Page 86 of Beautiful Lies

What would I have let him do to me if that phone hadn’t rung?

Chapter Nineteen

Knox

I answer the phone,but my gaze is still on Isla, watching her flee.

The door is slowly closing, erasing her retreating form from my view.

When it clicks shut, I can’t see her anymore, and it’s strange…because I want her back.

I never wanted her to leave, although I knew she should.

I guess the logical part of my mind that wasn’t thinking with my dick kicked in and made me answer the phone. I always answer when my father calls, but this is the one time when I wanted to ignore him.

“Knox, are you there?” Dad’s voice rumbles through the line.

“Yeah, I’m here.” I clear my throat to loosen the arousal still clogging it. Shame I can’t do the same for my fucking dick. There’s only one thing I can do to relieve the ache there. Well, technically two things, but that option just ran away from me.

“I didn’t see you leave the party. Everything all right?”

I drag a hand through my hair, staring at the mess I made in here—papers scattered across the floor and Isla’s boots abandoned beside the desk like proof of a crime. Jesus, the taste of her is still clinging to my tongue, and the memory of feasting on her body writhes through my mind the way she did on my mouth.

“Everything’s fine,” I tell him, although everything is far from fine.

“I hope so, son” he continues. “You did good tonight. Your engagement caused quite a stir. The board and the investors were impressed, even though your bride-to-be could have made a better impression.”

He’s referring to the damn dress—the bait I fell for.

It all started with that. A poor attempt to get me to forfeit.

The moment I saw her, I began thinking of ways to punish her. But fuck, did I ever fall into my own trap.

I wanted to tear the damn dress off her, then I realized Ireallywanted to do it, but for all the wrong reasons.

Then Aunt Maureen came along, my devilish mind took over, and I couldn’t resist.

Of course, I knew I’d win the game. And of course, I knew my little artist wouldn’t be able to resist me. She and I have been dancing this war dance that walks the fine line of attraction. But it was supposed to be a game. A game I won. Yet I feel like the loser.

“I hope she’s not trying to pull some publicity stunt.” The disdain in my father’s voice pulls me back to the present.

“No. She won’t be doing anything of the sorts. She knows what she stands to lose.”

“Good. You’ve done well, son. Don’t let anything ruin that image.”

Too late for that. The corner of my mouth twitches.“I won’t,” I lie easily.

“Good. Keep up the act.”

Act?

God, I wish we were acting. That would be easier.

I know how to act.This… It’s something else I never saw coming.

“Sure thing, Dad.” I humor him.

“I’ll see you in the morning.”