Page 8 of Ignacio

“Believe me, we do.”

“Bueno.” Ignacio rested his hands on his hips and caught the fleeting movement of her eyes on his chest. His nipples tightened under the heat of her gaze, and he gained a certain satisfaction from knowing that maybe she wasn’t completely immune to him. “We need to discuss the issue of… sex.”

Delta’s eyes widened in alarm. “It’s a fake relationship,” she said pointedly.

He smirked. “I know. I wasn’t suggesting we have sex, unless…?” He arched an eyebrow.

Her lips flattened into a grim line—as much as her full, luscious lips could.

“What were you suggesting?” she asked.

“I wanted to remind you that during this period neither of us can have sex with other people.”

“Abstinence is not a problem for me, but you, on the other hand…” She smiled tartly.

“I can abstain.”

“Can you?” She looked around his wrecked apartment, her gaze landing on the stiletto in the corner.

“Don’t worry about me. I’ve been known to go without sex for months. I’ve had a lot of practice,” he said.

During their tumultuous five years as a couple, during their off periods, he had remained faithful to her and kept away fromother women. Foolish, in retrospect. He should have been living it up instead of being loyal to a woman who deemed her career significantly more important than their relationship. A woman who strung him along until the very last moment.

“We’re on the same page,” Delta said in a cool tone.

“In that case, we need to keep the rumor mill going about us. I think we should make a big splash.”

“An unofficial but official announcement?” she suggested.

“Exactly.”

The room fell silent as they thought.

“What about the Black and Gold Music Experience?” Delta proposed. “It takes place next week, and I attend every year. We could make our debut as a couple on the red carpet.”

Ignacio nodded slowly. He’d gone before but hadn’t attended in recent years. “That would be perfect.” He paused as another, crazier idea came to mind. “You seem very committed to making this work.”

“Of course I’m committed.”

“How committed are you? Are you willing to do anything?”

Her eyes narrowed a fraction. “Within reason,” she said carefully.

“You’re sure you’re up to this?”

In some ways, the question was directed at himself. Physical attraction aside, Delta had proven years ago that she had no attachment to him, and no doubt she felt even less now. He, however—how would he handle being in close proximity to the woman he had intended to marry? Especially since his body still wanted her, and her presence caused a strange tightening in his chest.

“I’m ready,” Delta replied with vehemence.

“Good,” Ignacio said with deep satisfaction. “Here’s my idea. I think we should move in together.”

Chapter Four

Delta’s eyes widened. “Excuse me?Um, no.”

Ignacio bristled at her response and became more determined to make it happen. “And why not?”

“We can behave convincingly by meeting up every now and again. The Black and Gold event, going to restaurants, the usual sightings. Moving in together is too disruptive.”

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