Page 25 of The Billionaire’s Fake Fiancée
Behind me the tension vibrating from Jace reaches a crescendo. Tom has outstayed his welcome. If he doesn’t leave I'm sure Jace is going to do him bodily harm.
"Well then, guess we'll see you at the wedding?" I try to soften Jace's harsh dismissal of my friend.
A last tentative smile thrown in my direction, Tom leaves.
Jace and I stay as we are?my back against the unyielding strength of his chest. He fingers splayed across my belly. I feel the outline of each of his fingers through the thin material of my gown.
He's branding me.
A disturbing thought. More because it doesn't bother me as much as it should.
Damn.
I must tear myself away from him, move to straighten, and his arm tightens their grip on me. But when I take a step forward, he lets me go.
My heart lurches in disappointment.
Why do I like his touch on my skin so much?
Jace asks, "Did you know he was coming?"
I turn around, "I haven't seen Tom since I left home to move to Silicon Valley."
Jace nods, eyes hooded. He doesn't believe me.
11
Sienna
* * *
Jace and I cut across the hotel grounds. We head towards the pool house, where the evening cocktails are being held. I pause next to a bunch of pink flowers growing next to the garden path. Starlight lilies.
Bending down, I inhale deeply of their scent.
Soothing. It calms me a little.
I straighten, to see Jace watching me, eyes hooded.
"You like lilies?"
"Love their fragrance. They smell so exotic, intense with so many layers, it's almost like a puzzle." I keep my voice matter-of-fact. Another secret I've given away. I'm sharing more of myself than I intend to.
"You like puzzles?" He asks, voice husky.
"Hmm. Depends."
Are we still talking flowers?
My eyes skitter away to swimming pool that reflects the skies.
I don't want him to learn of my tastes. Any information he has will be used against me, I know that.
We continue walking.
The pool itself blends into the surroundings so artfully that the overall effect is natural. The unpretentiousness of it all hints at serious wealth. I've never felt so out of place.
Glasses clinking, the muted hum of conversation, and the sound of someone laughing floats across the balmy evening air.
