Page 86 of The Billionaire’s Fake Fiancée
A statement, not a question.
He frowns, expression narrowing. A shutter falls over his face. Leaning back on his heels to put some more distance between us, he nods, the movement a quick jerk.
"I have the money," I say simply.
His gaze sharpens, turns almost predatory. He pauses, and then says, "It's no secret I need the funds, and fast. But why me? Why choose me over those inside?"
He laughs a little as if hearing his own words and unable to recognize himself in them.
It's obvious the turn of events is not lost on him. A month ago, I had no money. And now it's he who needs help. The Valley is a small place, like a village. And the gossip mills here function the same way. Only it also gets reported and spoken about in meeting rooms and in coffee shops, in the farmer's market and at Yoga classes.
Besides, everyone loves the story of a fallen angel, and that's what Jace is, after all. His story goes hand-in-hand with the one of my coming into sudden fortune.
Hell, if it wasn't true, if I hadn't been living this reality, I'd have refused to believe it myself.
I echo his words from our first meeting. "But I'm not going to hand the money over just like that."
I want to gloat but instead all I feel is weariness. A need to move past the anger between us. I'm also very turned on. I want to get my hands on him.
But I can't do it now.
Not yet.
"Oh?"
I nod. "Half a million dollars for sleeping with me. That's not so bad, now is it?”
He inhales sharply, "What is this? A power trip? You're getting back at me for trying to help you out earlier, Sen?"
Hearing him call me by my nickname makes me flinch. He's never called me that before and it affects me in a way I cannot explain to myself.
It also makes me want to lash out at him. "Thanks for your generosity," I say, my voice sharp. "I did return your money though, didn't I?"
He tilts his head, nods. "A gesture much appreciated. You helped me in my time of need, and for that I am grateful."
His voice is soft. And his response confuses me.
"Why aren't you more angry?" I ask. "I'd expected you to rage at me for having walked out like that. Perhaps even—?
"What? Seduce you?"
I redden at that. Yeah. Kind of.
I'd hoped we'd fight and then make up. Sweaty make-up sex with Jace sounds about amazing right now.
"You still don't get it, do you?" His voice is colorless, restrained. He wears an expression of disbelief, as if he's in on a secret I don't know.
I shake my head and slice the air with my hand. "It doesn't matter either way," I say. "I have the money you need. I can invest half a million dollars in your start-up, and once I see returns, the next half. On one condition."
His face loses color. He feels like a pale shadow of himself, going through the motions. As if the essence of him has withdrawn somewhere deep inside.
I know the feeling well.
I can't understand why I'm putting him through this. I can't stop and yet I don't want to hurt him.
I love him.
The realization makes me gasp aloud. I slide my arms around my chest, hugging myself, wanting to hold this new knowledge to myself. I'm not yet ready to share it with him.
