Page 10 of A Million Shades Of Love and Betrayal

Daniel opened the door for her before I could stop him, she hastily shuffled in, releasing my arm to do so. With a quick nod in Daniel's direction, I walked around to the other side, opened the door, and got in.

"So, how was your day?" I asked, glancing at Yasmin. Daniel pulled onto the road, heading to the restaurant.

"It was okay. My sister stopped by, she helped me dye my hair and we went shopping," she replied with a shrug. "I got a dress for the gala. How about you?"

"It was a busy day, my best friend stopped by, he's the one who invited us to dinner," I said, leaning back in my seat. "This is the perfect time to practice our fake dating skills. He doesn't know we're faking it so let's be convincing."

"Looking forward to it," Yasmin nodded, a smile playing on her lips. "Oh, by the way, my sister knows the deal between us. Is that okay?"

I turned so I was facing her. "Sure, as long as she doesn't tell anyone."

"She won't."

Her phone buzzed before she could say anything else. I shifted so I was looking out the window, giving her the privacy she needed. Her sudden gasp had me spinning around to face her, only to find her glaring daggers at her phone.

"Can you believe this?" she grunted as she showed me what made her so angry. On her phone was a picture of Ethan with a blonde who I was pretty sure I'd seen in a magazine before.

"Who's that?"

She rolled her eyes. "Probably the woman he dumped me for."

"Oh," my eyes widened as I glanced at the picture again. "She's nowhere near as beautiful as you."

She paused, her frown lightening into a soft smile. "Flattery will get you places," she smiled, stuffing her phone back into her purse.

"He's going to regret ever crossing you," I assured her, my tone firm. "We'll make sure of it."

We arrived at the restaurant, and I got out and held the door open for Yasmin. I couldn't help but admire the way she carried herself with confidence. She linked her hand around mine, falling in step with me as we entered the restaurant. We walked up to the hostess, a brunette with dull brown eyes.

"Hello, welcome to Evita's. How can I help you?"

"Hello, we're joining the Vitale table."

"Oh, of course," she forced a smile. "Please follow me."

We quietly followed the hostess who led us into the restaurant, past a handful of other guests. "Here we are," she spoke quietly pointing us in Roman's direction. "I'll have a server bring you menus shortly."

"Thank you," Yasmin replied but she was already walking away, likely to find a server. Yasmin turned to me. "That poor girl needs sleep."

I nodded, not knowing what else to say to that. I guided her over to the table where Roman and his girlfriend were sitting, Roman spotted us immediately.

"Rafael, so glad you could make it," he grinned as he jumped to his feet, eyes locked on Yasmin. "And who is this?"

"This is Yasmin, my girlfriend," I rushed out before Yasmin could get a word in. Yasmin raised a brow at me but didn't argue with what I said. Instead, she extended a hand to Roman.

"It's nice to meet you," she smiled politely, shifting her attention to Emily, Roman's girlfriend. "And you."

Emily rose to her feet, readily shaking her hand. "Likewise. I love your hair."

"Aw, thank you so much."

"Sit, sit," Roman smiled widely. I pulled out Yasmin's chair allowing her to be seated before me. Just as I took my seat the server showed up presenting us with the menus.

"I didn't know you had a girlfriend," Roman gave me a pointed look but I just shrugged him off.

"We're fairly new," Yasmin chimed in, giving my arm a gentle squeeze. Roman's eyes locked onto the interaction, his eyes widening with interest.

"Stop being rude," Emily smiled as she nudged him with her elbow. "We're here to eat and have fun, not to be a part of an interrogation."

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