Page 9 of Dirty Secret Love

Mrs. Asher sighs with relief. I, on the other hand, am wondering how I’ll be able to pull this off when it seems like I won’t be able to add sex to the table while we’re negotiating my price.

What will I be getting in return for doing this one thing? Books aren’t enough. We can be roommates, but where are thefucking benefits?

Seriously, abstinence isn’t my forte, and I already haven’t had sex in a long time. Way too long.

No one should expect me to behave while living with a hottie like Sutton, but also . . . she’s a virgin?

ChapterFour

Sutton

My heart races,pulsing rapidly in my chest. I’m silently praying for an earthquake or some natural catastrophe that will swallow me to the middle of the earth where I can restart my life away from this charade that’s getting out of hand and my toxic family.

The audacity of my mother’s question has my cheeks burning in embarrassment.

How can she ask if I’m still a virgin? That’s so . . . so incredibly infuriating and none of her business. I glance up at River, who’s looking serene and unaffected by the entire exchange. His calm demeanor, despite my mother’s relentless probing, makes me wonder if he’s always this unflappable under pressure or just finds the situation entertaining. The subtle crinkle at the corner of his eyes betrays his amusement.

Seeing that River is enjoying himself, at my expense no less, I decide to cut my mother’s visit short. “Mom, if you need anything else, please wait until next week.”

“I’ll be back soon, Sutton,” Mother warns, her gaze flitting between us, probing and calculating. “I expect to be introduced to the rest of his family and, of course, to see that engagement ring.” She offers a pointed look at my bare finger.

River inclines his head, a sly smile playing on his lips. “Of course, Mrs. Asher. I look forward to getting to know you and your lovely family.” I pray that my mother doesn’t say something about his sarcastic tone.

She huffs, turning to me with an authoritative air. “Make sure you prepare a proper dinner.” Her heels click decisively against the wooden floor as she exits. The door closes with a soft thud, leaving a heavy silence in its wake. Immediately, the tension in my shoulders eases, and I exhale a shaky breath.

“Your mother’s . . . intense,” he remarks with a chuckle.

“That’s putting it mildly,” I admit. The weight of what just happened suddenly feels heavier. I’m not entirely sure how to navigate the situation.Last night, with the buzz of alcohol coursing through me, the fake engagement seemed like a brilliant idea. Now, with the reality in front of me, I’m not sure I can pull off acting in love with this man.

Lying is one thing. Acting is out of my scope.

Still, River came through even when we hadn’t made a formal agreement. In fact, he was shutting down the idea before Mom barged into the library. Why did he change his mind? Does it matter? He saved me, at least for now.

I bite my lip, searching for the right words. “Thank you . . .”

His eyebrow arches slightly, a smirk touching his lips. “You seem hesitant. You’re not having second thoughts, are you?”

I frown, a little exasperated. “It’s just that we needed to discuss details before you so casually claimed to live with me.” I touch my bare ring finger. “Seriously, a ten-carat custom made ring?”

“Well, it would’ve been weird if you didn’t introduce us now.” He pauses, tilting his head with an expression that’s a mix of amusement and arrogance. “Don’t you think, darling? There’s the ring too. She won’t believe that I’m wealthy if I give you a cheap knock-off from a gumball machine.”

I swallow hard, battling the unexpected flutter in my stomach. He’s probably right, but we need boundaries. “You can’t just move in with me.”

“Oh, but as of today I live with you, darling,” he purrs, his low baritone voice sending shivers down my spine. It’s mesmerizing, maddening, and as tempting as a siren’s song on a silent night.

Desperate for some semblance of control, I scramble for an out. “Don’t you have to live at the ranch?” I ask, trying to find a loophole because living with him is out of the question. “Isn’t it part of your parole?”

He recoils, eyebrows shooting up in genuine surprise. “You think I’m in prison? Because I’m not. Though, sometimes I feel like I’m doing time for some crime I committed in my past life. Or it’s just my luck. I mean look at the people I’m related to.”

“Well, I know you’re not related to Gina either,” I whisper with a triumphant grin. “That’s just a cover up, but are the others really your siblings?”

One brow arches, a silent challenge. “Is that so? You know all about me.”

Gathering my courage, I lean in, my fingers gripping the counter’s edge. “Well, I know you’re a fugitive on the run,” I whisper, my heart thumping loudly against my ribs. Pointing toward the old phone I continue, “In fact, I could call the FBI and blow your cover.”

Matching my intensity, he leans forward, our noses brushing. The warmth of his breath dances on my lips, making me fight the impulse to close the gap. His scent, a heady mix of earth and a distinctly male musk, nearly undoes me. “Listen, darling. I’m not an outlaw, but if anyone finds me, they’ll kill not only my family but every person in this little town—includingyou and your best friends.So, maybe leave my past alone because if you play with fire, you’ll burn everyone.”

Fear coils in my gut. I knew Crait Quantum Shield provided protection, but did I underestimate the danger? If anyone finds out that we’re hiding these people, would they come to kill the entire town?

---