Page 52 of The Daredevil

I released a slow breath so I could inhale more oxygen to keep my brain functioning. “You’re beautiful.”

“You think so? It’s such a simple dress. It’s the only one I brought with me. I would’ve brought more dresses if I’d known I’d be attending a fancy gala.”

Finally regaining my senses, I walked toward her. I took her hand, twirling her around. The low open back led my eyes down to her ass, making my heart speed up. I wasn’t sure how I’d survive the evening talking about volcanoes and lava when the internal heat threatened to destroy me.

“Simple is perfect. Too much frill hides the true beauty.” I twirled her again. “This allows me to see you.”

Color deepened her cheeks. “Thanks.” She adjusted my bowtie and met my eyes. “You look charming and dapper. A devilish Viking wrapped in elegance is irresistible and dangerous.”

I yanked her body to mine, not caring if she felt my cock. “Irresistible and dangerous to whom?” I was the one in danger of her.

My fingers trailed down her flushed face and rosy lips. Her makeup wasn’t overdone like some women I’d encountered. She wore crystal teardrop earrings that sparkled in the kitchen light.

“To every woman who will see you tonight,” she whispered, looking up at me.

She wore her hair down, and I couldn’t resist threading my fingers through the long curls.

“Does that bother you?” My fingers tightened in the brown forest of curls that seduced my skin.

The colors of her eyes shifted from light brown to a dark mocha with golden specks. I could almost see her struggling with a thought.

“Yes.”

One simple word detonated a dormant emotion inside me. Was it joy? Satisfaction? Surprise? I couldn’t be sure. All I knew was that I’d never experienced this eruption that shed layers of my heart. I was keenly aware of my body’s reaction to her. It was like a silent lava leaking from the deepest part of my soul, scorching its way around me with slow seduction. In that moment, I knew Michelle was either a guardian angel offering me salvation or the fallen angel who would destroy me.

“Then make sure you’re stuck beside me so they know who I’m with.”

Something flickered in her eyes, and she broke free from my grasp. “I think we’re doing a fabulous job at this pretend dating.”

The comment rubbed me like sandpaper. Was everything an act?

It was your idea.

I asked her to be my fake girlfriend, so it was a role she was playing. Did I want it to be an act? What the fuck did I want?

Confusion stormed my brain, making me sound like a clueless man with no direction in life, which was wrong. I knew where my life was going. I oversaw a successful excursion empire that continued to flourish, allowing me the extra time to dedicate to my research project on volcanic innovation. That was the plan. Simple and concise.

“Indeed. Maybe you can try out for the community theater when this is all over,” I said, still feeling tart about the relationship being an act.

“Did a bug crawl up your butt?” She arched an eyebrow.

“Nope.”

She stared at me. “You sure? Your eyes just turned icy. That usually means something’s bugging you.”

“Nothing important.” Was I that obvious?

“Okay. Let’s go check out the window repair. I also packed up my things. Can we load them into the trunk? That way, you can drop me off at my apartment after the banquet.”

My stomach quivered at the idea she’d be gone from my apartment after tonight. I hated the concept, but how could I convince her to stay? What excuse could I have? Fake dating didn’t require the couple to live together.

She didn’t wait for my reply and returned to her bedroom to retrieve her two bags.

“I got them.” I took the bags from her hands and stalked out to my car.

CHAPTERTWENTY-FIVE

MICHELLE

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