Page 116 of Black Ties and White Lies

“Does that mean you’re still going to be Mrs. Sinclair one day?”

I smile, pressing a kiss to his lips. I’m ready to wear his ring on my finger again—for the world to know that my heart will never belong to anybody else. “I better fucking be.”

I lookat the crowd of people waiting outside in awe. There’s a line outside of the building, and the doors don’t even open for another hour.

I hold the bouquet of flowers to my chest as I walk toward the back entrance of the gallery. It’s been hours since I’ve seen Margo—longer than I preferred. She’s been caught up preparing for the event happening tonight, and I let her have her moment. But once this show is over and she’s no longer preoccupied, I’m going to keep her locked in our bedroom for days so I can make up for lost time.

The security guard waves me in, my face familiar from the many times I’ve stopped by since Margo and Camden came to an agreement for showcasing her work.

At first, it started with one piece of art. It didn’t take long until Camden was fielding calls on when there’d be more pieces by this new to the scene artist. He’d called in the friend card, begging me to ask Margo if she’d complete pieces sooner so they could get an entire showcase on the books.

She didn’t take it well at first. Probably because I fired her.

I smile at the people on the first floor of the gallery, all of them setting up a welcome area for the party tonight. The event was supposed to be exclusive to the VIP members, but Margo kept pushing Camden to somehow make it available to the public.

He eventually agreed. My girl is persistent like that. VIP members will be able to look for an hour before waves of people from the line outside will be let in. Margo’s been a nervous wreck for days, terrified no one will want to buy her art.

She doesn’t know she’s already had her first buyer—me.

When I make it to the second floor, I stop in my tracks when I spot her.

Margo Moretti.

The woman who has been the object of my desire for years.

She hasn’t noticed me yet, giving me the perfect opportunity to watch the woman I’m compulsively in love with. I knew the moment she came back into my life at The Hamptons house that I’d do whatever it took to make her mine. While my methods were rather unconventional, I can’t regret a single one of my choices. Who knew what would’ve happened if she actually did pick up my phone calls. If I didn’t have to resort to leaking information about my dating history and forcing myself into her life as her boss, I don’t know if we’d be where we are now. And I’m more than fucking thrilled how everything turned out.

Margo has her dark hair slicked back. Her normal curls are nowhere to be seen, instead she’s styled her hair perfectly straight. It’s not a hairstyle I see her do often, but it doesn’t matter to me what she does to it. She’s breathtakingly beautiful no matter what.

My phone vibrates in my pocket. I look down, seeing Ruby’s name pop onto the screen. I sigh, backing into the stairwell for a moment before Margo spots me.

I swipe to answer. “Is it done?” There’s no hint of emotion in my voice. I don’t want there to be. Not with her.

“That story has been killed,” Ruby answers. “Although, I thought the titleBlack Ties and White Lieswas pretty fucking epic for the name.”

I grunt. I wouldn’t hate the title if the article on the center of the website tomorrow wasn’t originally planned to out everything that’s transpired between Margo and me. All the lies included. I’d be fine with the world knowing the lies I’d told to get her, but I don’t want Margo’s name anywhere near it. Especially with how big tonight is for her. I don’t want anything clouding it tomorrow.

“You’ve got to admit,” Ruby speaks up, not caring that I didn’t give her a response. “It was kind of catchy.”

“You’ll think of a better one for the article I’ve paid you to write instead.”

“The new one isn’t so bad either,” she says reluctantly.

I smile. I cut a large check to Ruby to have her change course on the article running tomorrow. It no longer focuses on the past between Margo and me. Instead, I gave Ruby a VIP ticket to the event tonight and made her promise to write about the newest up and coming artist in the Manhattan scene. “Send it to me to read first,” I demand.

Even though she’s a reporter, she isn’t as terrible as I first believed her to be. She’s just out for herself, I can’t really blame her on the fact. She worked with me to change course on the article. I’ll always appreciate her for it.

“Your brother keeps calling.” Her tone comes out annoyed. I feel her sentiment. I’d be annoyed too if he was still bothering Margo and me. My little trip to San Jose a few months ago halted all threats and calls from him.

It’s been nice.

“Sucks for you,” I answer. “Look, Ruby. I’ve got to go. I’ll see you in a bit.”

“Goodbye, Mr. Sinclair. Nice working with you. See you.”

When I return to my spot from earlier, I find Margo looking right at me. She smiles brightly, rushing across the clean, white space to wrap me in a hug. “You’re here,” she says with enthusiasm.

I kiss the top of her head, pulling her into my body. I instantly relax after being able to touch her. I’ve been at work all day and she’s been here since early this morning. I’m relieved to have her in my arms once again. I already look forward to everything that’s in store for us after this event.

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