Page 11 of Adonis: The Cost of a Billionaire's Heart
“Did the fitting go well?” he questioned, moving toward a sleek bar area.
“Sure. It was very . . . educational,” I replied, unsure how to describe the experience of having someone spend more on clothes for me in almost three hours than I’d spent on myself in a lifetime. “But thank you, I guess.”
“You’re welcome, I guess,” he echoed, a hint of dry humor in his voice. “Drink?”
“Water, please.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Nothing stronger? The contract review might require it.”
“I’d prefer to keep a clear head.”
He nodded, pouring a glass of water for me and what looked like cognac for himself. “Understandable. The full contract arrived from legal an hour ago. It’s comprehensive.”
I took the water he offered, careful not to let our fingers touch. “So I’ve been officially announced as your fiancée?”
“Yes. The story is that we’ve been dating discreetly for six months. You worked for Holland Enterprises in a different department, which is how we met. We’ve kept the relationship private until now.”
“And people will believe that? That you’d date an administrative assistant after dating an actress?”
Shit. Why the hell did I say that out loud?
His eyes met mine over the rim of his glass. “People will believe what they want to believe. Particularly if they see evidence.”
“Evidence?” I questioned, grateful he didn’t bring up the fact that I knew about his ex.
“Which brings us to the next item on our agenda.” He set down his drink and picked up a tablet from the coffee table. A few taps later, he turned it toward me. “Our social media strategy.”
I nearly choked on my water. “Our what?”
“Garrick and his board will research us both. We need a digital footprint that supports our relationship.”
I took the tablet, scanning what appeared to be a detailed plan for creating fake memories fueled by artificial intelligence. Photos of us at restaurants, at home, on weekend trips—all to be taken within the next few hours, then backdated and posted to make it appear we’d been dating for months.
“Wow. This is thorough as hell,” I managed to utter.
“My team is efficient.”
He took the tablet back, his fingers brushing against mine. I tried to ignore the small jolt of awareness the contact brought. “My jeweler will be here in about an hour and a half. The photographer will be here after that. Once you’ve selected an engagement ring from the jeweler, we’ll start with a few casual shots here in the penthouse, then more formal ones for the press release.”
“Wait, we’re doing all of this tonight?” I questioned, glancing down at my wrinkled blouse and skirt. “What am I going to wear?”
“I just got you a brand-new wardrobe. Get creative,” he answered.
Of course. I was beginning to realize that when Adonis Holland wanted something done, it happened instantly and perfectly. It was both impressive and terrifying.
“But before they arrive, we should review the contract.” He gestured toward a thick folder on the coffee table. “My lawyer is on standby if you have any questions.”
I eyed the folder carefully. “I thought I’d have my own lawyer review it.”
“Do you have one?”
“Well, no, but?—”
“I’ve arranged for an independent counsel to represent your interests,” he interjected. “She’ll join us via video call whenever you’re ready.”
I stared at him, surprised by his consideration. “Thank you.”
He shrugged it off as if it was nothing. “It’s in both our interests to ensure you’re comfortable with this arrangement.”
