Page 18 of Sinful Lies

“If you’re having second thoughts…” I try to not think about the alternative, but I can’t force Zara into this. At the end of the day, it’s her decision.

“N-no, this weekend is fine. It’s just… I hate the idea of having to lie to Bianca. She’s my best friend. And that’s if she even buys the lie. I mean, I’ve not even mentioned that we’ve been dating, and now I expect her to believe we’re getting married?” She shakes her head, a nervous laugh falling from her lips.

“We just need to make sure to put on one hell of a show, and you’ll soon forget that we’re lying and that I’m not actually your fiancé.” I flash her a wink.

“What if we go through all of this, and it still doesn’t work? What if Giovanni…” Her voice cracks, and she looks down.

“Look at me, Zara.” I reach across the table and take her hand.

Her eyes flick to mine, and she takes her lower lip betweenher teeth.

I squeeze her hand once. “Trust me. This is going to work.”

“Ok.”

I breathe a sigh of relief as I let go of her hand. “So, that’s it? Come Saturday, we’re going to be engaged?”

“Fake engaged.” She narrows her eyes, her lips twitching. “Don’t go getting any ideas. Unless you want to buy me a ridiculously expensive diamond ring?”

“I’ll buy you whatever you want,pcholka.”

When my familyget over to our penthouse on the Upper East Side on Saturday afternoon, they think we’re having an impromptu get together as it’s been a while since all my brothers have been in the same room for anything other than business.

Ever since Leo was born, Alexei’s spent most of his time in Forest Hills while he and Bianca adjust to being new parents.

As happy as I am for Alexei, I do miss the days where it was just the four of us.

Zara is arriving separately with her sister, Emily.

I thought it would be better if she had someone from her family here to support her, and according to Zara, Emily is all for not telling her parents stuff, so it was a good compromise.

I’m a ball of nervous energy as I wait for her to arrive.

Bianca has gone down to collect her and Emily from the lobby and bring them both up to the penthouse.

I’m doing my best to seem at ease as I avoid getting dragged away for a private word by Alexei. Thankfully, Leois being fussy and taking up most of his attention, leaving me to catch up with my two younger brothers.

The moment the elevator doors open, I turn around and watch as Zara steps out into the lounge.

She’s wearing a baby blue sundress, her long hair pulled back into a loose braid. She’s effortlessly stunning, and when she locks eyes with me, and a small smile tugs at her lips, I can’t help but grin back.

“I’ll be right back,” I say to Mikhail and Danil.

I head across the lounge toward Zara, tucking my hands into my pockets to stop myself from reaching for her.

She looks incredible, and I want nothing more than to pull her against me and bury my face in her hair.

Even though we’re going to be married, and we need to act the part of the perfect loved up couple, I need to keep some boundaries between us.

I don’t want to do anything that could cause any lasting damage.

She’s Bianca’s best friend, and Bianca would have my balls if I ever did anything to hurt Zara.

So, as much as I want to make the most of being a fake couple, I decide to keep my hands to myself for the time being.

“Hey.” Zara smiles as I approach.

“You came.”

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