Page 57 of The Billionaire’s Fake Fiancée
My mind races ahead. Of course, he's right. That is exactly why Jace wanted me along. And yeah, I'm so not his type.
Darren watches me. Waiting for me to give myself away.
Pulling my wrist from his hold, I shake back my hair. Placing my hand on my hip, I put on a swagger, show he doesn't intimidate me. "And did it work? Have we convinced you?"
He's quiet for a second, eyebrows drawing down over his eyes. Then he laughs, a short but appreciative sound.
His eyes sweep over my face. The authority in that look makes me catch my breath. Sweat breaks out over my upper lip, and I resist the urge to wipe it off.
I am not nervous.
I refuse to be.
This time when he grips my forearm, I don't balk. "Let go of me," I say, my voice sharp.
And to my surprise he does.
Whew.
He holds my gaze though, a twist of his lips as he says, "I hope he's worth it, my dear," his voice is soft, steely. "You have a few more days to show me this relationship is authentic. You do realize that's why he brought you here. To convince me not to disinherit him. Jace took a risk, putting his future in your hands. Will you live up to his expectations, I wonder?"
Blood thunders in my veins, I fold my arms across my chest.
What? So, this entire charade has to do with Jace trying to make sure he isn't disinherited.
Doesn't surprise me, that his motive is money. After all, that's why I'm here too.
For the money.
Except it's not true. Not anymore. Somewhere along the way things changed. For me. As the knowledge dawns, I want to turn and run.
But I will not. Not now, not like this. I'd let Jace down once in front of his family. Not again. Not this time.
How dare Darren insult Jace and assume the status of our relationship.
As Darren brushes past me, I say, "Can't stomach seeing your son happy? Jealous of him, are you?"
Jace was right. His father does hate him.
But it's not because Jace takes for granted the kind of material comforts that his father could only dream of having when he was growing up.
No, Darren is jealous of Jace's youth. Angry that whatever he does, he'll never be able to cheat time.
"You want to be Jace, don't you?"
Darren swivels around so quickly that my heart leaps in my chest.
Adrenaline pumps through me. Is he going to hit me?
"Careful what you say." Fury flares in his eyes. "You may be smart, but can you see this relationship through? Make it to the altar first and then we can complete our little chat."
I know then nothing I say or do will convince him. Not unless Jace and I marry. For real. And that is not going to happen.
Have I lost already? Should I even stay on? Or just leave.
28
Sienna
