Page 25 of Billionaire's Fake Plus One

The conversation moves to more mundane topics, and we talk for a few more minutes before she has to go.

When I go back to the bedroom, Lucien is already in bed, so I walk to the bathroom to rinse off my makeup and take a quick shower. I get stumped when I reach the closet. I didn’t get to pack my own items, and we forgot to buy nighties for me. My cheeks heat when I remember the manager of the boutique in Bainbridge Island leading me to a section in the store to choose new undergarments. Thank God, Lucien didn’t decide to go with us.

I turn to Lucien’s side of the closet, hesitantly, but I can’t exactly wear the fitted, expensive outfits in my wardrobe to sleep. I slept in my sundress last night and even though I was dead to the world, I’m sure it couldn’t have been too comfortable.

I take a large gray round neck t-shirt off the hanger. I finger the soft material and bring it up to my nose. I shudder in pleasure as the earthy bergamot and sandalwood scent of Lucien’s signature cologne washes over me. I realize what I’m doing and quickly shake my head, yanking the shirt over my head. It swallows me, the material settling softly against my skin. The hem stops a little above my knees, and the material is thick so my nipples aren’t showing.

I tiptoe back into the bedroom so I don’t wake him up, and carefully get under the covers. I lay on my side as far away from him as I can get without being on the floor, facing the bathroom door. I blow out a deep breath, hyper aware of him next to me despite the abundant space between us. I close my eyes, hoping sleep will come soon.

* * *

I wake slowlythe following morning. The first thing I become aware of is the intense heat.Why is it so hot?Then I slowly become aware of other things. Lucien’s face is tucked against my neck, his warm breath fanning the top of my collar bone. We’re in a spooning position, my ass tucked firmly into his groin. His left hand is entwined in my hair, while his right hand spans the width of my stomach underneath my shirt! His thumb grazes the underside of my breast, his remaining fingers on my rib cage.

My nipples pebble and tighten painfully, my core clenching desperately as the sexual nature of our position sinks in. I’m suddenly, painfully aroused. I go still, holding my breath as I wonder just how I can extricate myself from his arms without waking him up.

The alarm clock chooses that moment to shrill loudly. Lucien jolts against me, his hand moving up my breast with his movement. I know the moment he wakes up. He stiffens against me, his entire body going rigid. I immediately close my eyes and breathe evenly, willing my racing heart to slow down as I pretend to still be asleep.

He traces the back of his palm against my breast, then he curses under his breath and removes his hand gently, presumably not to wake me up. He slowly, carefully untangles our bodies then lifts himself from the bed and walks to the bathroom. The sound of brushing teeth comes through the open bathroom door before the shower comes on. I lay on the bed until he steps out of the bathroom.

I stretch as naturally as I can, yawning dramatically as I stage waking up. When I open my eyes, Lucien is hovering in the entrance to the bathroom, staring at me like a deer caught in headlights.

“Hey,” I rasp. He jolts and murmurs a greeting then rushes into the closet. I go take a shower and get ready for the spa day. He doesn’t eat breakfast with me, choosing to eat in the library. When it’s time to leave for the spa, I knock on the library’s door softly. “I have to go for the girls’ day at the spa now. Just wanted to let you know.”

He glances up but doesn’t look at me, his eyes settling to a point over my shoulders instead. “Have fun.” I nod and gently close the door. I guess he’s feeling weird about this morning, but he doesn’t know I was awake, does he?

I go to the lobby where I meet with the rest of the guests. Apparently, only members of the wedding party are lodged here; the rest are at a hotel not far away. They’ll meet us at the spa, which according to June, one of the bridesmaids, is only a ten-minute drive.

We’re eleven in total and get divided into two limos. Thankfully, I’m not in the limo the bride is in. Thank God for small miracles.

Half Moon Bay Massage, referred to as HMB by the staff, is bigger than I expected for a small town, and they offer a variety of services and packages. It turns out that Half Moon Bay is a hotspot for destination weddings, making the spa very popular in the area, and they get clients from out of town all the time.

