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“I bet Felix doesn’t even measure up now, does he?”
I take a long sip of my drink, relishing the fruity flavor as I shake my head. “I don’t know how I ever put up with him.”
Carly snorts. “Probably because he was a better option than sleeping on the streets.”
I roll my eyes. “Only just.”
“But are you sure you’re doing the right thing marrying your boss?” she asks before leaning in closer, lowering her voice like we’re sharing secrets.
“I’m not marrying him.” I shoot a sidelong glance to the bodyguards. One shifts slightly. “We’re getting engaged, nothing—” I stop myself from continuing. “I’m not expecting it to last. You know already, you warned me about him. But I’ll enjoy it while it lasts. It does…he has plenty of plus points.”
“Two hunky bodyguards, for starters.” Carly flutters her eyelashes as she raises her glass to the bodyguards.
I glance over my shoulder. They both blink at her with deadpan expressions.
“Wouldn’t you love to be thrown around by those two in bed?” she says.
“Two?”
“It would be rude to choose,” Carly quips.
“Trust you.” I lift my drink in response and take another sip while trying to suppress a laugh.
Carly stops glaring at my bodyguards as she stares out the window for a moment. She turns back to me with raised eyebrows. “But seriously, Amelia, be careful. The Davenports have a bad reputation around here. I heard—”
“You heard? You mean you asked around?” I arch an eyebrow as I pick up my glass.
“Oh please! Someone has to look out for you,” she interrupts, laughter spilling from her lips. “You’re with a man. No, you’re getting engaged to a man whose face was all over the newspapers coming out of Club Elysium.”
“We were there too that night, remember?”
“Yeah, I remember. But we’re not regulars.”
I clench my hands as I look toward the busy street again. Watching couples stroll by hand-in-hand as an emotion stirs inside me. It feels a lot like annoyance.
“He doesn’t go anymore,” I say, shaking my head in exasperation at Carly’s objections. “I asked him not to.”
“Wow. Cheers to you.” She lifts her glass in triumph and grins widely before taking another sip of her drink. “Maybe you’ll be the one who can tame him.”
I smooth down the front of my dress, still in awe of its silky texture. The deep emerald-green hugs my curves in all the right places, making me feel like royalty. It probably costs more than I earn in a month, but West insisted.
Speaking of West, he looks absolutely delicious tonight. The candlelight flickers, casting a warm glow on his chiseled features.
His tailored suit accentuates his broad shoulders. But the way he smiles at me across the table makes my heart skip a beat.
Daniel NYC buzzes with energy around us. There are famous people here, artists, actors, but I still feel eyes darting our way. Curious glances from other diners. It is clear West is showing me off, and part of me revels in it.
“How was your day, Princess?” West asks. His deep voice sends a shiver down my spine.
I take a sip of champagne before answering. “Busy, but good. I met up with Carly this morning, and I finally organized that mess of files you left on my desk.”
He chuckles, a rich sound that warms me from the inside out. “What would I do without you?”
“Probably drown in paperwork,” I tease.
West reaches across the table, taking my hand in his. His thumb traces circles on my skin, my breath catches. “I’m serious, Amelia. You’re invaluable to me. You get me.”
The intensity in his eyes makes me wonder if he’s still talking about work. I push the thought aside, reminding myself this is all for show. And probably why we’re eating here. In public for all to see and put a band-aid over his reputation.