Page 9 of The Billionaire’s Fake Fiancée
It's Jace's fault they're in this mess.
And Jace is determined to put it right.
As the scion of the Walker empire, Jace's father owned a huge chunk of media interests around the world. And now Jace must get the first installment of his inheritance from his father, and invest it in the business. It’s the only way to save his and Eric's future?whether Eric agrees with his approach or not.
"Things are bound to get ugly before they get better. Besides, I have a plan." Jace's grin is cocky. Too quick.
"Hmm." Karina's eyes snap onto his and hold, a worried look in hers.
"You'll tell me if you need money? We'd all help, you know that?" she says.
At that, Jace drops the uncaring look he's been trying so hard to feign. His heart melts a little. He's unused to having a circle of friends to fall back on. He'd grown up isolated, first in his father's country mansion near London, then at boarding school.
No, he hadn't expected to forge such strong friendships in this little gym in a seedy part of one of the most commercially minded cities in the world.
Leaning down, he brushes Karina's cheek with his lips. An affectionate kiss.
Before he can say anything further, Eric's on his feet. He limps over to them. Sweat drips down his forehead. His shorts are dirty, his T-shirt torn from the fight.
"Leg bothering you?" Jace asks before he can stop himself.
"No more than usual." Eric's reply is short.
Jace knows Eric hates being reminded of his impediment. Growing up in the slums of Mexico City had resulted in Eric being in a gang fight that left him with a permanent limp. His family had been unable to afford the medical care required to heal him then.
His parents had migrated to the US when Eric was ten. It's been a hard climb up for Eric to get to where he is now, Jace knows that.
But his physical impairment has only left Eric with an iron-willed work ethic and a need to excel at anything he takes up, including feats of physical prowess. Eric now trains for marathons, determined to show that not even his slight physical disability can stop him. His single-mindedness is much the same when it comes to succeeding at business.
It's what makes Eric a valuable business partner.
"You look like you've been in a cat-fight," Karina tells Eric in a tone that drips ice?a tone that's subdued many a celebrity into following her orders.
Just then Damian stalks toward their group. His gait?one that tends to drive the women at his rock concerts wild with lust?is familiar to fans around the world. "Good fight." Damian slaps Eric on the back.
The two clasp hands.
"Sorry about that pretty face," Eric needles the other guy.
"You don't look so good yourself, hotshot," Damian shoots right back.
"You two are in better shape than him." Karina points to Arpad still sprawled in the center of the ring. "And he didn't even fight."
Walking to Arpad, Jace hauls the banker to his feet. "Come on, moneybags. To the showers."
"We're going to the bar. You coming?" Arpad calls out to Karina as they jump down from the ring.
"You mean your favorite dive bar, up the block?" Karina asks.
At Arpad's nod, Karina shudders. "Not a chance," she exclaims. "Wild animals can't drag me in there."
"Can wild men?" Arpad calls out.
“You're looking at the wrong person to kiss your wounds better," Karina smirks. "Besides, I have a date to head to."
She jumps down from the ring on the other side, flounces off toward the female changing room, to whistles from the men.
"Who's the lucky guy?" Arpad snaps, his tone angry.
