Page 90 of The Billionaire’s Fake Fiancée
A familiar anger flares, then dies. "So, she chose to work with you?" Jace asks, his spirit sinking by the minute. "Are you two—?”
"Business partners," Eric confirms. "That's it. Nothing romantic between us. There couldn't be. Not when she only thinks of you. Sienna loves you. I've seen it in her eyes. Her reaction whenever you come up in conversation. Which is not that often, by the way," Eric clarifies, eyes twinkling with humor.
"She needs you now more than ever." Eric's voice turns serious, "When the entire world is scrutinizing her, judging her. She's putting up a brave front but she could do with a partner. Someone she'll allow herself to lean on."
Is Eric right? Can Jace get Sienna to trust him enough, to let him take care of her? Cherish her? Give her the space she needs to spread her wings and soar.
"You know about the video?" Jace asks. "Who could have done that to her?"
"Tom," Eric says.
"Tom? The guy from the wedding?" Jace explodes, "When I get my hands on him, I'm going to make him pay for this. Make sure he never dares come near Sienna again."
"I called YouTube, had the video taken down." Eric adds.
"Thanks, man." Jace holds out a hand, then changes his mind. "What the hell." Jace throws his arm around Eric's neck, hugs him. An awkward man hug.
"At least hug me properly." Eric swears. "Where I come from men don't hesitate to show their feelings for each other. It only makes you stronger to share what's inside. Know what I mean?" He throws his arms around Jace and lifts him off the ground.
When Eric releases him, Jace says, "You're right. It's what I need to do now. Show her the depth of my feelings."
"Go, she's waiting." Eric waves him on.
45
Sienna
* * *
I'm waiting for Jace to arrive in a suite I've booked at the Four Seasons. I'd chosen the most expensive hotel in the city. To make a point.
I want to rub in how much our circumstances have flipped. That now I have the money. I hold the cards. This round is mine.
Yet, my emotions are all over the place, tying me up in knots. I think of him striding into this suite, and my mouth goes dry. Earlier, at the parking lot he'd come straight for me, those eyes burning me up. Those lips taut with desire, the slide of his hair roughened skin on mine. I curl my fingers into the palm of my hand.
Damn!
My thighs clench.
Already I'm aroused, so turned on. And he's not even in the room. Not even here yet.
The bell to the suite goes off, and I start. A shiver of anticipation runs down my back.
Still, I don't go.
I can't.
I'm rooted to the spot.
This is it. Open the door and there's no turning back.
Not till I've faced up to what I feel for him.
I know he wants me. And I want him too. It's the one thing I've been sure about since we first met.
It's what gives me the courage to finally move toward the door and fling it open.
And that's when he takes me by surprise.
