Page 11 of Marry Lies
You want me to fuck you here?
My eyes briefly close when I remember what he said to me last year—howhotI’d gotten imagining myself riding him in the back of a taxi where anyone could see us.
It isn’t until my father brings up my grandmother that I snap out of my haze. I’d completely forgotten that my father and Charles were having their own conversation on the other side of the table. I pull away from Miles and take a steadying breath.
“My mother passed away last year. My poor Stella took a lot of time to recover after her death. They were very close, you see. But now she’s starting her own fashion line,” he says proudly.
I smile as I lift a piece of cheese to my mouth, feeling flustered at my father’s outright praise. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Miles watching me. Before I can respond, Charles laughs.
“And that’s why we’re having lunch today. To propose a solution to your unusual financial situation.”
The table goes quiet, and I look over at my father. He’s always so forthcoming. While I know he’s working with Charles, I don’t need Miles to know all about the struggles I’ve been facing as an up-and-coming fashion designer—namely, that I’m broke. And, that I’m barely surviving thanks to the very small amount of orders I get every month.
God, how humiliating.
“Father,” Miles says, his tone a low warning. I can almost feel the fury radiating off him.“Please tell me this isn’t what I think it is.”
I glance between the Ravage men, confused. “And what exactly do you think this is?” I ask carefully.
Miles doesn’t look at me. Instead, he’s glaring at his father—his jaw tight, and his eyes bright with fury. My eyes flick down to the silvery, jagged lines on his skin underneath the collar of his buttoned shirt. The uneven scar runs up to nearly the left side of his jaw, giving him a distinguished look. They make me want to knowmoreabout him.Just before I turn away, he snaps his reptilian green eyes to mine, widening when they realize I’m staring at his neck.
If I’m not mistaken, something akin to shame passes over his features as his long fingers tug his collar up and over his scars.
“I’m not doing this,” he says quickly, shooting a death glare at his father before glowering at me next.
“Will someone please explain what’s going on?” I ask, my voice a little bit too loud. A few people turn to face us, and my cheeks heat.
Miles closes his eyes briefly. He places his palms flat on the table and he cocks his head at me.
Before he can speak, my father takes my hand from across from me. “Stella, darling,” he says gently. “I’m only trying to help you.”
I swallow. “Help me with what?”
He looks at Charles before continuing. “A couple of months ago, I’d mentioned your clothing line to Charles during a business meeting,” he starts. “And I told him all about how you’re struggling to make it happen financially,” he says slowly.
God, kill me now.
A sinking feeling settles in my stomach and my brows pull together. “And?”
“Stella,” Charles interjects, leaning forward.
“Father,” Miles warns.
“Miles is a prominent businessman in California,” Charles starts. “He is…currently in need of a public relations miracle.”
“Apologies for being daft, but I’m not quite sure what this has to do with me,” I say.
My father clears his throat. “You need money. Miles needs someone to repair his public image. I wasn’t sure at first, but I’ve met Miles a few times, and he’s a perfect gentleman. I couldn’t think of anyone better to help you.” He must notice my confused expression, because he leans closer. “You know if my money wasn’t tied up in the charity, I’d help you in a heartbeat, ma chérie.”
I look between the three of them. “Someone to repair his public image? And how would I do that?”
“By marrying Miles, of course,” Charles finishes, a pleased expression written all over his face.
The room spins before me and I grip the table firmly, turning to Miles. He’s rubbing his chin and watching me–like he already knows.
Like he already suspected.
“Did you know?” I ask him.
