Page 40 of If the Ring Fits

Adrian smirks. “Nope, I’m driving. Disappointed?”

“In this discreet little number?” I joke, trailing my fingertips along the gleaming fender.

“In my field, a flashy ride is required. Keeps up appearances with the big-money clients.”

I snort. “Your commitment to the job is admirable. I can only imagine the level of sacrifice driving a Ferrari requires.”

He laughs, shaking his head. “Smartass.” But the word is tinged with, if not exactly affection, at least a little fondness—familiarity at the bare minimum. Adrian’s gaze lingers on me after the comment. A soft heat in his eyes that sends flutters rioting through my stomach again. “That dress is perfect on you.”

“Thanks.” I lower my gaze to hide how much the compliment thrills me. “Glad I didn’t screw up the dress code.”

“You mean for our heist? Nah, you’re textbook. You’ll distract all the guards. Actually…” Adrian’s brow furrows mock-thoughtfully. “There is just one detail missing.”

My heart sinks and my eyes dart down to assess myself. What did I overlook?

But then Adrian reaches into the inner pocket of his suit jacket and pulls out a small black velvet box. The same box from the jewelers the other day.

My pulse kicks up for no reason at all. It’s not like this is a surprise. But then, in a smooth motion, Adrian drops to one knee before me. I suck in a sharp breath, my heart ricocheting wildly behind my ribcage.

He flips open the box, revealing the stunning yellow diamond ring nestled inside. The sunlight hits it, scattering into a thousand dazzling beams.

Adrian gazes up at me, a playful grin tugging at the cornersof his mouth. But there’s a seriousness in his eyes, too. An intimacy that leaves me feeling exposed.

He reaches for my trembling left hand. “Rowena Taylor, will you do me the honor of being my fake wife?”

Electricity zings through my veins at his touch. I know this is all for show, but seeing this beautiful, powerful man kneeling before me, offering me a ring… It feels like a whirlpool churning in the pit of my stomach—I miss the confetti.

A few passersby have gathered, their murmurs of excitement adding to the surreal atmosphere. Some hold up their phones, capturing the moment.

All I can manage is a squeaky, “Yes.”

Cheers erupt from the onlookers.

Adrian’s grin widens triumphantly as he slips the ring onto my finger. It fits like it was made just for me. Which I suppose it was since we had it resized.

He rises fluidly to his feet, still clasping my hand. “Shall we then, future Mrs. West?”

Mrs. West. The name sends a thrill through me I don’t dare examine too closely.

“We shall.” I wave at the crowd and let him tuck me into the sleek sports car.

As Adrian shifts the Ferrari into gear and we zoom off, I can’t stop stealing glances at the ring. The yellow diamond glitters in the sunlight, impossibly bright. As glitzy and unreal as this whole situation.

I twist it around my finger, marveling at the perfect fit, the solid weight of it. How right it feels despite being just for show. I wonder… If the engagement were real, how would it feel?

Stop it, I chide myself. This isn’t some fairy tale. It’s acontract. Less than a year from now, I’ll take this ring off and go back to my normal life.

A life that has no Adrian in it.

I sneak a peek at him from the corner of my eye. His chiseled profile is limned in golden light, like some modern warrior god.

His eyes cut to me and linger.

“Shouldn’t you be looking at the road while driving a space rocket on wheels?” I tease.

He refocuses his gaze on the bridge we’re crossing. “Relax, Sunshine.”Sunshine? Since when am I Sunshine?“I’ve never gotten so much as a parking ticket.”

“Sunshine?”

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