Page 37 of Playboy Billionaire's Fake Marriage

I don’t see how that last part was called for, but my mind thought it necessary to throw that in just to torment me.

“Oh, you showed them photos!” Xavier chuckles, leaning back in his chair as if he needs to observe my stupidity from a different angle. “Well, seems you’ve dug a nice fat hole for yourself there. Perhaps Vanessa would consider wearing a wig?”

“I should deck you for suggesting that.” I laugh in spite of myself.

Xavier gets serious again. “Bottom line, it’s either Vanessa or you’re on your own because you cannot go near Stella. If you choose Vanessa though, I’ll do everything to see you hitched in three weeks. Possibly two.”

If I didn’t know my friend was whipped before, now I have every doubt laid to rest. He’s desperate to get rid of the woman. Seeing no other choice, I throw back my drink and pin him a glare. “You have a deal jackass.”

“You’re welcome, dumbass.” Xavier grins, knowing he’s won this time. “We’ve been through so much shit together. What’s one more sewer?”

Chapter Twelve

Stella

I finish trimming Bonnie’s hair with a final flick of my wrist. Her wedding is in a few days, so it needs to be perfect. I also managed to convince her to change her highlights from purple to gold, and judging by her expression in the mirror, she loves it.

I’m at the upscale salon I rent once every other week so I can serve my Manhattan clients. I’m getting more interest in the city, but unfortunately, I’m unable to afford to pay for more space to be able to give that many appointments.

“Oh, Stella!” Bonnie gushes when I finally pull the apron off her. “This is amazing. Why did I never think of gold?”

“Because purple makes a bolder statement, which is what you like, isn’t it?”

“Yeah,” she agrees, “but my God, I love this.”

“The gold really brings out your skin and eyes.” Bonnie has Irish and Samoan roots which gives her a distinctively warm tone.

“Yeah, I know, my skin seems to glow these days.”

“There’s a reason they call it pregnancy glow Bonnie.” That was something else Bonnie tried to hide from us girls.

Bonnie hums in agreement, preening at the mirror. As though reading my mind, she suddenly asks. “Stella, have you told Brooke and Sabrina about Harriet yet?”

I bite my lip, shaking my head no.

“Stella!” She scolds. “I keep telling you, between us and the guys, we can work something out. Ethan for sure will find a way. There’s no problem on earth that man can’t solve.”

“Whoa, whoa, sappy much? Do you want to reach over and grab a tissue to wipe the drool off your face?” I tease, turning her words back on her.

Bonnie giggles. “Gladly. If only drooling was all the man made me do, I’d be a way more productive person.”

I wrinkle my nose. “Eww, TMI babes! But seriously, Bonnie, six months ago, you were this cynical, hard-ass dominatrix, and now... I hardly recognize you.”

“I know Stella. Something has changed alright. I didn’t realize what I’d been missing all this time, always wanting to be in control. It’s so much more fun to let Ethan take the lead and work to make me happy, and boy, does he! Totally recommend it babes.”

“Really?” I lift a disbelieving eyebrow.

“I’m not saying get ordered around like a farm animal, but you could just try letting down your guard just a little.”

I’m too busy trying to block out my own heated memories with Ryan’s domineering attitude to reply, so she carries on trying to explain the novel concept to me.

“Okay, so instead of dwelling on who is calling the shots, just focus on what feels good. I promise the pleasure is just mind-numbing.”

“I bet.” I focus on getting my area cleaned up before my next client arrives. But Bonnie is not to be deterred.

“So you’ve never tried that with any guy?” Bonnie presses.

“Nope.”

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