Page 64 of The Billionaire’s Fake Fiancée
A burst of adrenaline has Jace shoving his elbow into Eric's stomach. He puts enough force behind the blow that Eric's grip loosens. Sliding out of Eric's grasp, Jace takes a step back, putting distance between them.
"What was that about?" Jace asks, voice strained.
Eric turns around, running his hand through his hair. He features twist slightly, as if on the verge of saying something.
"You know, I quite like what I saw just now. A man who cared about something enough to lose control," Jace says, and Eric stiffens.
"Don't give me your warped, pop philosophy," Eric bites back.
Jace frowns. "I mean it. Though I still don't understand what brought that on."
"It's all a lark for you." Eric stands straight, arms folded over his chest. "The money needed for the business, the proposition to Sienna, being engaged to her."
Jace's anger flares. "I told you I'll get the money,” he snaps. “And Sienna being here is definitely going to make an impact. She's an adult, knows what she's doing. She knows the engagement is a necessary prop. It gets everyone believing the story. Besides," Jace looks at Eric, forehead furrowed, "why are you so worried about her?"
Drunk and struggling to focus, Jace notices the angry twist to Eric's features.
"You've fallen for her," Jace says.
Eric winces, but doesn't deny it. "It doesn't make a damn difference what I feel. What matters is that—"
"Of course it does." Jace snaps. "You want her? Then fight for her." He holds up his hands, curled into fists, and takes a fighter’s stance.
When Eric hesitates, Jace prods him, "Come on, Eric. Be a man."
"I've seen the way you look at her. Don't deny that you want her." Eric shoots back.
Jace goes still. "Don't go there, Eric," he warns.
"When are you going to tell her?" Eric asks, as if he hasn't heard Jace at all.
"You are the last person I'm going to discussing this with," Jace says.
"You're right. I'm not fighting you over this, Jace."
"Oh, yeah?" Jace sneers.
"Yeah. I'm leaving your company."
"What?" Jace asks, not sure what Eric means. Hands held up, he bounces on his feet, in a fighter's stance. "We were always partners, anyway"
"No, we're not, and you know that. I was your employee. It's your company, and you can do as you please now. I'm done here." Eric turns and walks past him, back the way they'd come.
About to call his friend back, Jace stops. It's obvious: Eric's crushing on Sienna.
Continuing toward the hotel, a spurt of jealousy tightens Jace's gut. He's jealous about Eric's depth of feeling. He's also strangely relieved to see him go.
Sure, he's going to miss Eric, but if this is how his friend feels about Sienna?if Eric likes her enough to break up with his business partner of the last five years?then it’s best Eric leaves now.
And Sienna? How does she feel about Eric?
He's not going to tolerate her having any feelings for Eric or for any other man. Not as long as she's his fiancé. Sure, it's a pretend relationship, but she belongs to him for the next few days. And he's going to make sure she thinks of no one except him during that time.
32
Sienna
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