Page 47 of Fiancé for Hire

“I’ll drink to that.”

Drevon tossed back the liquor wondering how he could convince Antika to take a chance on him.

ChapterTwenty-Four

I’m in love with Drevon Ross.

It wasn’t infatuation. It wasn’t a crush. It wasn’t lust, but it was crazy. How could she have let this happen? Their engagement was fake. Yet, somehow she had let her stupid heart get involved.

Gawd! I knew this would happen.

She had the bad habit of falling for the wrong guys. Except this time, she’d fallen for the most amazing, encouraging, fun-loving wrong guy. A man who she loved, but one who would break her heart.

“Welcome to my home, Antika.”

She turned and smiled at one of Battle Brigade’s owners. “Thank you, Mr. Leonard, and thanks for hosting the gala tonight. Your home is beautiful,” she said, but beautiful wasn’t a strong enough word to describe the luxurious estate.

“Thank you, and it’s our pleasure to celebrate all of you tonight, and I heard about your engagement. Congratulations.”

“Thank you,” she said around the lump in her throat. She was so tired of living a lie.

“Where’s this fiancé of yours that my wife has been going on and on about?”

Antika smiled. She and Drevon had arrived fifteen minutes ago to the Battle Brigade’s All-Star Event, and the first person they ran into was his wife. Of course, Drevon had charmed her within minutes.

She nodded toward the double doors that led out to a massive patio overlooking a man-made lake. “He had to take an important call.”

“Well, be sure to introduce us before the end of the night.”

“I will, sir.”

“In the meantime, have a good time.”

As he strolled away, Antika snagged a glass of champagne from one of the passing servers. Some walked around with trays of drinks, while others had platters of hors d’oeuvres.

Antika’s gaze went to the patio doors where Drevon stood just beyond them. She marveled at how good he looked tonight. His hair and beard were perfectly groomed, and it was as if he was born to wear a tuxedo. It highlighted his broad shoulders that tapered down to a narrow waist and made him look ten feet tall. He was gorgeous.

As if sensing her watching him, he turned toward her and flashed that smile that always made her nipples pebble and her body vibrate with need. This was their last night together and her heart ached knowing that they’d soon be going their separate ways. But she wanted him more than she wanted her next breath.

What would he say if she told him that she changed her mind, that she didn’t want to walk away from him?

“You might as well stop gawking at the man,” a familiar voice said from behind her, and Antika cringed. “He’s so far out of your league. It’s only a matter of time before he dumps you.”

“Go to hell, Edward, and I mean that.Go. To. Hell,” she emphasized, not bothering to look back at him. Instead, she glanced around the magnificent ballroom, waving at a few coworkers across the room.

“I hate to admit it, but you look nice tonight.”

“Thank you,” she said, brushing a hand down the side of her royal-blue, halter-top backless cocktail dress that brought attention to her full breasts. Drevon had helped her pick out the outfit during their shopping trip while in New York. Considering how much attention he always gave her breasts and her legs, she wanted a dress that would highlight both. The garment stopped mid-thigh, and she had paired it with stiletto sandals in the same color.

“I was thinking…” Edward started and gripped her elbow.

Antika flinched. She jerked away from him more out of reflex than anything else. He had barely touched her, but she’d prefer to keep distance between them.

“Touchy, touchy,” he said, a little too close to her ear. His hot breath against her skin was unwelcome. “There was a time when you liked me touching you.”

“Maybe, but now it feels like a thousand ants scurrying over my skin,” she retorted. “Keep your hands to yourself. Otherwise, be prepared to lose one.”

Edward chuckled. “Good one,” he said, and Antika was surprised he didn’t say more. Normally, he did, but maybe he planned to be on his best behavior this weekend.

---