Page 15 of Their Diamond Ring Ruse

This level of attraction was unexpected, and he had to treat it carefully. He couldn’t lose control. There was too much on the line.

He had two goals: help Lily and get the Arum deal. That was what he must focus on.

Getting out of the car, he buttoned his black suit jacket and walked up to the front door, which swung open before he could push the bell. Every thought in his head vanished. There was Lily, with a nervous smile, looking far more beautiful than he could have imagined. The urge to kiss her kicked him so hard he wasn’t sure how he didn’t choke out a sound.

‘Julian!’ she greeted him, far too brightly. ‘Come in. I just need to fetch my purse.’

He crossed the threshold, losing the battle with himself and leaning down, brushing his lips lightly against her cheek.

‘Deep breath,’ he whispered in her ear. He heard her exhale, felt pleased that she’d listened. ‘Good. Now put your hand in mine.’

His fingers locked around hers as she threaded them together. It was the most peculiar feeling. His heart both sped up and fell at ease all at once.

He closed the door and noticed a suspicious Devan off to one side.

‘This is who you’re dating?’

Irritation burst through Julian. He didn’t let it show as he approached. Standing a few inches taller than Devan, he looked down at him and extended his hand. ‘Julian Ford.’

‘I know who you are.’

‘Good, then introductions aren’t necessary,’ Julian said, keeping his face neutral.

Devan turned his furious gaze on Lily and Julian pulled her closer to him.

‘Do you think this is a game, Lily?’ Devan asked.

‘I assure you it’s not,’ Julian responded.

‘I don’t know what you think you’re playing at, Ford.’

‘I’m not playing at anything, Devan. All I’m doing is taking my beautiful woman out to dinner,’ Julian said evenly.

‘Your woman? Since when? Last night?’ Devan scoffed.

‘For months. We kept it quiet because your father assured Lily he would find an agreeable solution to her situation, but since he passed her requests for help have fallen on deaf ears, and things have become somewhat uncertain. That’s why I wanted us to stop the secrecy.’

‘Is this true, Lily?’

Julian turned to look at her, but she was already staring at him. Paralysing him with those eyes.

‘Yes.’ She smiled.

‘Where did you meet?’

‘At the patisserie,’ Julian answered without missing a beat, making Lily smile broadly.

‘The bakery?’

Julian turned his attention back to Devan. ‘I don’t think calling it a bakery does it justice, and before you ask, the building next door belongs to a client.’ That much was true.

Julian pressed a kiss to the top of Lily’s head and it made her shiver. Something inside him rejoiced at her reaction.

‘Why don’t you get your purse, Sunshine? We’re going to be late.’

She nodded and walked away, directing an uncertain gaze at him as she stepped through the doorway.

‘I don’t know what game you’re playing with my sister, Ford, but I won’t tolerate it,’ Devan seethed.

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