Page 10 of Fake Fiancé for the Billionaire Rockstar

The moment we hit the sidewalk, I slide on my sunglasses. A feeble attempt at anonymity, but it’s something. The lunch crowd surges around us, and Carmen breaks away from me, creating a gap between us.

The city is alive with holiday energy—cars honking, people hurrying past. The cold air nips at our faces, while the scent of pretzels and roasted chestnuts wafts from nearby food carts. Across the street, the bare trees in Central Park sway gently, and holiday lights twinkle in the shop windows.

Without thinking, I place my hand on the small of her back, pulling her close. The heat of her body sears through her clothes, straight to my palm. “Loosen up a bit,” I murmur, my lips close to her ear.

She stiffens against me. “Easy for you to say,” she mutters, her breath warm on my neck. “This is all kinds of inappropriate.”

You have no idea, I think, fighting the urge to pull her even closer.

The space between us shrinks, her body pressed lightly against mine. Her breath hitches, and I glance down at her, noticing the way her lips part slightly.

There’s an energy around us, and I can’t help but feel drawn deeper into the role of her fiancé. Before I can think twice, I act on impulse to play up the act.

My free hand cups her chin, tilting her face up. Her eyes widen, lips parted just enough for me to feel the warmth of her breath against mine. This isn’t part of the plan, but damn it if I can stop myself now.

I close the gap between us, my lips brushing against hers in a soft, tentative kiss. She hesitates for a second, then melts into me, her fingers gripping my jacket as she presses back. The kiss deepens, warmth flooding through me. Her lips are softer than I imagined, and for a moment, I lose myself in the feeling of being this close, really tasting her.

Her breath catches in a small gasp when I pull away. The heat between us undeniable. This feels too real. Too dangerous.

From the corner of my eye, I catch the sight of a man with a camera across the street, already lining up his shot. Before he can capture anything, I step in front of her, blocking his view. Wrapping my arm around her, I pull her close and guide her down the sidewalk, quickening our pace to avoid the lens.

Shit, what was I thinking?

When we come to a stop, I realize she’s shivering and I pull away from her with a frown. “Where’s your coat?”

It’s the middle of winter. Why would she walk out the door without a damn coat? A part of me I didn’t know existed until this very moment becomes hyper aware of everything, and I ease my coat from my frame to drape over her shoulders.

“F–forgot,” she stutters, curling into the wool fabric I put against her.

I guess a stroll wasn’t the greatest idea I had in mind for this type of weather.

As we walk, the cold seeps through our clothes, making the idea of a warm restaurant all the more appealing. I scan the street, eyeing the various establishments lining the sidewalk.

There’s a few people that walk in ahead of us, smiling and laughing with each other, but all I can focus on is the slight shivers still wracking through Carmen’s body. I keep her close to my side, gaze darting in every direction because the last thing I want is for her to be bothered while trying to eat.

At least the guy didn’t decide to follow me here. That’s got to count for something.

“Hello,” a woman says brightly when the door closes behind us. “Welcome to The Den. Table for two?”

I give her a curt nod. “Yes, ma’am.”

The woman appears close to my age, her eyes boldly roaming my frame with unmistakable interest flickering in her irises as recognition dawns. Her gaze leaves me unfazed, but I'm startled to feel Carmen stiffen beside me. Glancing over, I'm surprised to find her glaring daggers at our greeter.

It can’t possibly be jealousy. That would be ridiculous.

“Right this way,” the woman says, her name badge flashing in the light overhead as she bends to grab two menus.

“Lead the way, Noelle.”

Carmen cuts a stony gaze to me, but immediately morphs into boredom. She’s trying to hide her reaction from me, but I’m more aware than she thinks. Noelle leads us down one side ofthe dining room, then turns to the right and comes to a stop at a booth set up for the two of us.

“Your waitress will be with you shortly. Can I get you guys anything to drink while you wait?”

“Water,” Carmen mutters.

“Sweet tea.” I flash Noelle a smile that makes her blush, then turn to the woman sitting across from me.

If looks could kill, I’d be dead on the spot, and the idea has me smirking. “Didn’t peg you for the jealous type,” I whisper, then lean forward. “Don’t worry, only got eyes for you, Carm.”

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