Chapter 5 – My Fake Fiance.
“You’re getting married to Danse Romano“” Elina nearly choked on her mimosa “The Dante Romano?”
We were sitting in her penthouse apartment, surrounded by the kind of luxury that came from being fashion royalty. Elina’s family owned half the high–end boutiques in the cay. More importantly, she was the only person I could trust with this mess.
“Not by choice.” I muntered, sinking deeper into her plush white couch. “It’s all arranged. Two years, then it’s ove
Elina studied me over the rim of her glass, her perfectly manicured eyebrows raised “Honey, there are worse things than being married to the hottest bachelor in the city. Have you seen his ass in those teal an suits!”
“What? I’m just saying, if you’re going to be forced into a marriage, at least pick someone who’s good in bed.” She paused, a wicked grin spreading across her face. “Speaking of which how was he?”
Hear rushed to my cheeks. Tam not discussing that,”
“Oh come on! You can’t drop a bomb like I had a one–night stand with Dance Romano‘ and not give me details. Was he as good as the rumors say!”
Flashes of that
it might hit me – his hands, his mouth, the way he’d made me feel things I’d never… “No,” I said firmly. “We are not doing this”
“That good, huh?” She smirked. “Look, Lucia, maybe this isn’t the disaster you think it is. Two years with a hot, powerful man who clearly knows what he’s doing in the bedroom—”
“He’s arrogant, controlling, and treats women like accessories|”
“And yet you slept with him.”
Ithrew pillow at her head. She dodged it, bughing.
Tim just trying to help you see the bright side,” she said, refilling our glasses. “You’re stuck in this situation Might as well enjoy it.”
“Empoy it?” I sat up straighter. “Actually, maybe you’re night
Elina’s eyes narrowed. “Why do I suddenly feel worned!”
“No, think about it. He’s so used to bring in control, to having everything go his way. Maybe it’s time someone showed him what frustration feels
“Nothing major. Just enough to crack that perfect facade. Make him realize Tim not just going to play along with his plans.”
“Like Mark did?
The name hit me like a slap I were still, the champagne turning sour in my stomach.
“I’m sorry.” Elina said quickly, “I shouldn’t have
“Its fine.” It wasnt. Three years hadn’t made it fine. “Mark has nothing to do with this.”
She reached for my hand. “I know your parents thought he wasn’t good enough. That he didn’t have the right background or money. But you loved
“And look how well that tumed out. I pulled my load away, standing up. I have to go. The engagement party’s tomorrow and I need to plan my
“Really, it’s fine. Ancient history.” I forced a smile, “Thanks for the thinquene.”
But as
hera
er apartment, Mark’s face flickered through my mind. The last time I’d seen him, standing in the rain outside my house, begging me to choose him over my family’s expectations
Id chosen wrong
The next evening, I stood in the grand ballroom of the Romano Emily’s downtown hotel, smiling for what felt like the thousandth camera. Dance’s arm was around my waist, his touch burning through the silk of my emerald green dress
“You’re tense, cara,” he murmured between photos. “Try to look like you’re in love.”
“I’m trying to look like I haven’t been blackmailed into this circus.”
His fingers tightened slightly on my hip. “Careful Remember our discussion about the amusement park?”
My smile faltered. The Victory Gardens Amusement Park – my favorite project, the one piece of architecture in this city that truly meant something to me. And of course, Dante owned the land ir salon
“You wouldn’t dare”
“Try me.” His smile never wavered as another flash went off. “Td have to turn it into office space, but basiness is business.” :
Before I could respond a familiar voice cut through the crowd. “Lucia, darling!”
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Chapter 5 My Fake Fiance
Miranda Chen. Socialite, gossip columnist, and the last person I wanted to see tonight. She air–kived my cheeks, her eyes sharp behind her designer
“Such a surprise, this engagement Almost as surprising as when you and Mark split up. Whatever happened there!”
I felt Dante’s body tense slightly against mine.
“Ancient history,” I said smoothly, echoing my words to Elina. “Dance and I are focused on the future.”
“Of course, of course.” Miranda’s smile was pure venom. “Though I heard Mark’s back in town. Doing quite well for himself now, I understand. Such a shame about the timing”
“If youll excuse “Dante cut in, is voice police but carrying an edge that made Miranda step back. “My fiancée and I have other guests to gree”
He steered me away, his hand now pressed againsi my lower back.
“Mark” he asked quietly.
“None of your business.”
“Everything about you h my business now, cara.” He stopped, turning me to face him. “Part of the deal, remember”“
I met his eyes, seeing something there I didn’t way to analyze. The deal was manage, not full access to my past.”
A muscle ticked in his jaw. “Dance with me.”
It wasn’t a request. He pulled me onto the dance floor just as the music shifted to something slow and intimate His hand settled on my waist,
other taking mine.
“You’re playing a dangerous game.” he said sofily, spinning me
me away from curious cars,
“Thaven’t done anything.”
“Yel.” He pulled me closer, his lips brushing my ear. “But you’re planning something. I can see it in your eyes”
“Paranoid much?
He chuckled, the sound sending unwanted shivers down my spine. “I didn’t get where I am by ignoring warning signs, cara.“
“And where exactly is that? Oh right, blackmailing women into maman
His steps never faltered but something flickered in his eyes. “You could have said.
“Could “Hooked pointedly at where his family’s enforcers stood around the room, warching everything
“Yes.” The word was soft but certain. “I would have found another way.”
For some reason, that made me even angrier. “Sure. Because God forbid anything doesn’t to according to the great Dane Romano’s plans.”
He spun me again, using the movement to pull me flush against his chest. “You have no idea what my plans are, Lucia”
The way he said my name – like a caress, like a warning–made my heart skip. I hated it
“Let me guess become mayor, expand your empire, add a trophy wife to your collection of assent”
es darkened. “You really think that’s all this is?”
His eyes
The music ended before he could answer. He stepped back, his mask sliding perfectly back into place as applause filled the room.
Time for the announcement,” he said, offering his arm.
I took it, playing my part. Perfect couple, Perfect engagement. Perfect lie.
But as he led me to the stage where our families waited, I couldn’t shake his words.
You really think that’s all this is?
What else could it be?
The
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