Page 81 of Morally Black Betrothal

“Like I said, it’s for appearances only. But my apartment is quite large—you can have your own floor if that’s what you want. And the kitchen has plenty of room to bake or cook or whatever you want. We don’t have to interact much when we’re there.”

I was babbling now like a fucking child or one of Shea’s lovestruck friends. I sounded like a goddamn brook.

Her eyes grew wide. “Your apartment consists of multiple floors?”

“Just two. It’s a penthouse.”

“‘Just two,’” she repeated with a cheeky smile that made my heart give another massive thump. “So, one for each person.”

“Plus staff. It overlooks most of the city. You’ll like it.”

I hoped she liked it. Iwantedher to like it.

“Any other surprises I should be expecting? Or plans I need to be aware of?”

“Didn’t Ruth go over everything with you?” I frowned as I toyed with her ring. I should have let go of her hand, but I really didn’t want to. “We should probably get you your own scheduling assistant. It will save us some time.”

“I don’t mind the extra time. Figuring out details and schedules gives us something to talk about, don’t you think? What’s next, since clearly the photo ops aren’t happening today.”

At that, I fully scowled, but not at the broken schedule. She thought it would be hard to talk to me?

I grabbed my phone off the desk and flicked through my calendar. “Soon, we’ll be having dinner with my family, provided my father’s recovered enough for it. An engagement party will be two months from now, if not sooner, probably at the house in Newport.”

“I don’t suppose that will be a private, intimate gathering with your closest friends?”

I snorted. “What close friends?”

She didn’t laugh. In fact, when I looked up, she was eyeing me with something that looked like pity.

I stared right back. “Look, Simone, these parties aren’t about you or me. None of it is. We’ll be inviting my family, board members, business associates, and a bunch of people who will make the board members think I’m an upstanding person. All you have to do is be your angelic self.”

She still looked uneasy but eventually nodded. “I…of course. That’s what you’re paying me for.”

“There will be other events,” I went on. “My social calendar is full of shit I’m forced to go to, and I’ll need you with me to demonstrate that we’re a unit, and I’m the ‘stable family man’ they want.”

The more I spoke, the more she seemed to retreat into herself. By the time I was done, she was staring blankly at our joined hands like she thought they might disappear.

I pulled on hers, beckoning her full attention. “Simone?”

Did I imagine that blue gaze flicker to my mouth again?

I must have.

But I didn’t babble now. I had something more important to say. Something that made me feel ill, but that she—and apparently I—needed to hear nonetheless.

“That small, intimate engagement you’re dreaming of, angel? The wedding with friends and family and joy and love and happiness? One day, you’ll have it.”

Another flicker of twinkling blue. “I will?”

God, she almost looked hopeful. “Without a doubt. But, baby, it won’t be with me.”

The twinkling lights dulled. “Oh.”

“Which is why it’s better that everything about this arrangement be the polar opposite of what you want. A smart girl like you won’t confuse things. And I know you won’t fall in love.”

That was when the lights extinguished completely. Something flared deep in my chest in response.No.

“O-of course I won’t,” she whispered.