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“Well, you did rescue me from sleeping on that couch in your office,” I say lightly. “Oh, and Carly will come to our engagement, so that’s a relief that I have someone there for me.”
He brings my hand to his lips, pressing a soft kiss to my knuckles. “I’ll be there for you. You’ll have me by your side the entire time.”
My heart flutters. But I remind myself it’s all part of the act, but God, he’s good at it.
I sigh, the weight of my lies pressing down on me. “It was hard lying to Carly. She’s my best friend, and I hate keeping secrets from her.”
West’s grip on my hand tightens. “It’s necessary, Amelia. We agreed on this.”
And now I know I’m not his, as he claims.
“I know, but...” I trail off, biting my lip. “She thinks this is real. That we’re actually getting married. And in a year, when I have enough money to disappear and start afresh...”
His eyes flash, a storm brewing in their blue depths. “Disappear?” he repeats, his voice low and dangerous.
I realize my mistake, too late. “I mean, when our arrangement is over—”
“Is that all this is to you?” West’s jaw clenches, his earlier warmth evaporating. “An arrangement? I thought—“
“Isn’t that what you wanted?” I challenge, pulling my hand away. “A fake fiancée to get your father off your back?”
He leans back in his chair, his gaze never leaving mine. “I told you. You’re mine, and I’m yours. We’ll show everyone that.”
“West, come on.” I lower my voice, aware of the other diners around us. “This isn’t real. In a year—”
“A year is a long time, Amelia,” he interrupts, his jaw clenches with barely controlled emotion. “Things change. Feelings change.”
I shake my head; confusion and frustration warring inside me. “That’s not what we agreed to. You can’t just change the rules.”
And I need this money to get rid of my problem.
“I already did.”
I need a moment to breathe. I stand up on shaky legs; the chair scraping against the floor as I excuse myself from the table.
I glance over my shoulder. West’s eyes follow me, a storm brewing behind them.
The restroom is quiet, a small oasis from the tension simmering between us. I splash cold water on my neck, trying to clear my head.
As I dry my hands, the door swings open behind me.
“Amelia.” His voice wraps around me like silk.
I glance in the mirror. He stands there, the dim light casting shadows across his sharp features. My heart races as he steps forward and closes the distance between us.
The air is charged, thick with words unspoken.
One of his hands finds my waist, as his other hand moves upward, cupping my breast through the fabric of my dress. Mybreath hitches in my throat as electricity shoots through me, disguised as desire.
“West,” I whisper, but it sounds more like a plea than a warning.
My back is against his chest. His hand slides up my body, igniting something deep within me.
“I want to fuck you here, over this sink.” He leans close, pressing soft kisses along the curve of my neck. His hand curves around my throat as we stare at each other in the mirror. “I want you walking out of here with my cum running down your legs, reminding you that you’re mine.”
My knees tremble and a moan escapes my lips before I can stop it, surprising me more than him.
His grip on my neck tightens just enough to hold me in place without causing pain.