Page 21 of The Fake Affair

“We kept it quiet,” I say, my eyes fixed on Victoria’s, willing them to believe. “Because of my friendship with his sister Audrey. We didn’t want it to complicate things.”

“And you’re working here?” Victoria asks sharply.

I feel the question land before she even finishes it. It isn’t really a question. It’s an accusation dressed in couture.

Logan’s voice stays even, but I can feel the tension in the way his arm curls tighter around my waist.

“I didn’t hire her,” he says. “HR did. When we realized... we tried to keep it professional.”

He glances down at me, and for a second, there’s something unguarded in his eyes. It’s not part of the performance, not part of the lie, and it makes me warm and cold all at once.

“Did you, indeed,” Victoria says dryly, glancing at his hand, which is still distinctly under the hem of my dress.

“She’s brilliant at her job,” Logan continues, his voice taking on a protective edge that makes my heart skip. “I won’t have anyone suggesting otherwise. The CyberMind deal proves that.”

Victoria studies us for a long moment. I hold my breath, trying to look like someone in a long-term relationship rather than whatever mess Logan and I actually are.

“The board needs to be informed,” she says finally.

Logan nods, controlled, diplomatic, still the CEO even with lipstick marks probably stamped on his neck. “Of course. I’ll prepare a formal disclosure.” He pauses, then softens his voice just slightly. “But I’d appreciate your discretion until then. For Bella’s sake.”

Something in his tone must convince her because she nods slightly. “Monday. Let’s talk in my office. Both of you.” She turns to leave, then pauses. “Next time, try to keep your... closeness... out of the company elevator.”

The doors close behind her, and we both exhale.

“Logan—”

“Not here.” He guides me toward his office, checking to make sure Victoria’s really gone. “We need to talk about this.”

My head is spinning, caught somewhere between the feel of him still on my skin and the sound of him rewriting our entire history in front of the most powerful woman we work for. Moments ago, all I could think about was the way he felt inside me, the way his hands owned every part of me without asking. And now? Now none of that matters because apparently, we’ve been in a secret, years-long relationship I wasn’t informed about until two minutes ago. “About how you just told the head of our board we’ve been secret lovers since Edinburgh?”

He purses his lips and gives me a rueful look. “Sorry about that. But it’s important we plan how we’re going to make her believe it.” He runs a hand through his hair. “The board’s been pushing me to settle down, show stability. This could work in our favor.”

Okay, this is making me slightly mad.More so since now it feels like he’s actually serious about this fake dating gig. I fold my arms in front of my chest and stare up at him. “You want us to fake a relationship?” This is classic Logan; somehow, he just manages to make everythingthatmuch more complicated.

“I want us to...” He stops and shakes his head frustratedly. “We don’t have too much of a choice right now. Look, we need to discuss terms. This could favor us both in a good way.”

Terms. Like this is just another business deal. Like I had any say in it, and he isn’t doing this just for his PR image. All of a sudden, a wave of sadness washes over me. Tears rush to the surface, but I bite down on my lower lip and push them back. In a lot of dreams, I pictured what it’d be like if Logan and I dated. None of them went like this.

“Fine.” I look away from him and straighten my dress, needing distance from his intoxicating presence. “But not tonight. I need... I need to think.”

He nods but catches my wrist as I move to leave. “Bella?”

I still can’t meet his gaze so I settle for staring at the wall in front. “What?”

“Keep the dress I got you.”

If I stay any longer, I’ll either kiss him or slap him. And right now, neither of those things would help. So, I offer a tight, noncommittal nod and extricate myself from him, escaping quickly to the regular elevator. Only when the door shuts do I let a tiny groan slip. I mean, what could possibly go wrong, right? Pretending to be in a long-term relationship with Logan Fraser? The man who makes me forget my own name with just his accent? The man I’m already in danger of feeling too much for?

“Yeah, it’s going to be great,” I mutter to myself.

SIX

THE PROPOSITION

Logan

I drum my fingers against my steering wheel, parked outside Bella’s apartment building. The board’s latest email shines on my phone screen: “Regarding the succession planning meeting...” Another suggestion about my personal life affecting company stability.

---