Page 30 of Deceit

Iwoke up the next morning to my phone ringing. I blink my eyes blearily as I pat around for my phone, glancing at the screen quickly. I immediately sit up right, clearing my throat as I run my fingers through my hair, as if he could almost judge my appearance straight through the phone.

“Good morning, Father,” I say in my most polite tone.

“Your presence is required tonight at Putnam manor.”

My mouth pulls into a grimace and my shoulders slump.

“Is it really necessary?” I ask, letting it slip out before I can stop it.

He is silent for several seconds, either out of shock that I would even slightly question him or in anger and he wants me to squirm in punishment. Either way, I’m on edge when his icy voice rumbles through the phone.

“If I say so, then it is. Be there, accompanied by your fiancée at seven o’clock sharp,” he says, ending the phone call immediately after.

A text message from an unknown number comes through, causing me to roll my eyes as I read it.

Unknown: We have to go to a party at my dad’s house. Wear something nice and stuffy like you normally do and don’t forget the ring.

My eyes lock on the black box, hiding the massive diamond ring inside. I haven’t been sheltered by life’s luxuries by any means, but the thing is downright massive. It’s a beautiful cushion cut with encrusted smaller diamonds wrapping around the band. Maybe, if it had been given to me by someone I love, someone that loves me, it would be more special. Instead, it’s more like a noose, tightening around my neck with each impending day.

Since it’s Saturday, there are no classes today and I take full advantage of staying in bed extra-long, catching up on some schoolwork. I even tried to sneak into the pool, but unfortunately for me, it was locked. When I waited for Ronan to come open the door much like last night, I was met with disappointment.

My mind flicks to the handsome, inappropriately too old and clearly off limits man. I don’t think it’s all in my head, I think he feels it too. I swear he was about to kiss me in the shower last night, or at least he wanted to. I know I sure as hell wanted him to.

Is it really so bad to lust after your fiancé’s uncle, if said fiancé is a grade A asshole? Maybe, but I can’t seem to stop myself all the same.

I spend the day working on my English lit paper and some homework for history until I can hardly see straight. Thankfully, after a ridiculously late lunch, it’s time to start getting ready. I’m just, honestly looking forward to getting this night over as soon as possible.

Due to the time of the event and my inferring of how similarly these people live their lives to my father, I decide a sophisticated dress is the perfect option for tonight. I decided on a black floor-length gown. One sleeve is full-length, ending just at my wrist while the other side is strapless. It does have a thigh slit that goes up to stop a few inches below my hip, but the overall modesty of the top makes it an even balance. That’s what I told myself when I bought it, at least. We will see if my father has a conniption when he sees me in it.

I accompany the gown with a modest pair of black heels and pearl teardrop earrings, sliding on the gaudy diamond ring last. I almost cringe at it knowing my fate is sealed, all because of this five-carat gem.

A text message comes through in the next moment.

Asshole Fiancé: Outside. Hurry up or I’ll leave you.

And they say chivalry is dead.

Rolling my eyes, I grab my black clutch and put my things inside, going out of my way to remember my room key before I leave. As soon as I step outside my dorm building, I notice a black Maserati parked in the walkway, literally. He’s parked cockeyed and blocking the main entrance of the building. It’s the type of arrogance that says, I’m too lazy to park in the parking lot and walk like a normal person.

When I get closer to the car the door opens, swinging up instead of out. Tucking the long skirt of the dress behind myself, I slide into the leather seat easily before the door comes back down, officially locking me inside.

Asher is in the driver’s seat, his brown hair perfectly styled, not a strand of hair out of place while wearing a crisp black Armani suit. He looks like he stepped right out of a magazine and I’m not sure how to feel about it. On one hand, I wish he would be as ugly on the outside as he clearly is on the inside. On the other hand, if I have to marry anyone at least it’s someone who is pleasing to the eye I suppose.

His eyes rake over me, an unimpressed sneer pulling at his lips before he puts the car into drive and takes off down the walkway.Granted, there are no pedestrians right now, but what if there were! He’d run them over dead and not lose a wink of sleep, I’ll bet.

As we speed down the road I scoff to myself, smoothing out my slick bun in the side mirror as he turns at a light. I don’t have time to brace myself and I smash my face against the window before shooting him a lethal glare.

“What is your problem?” I ask.

“Currently, you,” he snaps curtly, as he sails down the road.

“Okay, can we drop the bullshit at least for tonight? Please. I don’t know what your dad is like, but my dad is expecting us to be loving and affectionate towards one another.”

“You always do what daddy tells you?” Asher asks, with an unimpressed brow.

“Always, as I’m sure you know. He’s a hard man to say no to and before you judge me, you’re the one in the monkey suit picking me up at my door. If I had to guess, I’d say you’re just as trapped as I am.”

He lets out a hollow laugh, shaking his head as he turns away from me.

---