Page 4 of The Billionaire’s Fake Fiancée
One day, I'll turn the tables on this man, I promise myself.
Then another thought strikes me. "You had me watched?" Even as I say it, I know it's true. "You knew I was coming today?"
"I had you researched thoroughly." He lets that sink in. "You fit the profile of the person I was looking for."
"And what is that?" I ask. Voice low. A slow burn of annoyance in the pit of my stomach.
"Attractive, intelligent, with a thirst for new experiences. Open enough to not be scared from the unusual. Yet also desperate to make it in the Valley at any cost."
Desperate enough to take his deal.
Hearing myself slotted so neatly into a pigeon-hole strikes at the very core of who I am: someone who refuses to be pegged. I will not be restrained.
He's right, though. I have a weakness for new experiences. Ask me to try something for a first time, and I can never say no. I decide right then I'm going to surprise him, shock him out of his 'billionaire' comfort zone.
He had the proposal lined up even before meeting me. Confident that I'd accept the deal. It didn't have anything to do with him wanting to invest in my start-up.
This has been about him all along. Him needing someone he could control. Anger flares to life, a bitter taste in my mouth.
I lean over and slap him.
Gold ignites in those silver-green eyes.
Silence. I'm not sorry I slapped him. Yet, the sensible part of me insists this is not going to help me at all.
A strange expression on his face, grudging respect.
"I deserved that," he drawls. Lips quirk in a self-deprecating smile. A first genuine smile.
It throws me. Makes me wary. This man is potent, disarming when he turns on the charm.
"I'm sorry," I lie.
"Your temper's going to make things a lot more interesting in the next few days," he growls, voice predatory.
No missing the unmistakable sexual meaning of his words.
A sharp curl of desire twists my stomach.
"I mean no harm." He holds up his hands.
A gesture meant to placate.
I trust him as much as a wild jaguar.
"Agree to the deal, and I'll ensure the first installment of half a million hits your account before the end of the day. More than enough to pay off your urgent business debts. And your sister's fees."
Bella had been born five years after my parents adopted me. My baby sister is the light of my life.
Oh. He knows exactly what to say to get me to agree. I resent being manipulated this way, and yet ... what choice do I have?
I know when I've been out maneuvered. But at least Bella will be fine and so will my team, for now.
Holding onto that thought, I jerk my head. "I'll do it," I say, voice cold. Even as my heart stutters in nervousness.
He tilts his head, acknowledging my response. Did a flicker of relief cross his features?
He needs me to do this more than he's letting on.
