Page 29

“Hi, Connie. Where’s Willa?”
“Your wife is doing as you asked—leaving pieces of herself all over the penthouse. Are you sure you know what you’re doing, Damien? Willa is a very nice girl, and I don’t want to see her get hurt.”
“She’s not going to get hurt. She agreed to this. It’ll be fine, Connie.”
“I thought I heard your voice,” Willa’s voice filtered from behind.
Turning around, my heart nearly stopped when I saw her standing there, face full of makeup, perfectly styled wavy hair, and a sexy black dress that made my cock spasm.
“Wow. You look great.” I smiled.
“Thank you. What beautiful roses.” She walked over and smelled them.
“They’re for show,” I said, and Connie shot me a dirty look.
“Aw, I love the card.” She pouted.
“As I said. It’s for show.”
“I know. You’re wearing your ring.” She grinned, pointing to my finger.
“I don’t have a choice, do I? Everyone thinks we’re happily married. How would it look if I didn’t wear it? I’m going to change. I’ll be right back,” I said, walking to the bedroom.
The scent of her perfume smacked me in the face the second I stepped into the bedroom. A mix of sweet floral notes and warm vanilla. A scent I found inviting and intoxicating. I wouldn’t lie and say I wasn’t apprehensive about Theodore meeting Willa because I was. I wasn’t sure what she’d say or do, which made me nervous. She was a little weird, and I worried she’d take it too far tonight.
I heard the elevator ding. Walking over to it, my Uncle Kroy and Aunt Racquel stepped into the foyer.
“Hi, Aunt Racquel.” I kissed her cheek. “You’re looking as lovely as ever.”
“Thank you, Damien. You’re always so sweet.”
“Well, where’s your bride?” my Uncle Kroy asked. “I want to meet her.”
“She’s in the kitchen with Connie. Willa, this is my Uncle Kroy and Aunt Racquel.”
“It’s so good to meet both of you.” She hugged them.
“You don’t need to put on an act for us, darling. We already know how fake this marriage is,” Uncle Kroy said.
“I’m not acting. I am happy to meet you.” She smiled, forcing a smile on my lips. Keep it up, good girl. “Oh my gosh, I just love your dress,” she told Aunt Racquel. “That color looks stunning on you.”
“Why, thank you, dear. You are very kind.”
The elevator dinged, and I inhaled a sharp breath.
“Vale is here.” I grabbed hold of Willa’s hand and led her to the foyer.
“Theodore, welcome to my humble home.” I smiled, shaking his hand.
“Thank you for having us, Damien. This is my wife, Lucy.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lucy. And this is my new bride, Willa.”
“My, you certainly are beautiful.”
“Thank you.” Willa hugged him and Lucy. “It’s nice to meet you both. Damien has told me so much about you.”
“Dinner is ready. Shall we?” I gestured.