Fake Fiancée, Real Feelings

rror tormented me long af

ld not t

t? Why? The thought that someone had been in my flat sent shivers down my spine, but I could

e soft glow of my desk lamp. It was a salvation, but

other. Could I trust Gideon Crosswell? Probably not. But co

g my spiral. A text from Sop

vestor? Did th

I couldn't tell her the truth. Not y

r. My heart sprang into my throat. For a little while,

vailable-a metal paperweight-a

lair, it's

I breathed sharply and opened the do

ebrow. "Should

he place, his impeccable suit starkly contrasted with my modest abode. He looked

on?" he inquired, folding

arms. "I'm st

"Time isn't a luxury you c

bad decision,"

ile. "Fair point. Let me ma

tapping the screen and handing it out to me. A news report appeare

ery Faces Imminen

ame dry. "Wh

"I have ties in the press. They will run it first

blackmai

tingly calm. "Sign the contract to save your gallery and p

o a fist. "Why are

n of the outcome," he told me. "And you,

iPad and contract resting ominously on the coffee table. D

r Gallery's reputation was already dangling by a

r six months. Can I do that? Could I bear appearing to be someone I

ment felt like a blade in my heart. There were even images of the gallery, w

s he worked late to keep the gallery running. This

errupting my thoughts. Thi

a quick decision." "

lly. Was this Gideo

gut. I felt watched again. Whoever wrote

of my decision weighing heavily on me. He sat back in his chair,

e inquired, his to

my palm. This was it: the momen

a woman stormed inside. She was stunningly gorgeous, w

, her voice full of an

. "Victoria, this

, her gaze shifting to m

deon replied

ot, if she has a contract in fr

of a dispute, with tensions so heavy

, a sly grin spreading on her face. "Does

demanded, my

n clouded. "That's

full of hatred. "She deserves to kn

ust want a pretend fiancée, dear. He wants a pawn. When he

s that true?" I questioned

y, and his quiet stung worse

echoed throughout the room. Go

leaving the door

s gripping the desk's edge.

able expression. "Sign the co