Page 47 of Their Diamond Ring Ruse

‘Julian chose it.’

Lily was the very definition of a charming fiancée. He remembered what a terrible liar she was, so seeing her so effortlessly playing the part should be worrying him. Except he realised that when it came to Lily his walls had come crashing down, and he wanted every bit of affection she had it in her to give.

‘He has great taste.’

‘Clearly.’

Julian looked down at her with softness in his heart.

‘I have to say, Ford, I was rather surprised to hear about your engagement. I think we all were,’ said a greying man in a sharp suit.

‘Some things aren’t for the world to see,’ Julian replied easily.

Whatever this was budding between them, it was theirs alone.

‘I couldn’t agree more,’ the man said with a twinkling smile. ‘I saw you having a chat with Devan?’

‘He is Lily’s brother.’

Julian would give nothing away. He wanted to know where they stood before he said anything.

‘Yes, but you must know how the shareholding in Arum is. If you can convince Devan to vote in your favour, we may be inclined to do the same.’ The man handed Julian a business card. ‘Give me a call. I expect to see a lot more of you at these events, Ford.’

It was music to his ears.

* * *

When they finally made it to the bar Julian placed their order then pulled Lily aside. He had been so attentive all evening, she thought. He could clearly see that she was apprehensive about seeing Lincoln again. Not that she anticipated him making a scene—he never would—but he had been so angry the last time she’d seen him.

She felt warm fingers brush against her cheek, followed by soft lips on hers. Julian’s tongue caressed hers sweetly, his kiss obliterating the worry from her mind.

‘We should be mingling,’ Lily said softly.

Julian’s breath kissed her ear, sending tingles right through her.

‘I don’t really care about that. I just want to take you back home, lay you out and feast on you until you’re breathless and panting my name.’

It took every ounce of self-control she had not to moan right there. The self-satisfied smirk on his face told her he knew exactly what he was doing. She would have dragged him away herself if she hadn’t understood how important this night was.

‘Well, you’re just going to have to wait.’

‘Am I?’

Julian pulled her body flush against his. Powerful thighs pressed against hers. His manhood and his muscular torso.

‘Yes.’

He was making it very hard for her to think clearly. Especially because he was allowing her to see his playful side. This man who didn’t smile or laugh did so freely around her, and he was doing so now, in the presence of others. And they noticed.

How could they not when his hands had been all over her all night? Every touch sending shockwaves to her core.

‘Lily... Ford.’

The chilly voice made the smile drop off her face. She felt Julian put his arm around her shoulders as they both turned to face Lincoln.

‘Hi, Linc,’ she greeted him.

He said nothing. Blue eyes boring into hers.

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