Page 50 of Forever Fake

“You’re still angry with me.” It’s a statement, not a question.

My lips twist as I consider my emotions. “You called me a liar when I wasn’t lying.”

A strained silence falls in the space between us. We gaze at each other, searching. Does he ever feel remorse? Will he admit to being in the wrong? I doubt it.

His reputation asThe Black Baron, a monster in the night, isn’t just a façade, that’s who he truly is deep inside. Ruthless, unyielding, and remorseless. The scary thing is, I’m sure I don’t even know the half of what he’s capable of doing.

But living with him these past few weeks, I know that Blake’s a man who has no chill. He wears danger like he wears his suits—perfectly tailored to him. He’s a man who’s used to getting what he wants no matter the damage he leaves in his path.

He speaks so quietly I barely hear him. “I’m sorry.”

What?My mouth falls open but no sound comes out. Did I hear him right?

“Did you justapologizeto me?” My voice cracks.

He waves dismissively. “There’s a first time for everything, magpie, but don’t get used to it. I’m sure it was a fluke.”

I can’t help the grin that spreads across my face. He scowls, which only makes my smile widen. He apologized to me because he hurt my feelings, and he meant it. He can downplay it all he wants, but I know he’s really sorry. He’d never, ever utter those words if they weren’t genuine.

I’m so blown away that the remainder of my pain and anger pops like a balloon. “You’re forgiven.”

He grumbles something unintelligible and closes the distance between us. This time I don’t move as he tucks one of my stray curls behind my ear. His fingertips lightly brush against my skin, sending little shockwaves through my entire body. My lips part and he glances at them before stepping away.

“I need to get back to my office.”

“Okay.” The word comes out all breathy. This man doesn’t even need to kiss me to make me weak in the knees. He’s dangerous, rude, yet sweet at times, and I absolutelycannotfall for him.

No matter how much he makes my stomach flutter.

Or how I’m beginning to crave his touch.

I should hate him for blackmailing me, but… at this point, I don’t. What began as a forced arrangement has morphed into a blessing in disguise. I’m happier here than I’ve ever been before. I don’t hate him for blackmailing me, or for destroying the Marino family. I don’t think I can hate this man for anything. That just shows how broken I really am. Unfixable.

Deeply, undeniably in trouble.

The next week goes by in a blur of activity. While Blake’s busy at work, I spend every minute of my days either planning our wedding with Arianna or cooking with Kyla. I never knew life could be so full, I haven’t visited my childhood things in all this time. They remain in that guest room, waiting, close by if I want them.

Most nights Blake doesn’t come home until I’m already asleep and it feels like we’ve barely seen each other. Which is probably for the best. I can’t think straight when he’s around. All of this wedding planning has filled my head with unrealistic dreams of romance. Dangerous thoughts that I shouldn’t be humoring, but I can’t help it. This will be the very first time I’ll get married. Why shouldn’t it be everything I want it to be—except for the groom, of course. I shouldn’t want him. I can’t want him.

My phone buzzes and I pick it up. “Hey, Arianna.”

“We got it!”

“Which venue?” I hold my breath, fingers crossed.

Kyla stops what she’s whisking and stares at me expectantly.

“London!”

I squeal, and mouthLondonto Kyla. We do a little happy dance in the kitchen before she goes back to whisking.

I’m so excited, I can hardly handle it. “That’s great! How did you do it? Oh, and what’s the date?”

“We only secured it because they had a cancellation. Some heiress ran off with the groom’s older brother, so we took theirspot on July 19th. I’m getting invitations printed up and sent out today.”

My stomach swoops and dives. Oh my God, in less than two months I’m getting married. This is really happening.

“Thank you so much, Arianna. I could not have done any of this without you.”

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