Page 8 of Their Diamond Ring Ruse

‘You know, you’re surprisingly honest...’ And after dealing with the machinations of Devan and Lincoln, she found it refreshing.

‘Again, should I be insulted?’

‘Definitely not. In any case, I don’t think I could insult you.’

‘And why is that?’

‘Because to feel insulted you would have to care about what people think, and something tells me you don’t.’

‘How very astute.’

Having that confirmed shifted something in her. It told her she could trust this man—because if he didn’t care what people thought, there was no reason for him to be dishonest or deceptive.

* * *

Julian was enjoying himself with Lily. Her quick, teasing wit and her readiness to go toe to toe with him was a massive turn-on and he was struggling to ignore the attraction.

‘Still, everyone is talking about Helios,’ Lily said, taking a sip of her wine while keeping her eyes on him.

Julian’s last acquisition had been a PR nightmare. The company had had potential, but everything had been wrong with it. He’d had to clean house from bottom to top, and felt no remorse after taking it apart.

‘I’m sure they are.’

He glanced over her shoulder to grant himself a small reprieve from her presence, noting that Lincoln had joined another group, but was staring at Lily with anger clear in his eyes.

‘Your boyfriend seems to be rather put out that you’re talking to me.’

‘He’s not my boyfriend.’

Her tone had a note of finality to it, but there was something else in it that rankled.

‘That’s a juvenile term anyway.’

The switch from playful to this combination of anger and frustration was jarring. ‘I apologise,’ he said. ‘I assumed you were together.’

‘You and everyone else.’

There was a hopelessness to her tone when mere moments before it had been bright and full of life. Something was going on here.

An instinct he’d thought long buried rose to the surface. ‘Pick up your drink and follow me.’

She had no reason to do so, having only just met him, but he knew she would. So, without checking to see if she had in fact followed him out, he made his way to the balcony that offered unobstructed views of the spectacular bridge.

He was relieved to find her joining him at the railing. Having Lily out here might get him the answers he wanted, as well as some ammunition. Whatever situation she was in, Julian sensed she hated it, but knew she wouldn’t easily reveal what that was. She had no reason to. He had to offer her something to gain her trust enough that she would tell him...

* * *

Lily had expected Julian to question her on what he’d witnessed in the ballroom, except he didn’t.

‘I was once in a situation where everyone thought my life was as good as it got, given where I lived.’

Julian looked out towards the water as he spoke. His tone careful.

‘But it wasn’t?’ she asked.

‘Far from it.’

‘What did you do?’

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