Page 38 of The Christmas Trap

Lark, who’d wear my ring. And walk down the aisle in a white dress. And who’d sleep in my bed. And wake up next to me? Lark, who I’d fuck until she couldn’t walk straight? Fuck. Lust tightens my groin. I’m going to be sporting a very uncomfortable chub, in front of my grandfather, my employee, and my friend, if I’m not careful.

Now that the initial shock of Arthur’s words is wearing off, I can’t help but admit that this might have possibilities. Not least of all because of the explosive chemistry between us.

“Umm, I thought this was supposed to be a work meeting.” Lark’s expression is one of disbelief.

“It is.” Arthur smiles. “This concerns Brody’s future and a sum of money that he can’t access unless he does what I ask of him.”

She stares closely at him. “You’re serious?”

“He is,” I cut off whatever Arthur is going to say.

She turns on me. She seems to be struggling with her thoughts. “This is a surprise,” she finally blurts out

“For me too,” I say honestly.

“Me too.” James holds up his hand.

I scowl at him. He shrugs with a ‘don’t-mind-me-I’m-the-innocent-bystander watching-the-fun’ expression.

Typical of Arthur to ensure there’s a spectator to my being completely blindsided.

As for Lark? Her features reflect first disbelief, then wariness, then some deeper emotion I can’t name.

When she has a grip on her emotions, she turns to Arthur. “I… Uh… I’d say I'm flattered. Except, I’m afraid what you’re suggesting is impossible.”

Arthur looks taken aback. “Explain,” he says in a brusque manner.

He’s not used to being contradicted or anyone telling him off. I smother a chuckle at the shock on his face. Not too many people can claim to have taken Arthur by surprise.

"I understand you want to see your grandson settle down, but I can’t be the person he marries because I have a fiancé."

"A fiancé?" Arthur’s bushy eyebrows draw down.

What the—?My jaw drops. "You’re engaged?"

"I am…” A flicker of something crosses her features.

She doesn’t seem exactly happy about this. In fact, she doesn’t fit the image of a blushing bride to-be. Where’s the excitement? The anticipation? The— I glance down at her left hand.

“You don’t have a ring!” I’m aware my voice comes out in an accusing tone, but I can’t stop myself.

“It’s, uh… At the jewelers, being resized.” She looks away as she says it, and I know without a doubt, she’s lying.

Likely, the bastard she’s marrying did not give her a ring. What kind of a loser is she tying herself to? Is she aware of how gorgeous she is? How perfect. How deserving she is of all the best things in the world. Things that make her happy, like an emerald engagement ring that would complement her eyes and look incredible on her finger. Not that she needs jewelry to amplify her beauty. She’s ravishing as is.

Arthur, who’s seemed at a loss for words, finally splutters. "That’s not possible.”

I wince. That’s the wrong thing to say.

Sure enough, Lark straightens her spine. “Pardon me?”

Arthur seems to realize his mistake. “I don’t mean it’s not possible that you’re engaged. You’re beautiful and intelligent. Of course, you have a beau.” His gaze clouds. “Unfortunately, my enquiries didn’t reveal that.”

“You had me investigated?” She stiffens.

“Every employee who joins the company undergoes a background check.” I try to mollify her. “It was in the employee contract you signed when you joined.”

She relaxes a little, but the cautious look in her eyes doesn’t fade.