this, when there's a business transaction between us.
I must make amends. And perhaps at the end of all this I'll have to walk away to my broken life with nothing to show for it. So, be it. The least I can do now is apologize.
"I'm sorry," I murmur. "I shouldn't have let you down."
Jace's eyes widen, but there's no other reaction on his face.
Instead he says something that surprises me. "Stay away from Asher." His voice is soft but the violence beneath, unmistakable.
"Jealous?"
A flare of hope leaps to life.
