Page 28 of Lucas

“Are you okay?” He stops with the fork halfway to his mouth, a slight furrow appearing between his brows.

“Yes. Of course,” I answer in an angry tone, one that will cover the slight tremor in my voice.

I stab a piece of steak.

It’s just a contract. Just two years. Contrary to what Father thinks, because he didn’t even bother to ask, I’m not even supposed to sleep with Lucas. There’s no clause like that in the contract, and we’ll sleep in separate rooms. We’ll keep our distance from each other, and everything will be fine. I’m committed to one event per week and one extra each month. It’s not a lot, I can handle it.

I look at Lucas again, studying him. He’s engrossed in eating, the candlelight casting shadows on his chiseled features, accentuating the sharp line of his jaw, the fullness of his lips. His blue eyes are hidden by dark, long lashes, unfairly long for a man.

I hate how attractive I find him, how my body reacts to his slightest touch. It’s a weakness I can’t afford.

I need to remember why I’m here, for whom and what I’m fighting for. My company, my father’s legacy, his life’s work.I can’t let Lucas Valeur destroy everything, no matter how tempting he might be.

“Take a picture, it’ll last longer.” His deep voice startles me out of my thoughts. He smirks at me, a knowing glint in his eye.

Heat rises to my cheeks at being caught staring. “Don’t flatter yourself. I was just thinking how unfortunate it is that you’re my only option.”

“Ouch.” He places a hand over his heart in mock hurt. “You really know how to wound a man’s ego, Miss Gant.”

“It’s not the only thing I know how to do to a man.” The words slip out before I can stop them.

His eyes darken, his gaze dropping to my mouth. “Is that so?” He leans forward, his voice lowering to a purr. “I might have to put that to the test someday.”

My breath hitches, my pulse quickening at the blatant suggestion.

Get a grip, Ava. I mentally shake myself. I can’t let him fluster me like this.

I force a laugh, the sound brittle even to my own ears. “In your dreams, Valeur.”

“Every night, darling.” He winks, that infuriating smirk still playing on his lips.

I grit my teeth, my fingers tightening around my fork until my knuckles turn white. He’s baiting me, trying to get under my skin. And damn him, it’s working.

I need to regain control of this situation, of myself. I can’t let him see how much he affects me.

“I think this is the one.” Cora stares at me with wide eyes, her hands clasped together in excitement. “It’s perfect. You’re perfect. Lucas is going to die on the spot.”

We’re standing in the middle of the bridal salon, and I gaze at myself in the mirror, taking in the sight.

She forgets Lucas doesn’t care about me and we’re not in love. I can barely stand him, and the other fake dates we had didn’t improve the situation between us. But I don’t say anything to correct her.

I inspect myself. The dress, tight in the bodice and the skirt puffy with a long lace train, hugs my body like a second skin. The details on the bodice are a work of art. Stones and lace have been delicately interwoven, giving it an enchanting look.

“There’s also an overlay.” Cora places a layer of sheer fabric heavy with lace over my shoulders, tying it at the neck.

I’ve already chosen an additional dress for the reception. Form-fitting all the way down, and another lighter one in a shade of gold for the pre-event.

I nod, a smirk playing on my lips. “Yes. This is the one. If anything can make your brother’s cold, dead heart skip a beat, it’s this dress.”

Cora laughs, shaking her head. “I still can’t believe you two are getting married. I mean, the way you talk about each other.”

“With barely concealed loathing and disdain?” I raise an eyebrow, my tone dry.

“Exactly. It’s like watching a verbal sparring match every time you’re together.”

“What can I say? It’s a gift.” I shrug, smoothing my hands over the silky fabric of the dress. “Your brother just brings out the best in me.”

Cora snorts. “More like he brings out your claws.”