Brittany already booked the same package for everyone so we don’t have the luxury of requesting another service. I grit my teeth through a painful Brazilian, my eyes watering. Once our armpits are waxed and brows plucked, the other girls and I are taken to a softly lit room to get a light massage. Then I’m taken through an extensive body treatment — dry brushing, chocolate body scrub, Vichy shower, and a luxurious chocolate body cream wrap – that leaves me feeling rejuvenated and my body pliant. My skin has honestly never been this soft and pampered. Then we move on to the facials.

We spend over three hours in the spa - three hours well spent. My face, heck my entire body, is radiant and glowing. I’m relaxed and even engage in conversation with one of the girls on our way to lunch. I discreetly lift my hand to my nose, and I close my eyes with pleasure.I smell yummy!

My luck seems to run out when we get to the large elegant restaurant. It’s fancy and seems to have been booked out for the wedding guests. Brittany waves me over to her table. My heart sinks as I approach, and my eyes narrow suspiciously when she pats the chair next to her. What is she up to now?

I can’t exactly decline, so I perch on the seat she indicated. The waiters come out with piles of steaming food and place some of it in front of each person. Great, we don’t even get to order our own food. A delicious looking cheesesteak is before me along with French fries and a potato salad. When everyone’s been served, Brittany stands up and thanks her guests for showing up to her wedding week. Then we dig in.

After eating the main course, dessert is served. I’m just forking up my chocolate cake when Brittany turns her sharp gaze to me. Lead settles in my stomach as I chew.

“So, Willow,” she starts with this mischievous gleam in her eyes. I know she’s about to say something I won’t like. “How do you feel about this whole situation? You’re not uncomfortable? To be honest, I didn’t expect you to show up today. You’re either really brave or just shameless.”

Conversation fizzles out as everyone turns to watch us. I swallow heavily, my mind racing as I wonder what the hell she’s talking about. “Uncomfortable? That’s a bit of a stretch don’t you think?” I ask, winging it. My palms are clammy, so I discreetly wipe them on the front of my dress. “Yes, Zane and I used to date, but it’s no longer relevant. If anything, you’re the brave one. Once a cheater, always a cheater.”

Her eyes narrow, and I swallow hard. Did I take things too far? She lets out a fake ass smile, and the rest of the table squirms in discomfort. “Aren’t you precious?” she mocks. “I know Zane cheated on you, but I understand him. You’re not exactly the type to hold the attention of a man like that.”

My heart pounds frantically. I hate confrontation. That’s one of the reasons I despised my job as a paralegal and the reason I never went ahead with becoming a lawyer, despite how much Mom wanted it.

“Well, It’s sad that you’re trying to put Zane’s bad behavior and lack of self-control on me. I hope you don’t find yourself cheated on and remain happy in your marriage for years to come.” I conclude my speech with a weak smile. I’m trying my best to come across as confident, but it’s a struggle.

Her fake smile fades, and she sneers at me. “We’re getting off topic, anyway. I wasn’t talking about your relationship with Zane. I’m talking about mine with Lucien.” Hers with Lucien? My brows furrow as I try to make sense of her words.

Triumph flashes in her gaze, and she grins like the cat that got the cream. “Oh dear, you didn’t know?” My heartbeat is out of control now, and the lead in my stomach spreads up my chest to lodge in my throat. I know the news she’s about to say will destroy my relationship with Lucien – that is if we were in a real relationship in the first place – and I no longer want to be here. But I can’t exactly leave now when we have a full audience.

“Lucien and I used to be married some years ago. But after I gave birth to my twins, I realized he just wasn’t for me. I mean the man was never around. He left me to care for two babies when I was basically still a child myself. I chose what was best for me and let him go.”

My lips part in shock as I stare at her. She’s the twins' mother? Her blue eyes gleam with satisfaction, and I finally understand why I thought they were familiar when I first saw her pictures. I’ve seen those eyes daily in the faces of two precious beings. My heart squeezes painfully, and I gasp softly while lifting a hand up to rub my chest.

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