Page 8 of What the Doctor Ordered
I looked over at the blonde again to find that she was currently shaking her finger at the poor bartender on the other side, her bright red lips twisted into a sneer. I winced. “Well, sometimes you just know.”
Theo followed my gaze and flinched as well. “Yeah, maybe that one isn’t quite your type.”
We decided to have a couple of drinks, which was perfect since I was a little on edge and needed something to calm my nerves. I didn’t want to overthink this. I sipped a single malt scotch as I scanned the dance floor. There seemed to be a lot more couples than normal tonight. That did not bode well for me.
Thankfully, it was only a matter of time before I was approached. As a VIP member, I was well known at this club, and my father had quite the reputation as well. The attention from random women was usually unappealing to me but it was playing in my favor now due to my current circumstances.
“I have a proposal for you,” I said to a young woman named Anne who I was getting to know.
Her dark eyes shone brightly. “And what would that be?” she asked, batting her eyelashes up at me.
“Due to circumstances out of my control, I need a woman to pose as my fiancée,” I said.
Anne’s jaw dropped and her face turned red, her eyes narrowing before my cheek stung as she slapped me. I looked after her in bewilderment, holding my face as it throbbed.
Theo whistled low before appearing at my side. “That was really painful to watch,” he said. “Perhaps you should get to know the women a little more before you pop the distasteful question.”
This wasn’t working out the way I had hoped. I let out a long breath. “I just don’t understand,” I said. “I’m offering these women a handsome amount of money for their trouble.”
“You’re looking in the wrong crowd probably,” Theo said. “Most of the women who come here come from wealthy backgrounds and aren’t in need of money. It’s most likely just an insult to them when you offer to pay them for something like this. They want a real romance, not a business deal.”
“Who made you an expert?” I grumbled but I knew that he was right.
Maybe we needed to try a different venue.
“Simon,” Theo suddenly intoned, his voice growing dark and low as he stared at something over my shoulder.
I turned slowly, spotting Kramer Bennett across the dance floor. He was grinning widely, his fingers laced with those of a pretty, young, redheaded woman. My eyes narrowed as I watched the two. Kramer was one of the board members and was also very open about the fact that he was after my father’s company.
My eyebrows flew upward when Kramer took the woman in his arms and started to lead her in a dance. He pushed his hips against hers and she blushed brightly, looking away from him with her lips tightening. It was obvious to me that she didn’t know Kramer very well. The entire scene reeked of a first date that might be edging into uncomfortable territory.
This girl clearly had no idea who she was dealing with. A strange, powerful sense of justice filled me since I knew very well that Kramer had a wife at home.
“That bastard,” Theo spat, obviously realizing the same thing as he watched the two from across the club.
I couldn’t stand by and just watch as this poor woman fell for a jerk like Kramer. I started to make my way over to them.
“What are you doing?” Theo hissed as he followed after me.
“I can’t just watch and do nothing,” I said between my teeth. “Look at that girl. She’s practically drooling over the fucker.”
“And just what are you planning to do about it?” Theo demanded.
I didn’t answer, my eyes trained on Kramer and the girl who was unfortunate enough to fall for his Prince Charming act. The redhead was smiling up at Kramer as he pulled her closer. My whole body bristled at the way Kramer’s fingers tightened on her waist. It was as if he was claiming her even though he was very much married.
“Good evening,” I said, stepping up to them.
Kramer stiffened and looked over his shoulder at me. His eyes flashed with disdain, but he forced a smile onto his face. “Good evening, Dr. Vale. I trust that you are enjoying yourself tonight.”
I narrowed my eyes, immediately irked by his tone. “I am, thank you,” I said tightly. I gestured to the woman at his side, who was watching me with curious green eyes. “I don’t believe I’ve met your friend. Is she acquainted with your wife?”
The girl’s eyes rounded in shock at my words.
Kramer’s eyes flashed with fury. He spoke through his teeth. “You have no idea what you’re talking about,” he spat, putting an arm around the girl. “You are being rude in front of my date.”
I opened my mouth to retort but the woman cut me off, looking up at Kramer with wide eyes. “Is it true, Kramer?” she asked, her soft voice tight. “Are you really married?”
I felt a sliver of regret for saying anything. The girl sounded legitimately hurt. I actually felt sympathy twisting my gut as I focused on her shimmering green eyes and trembling lower lip.
