Michaela I’m back at Rhys’s place. I’m still not used to sporting my new accessory du jour. Therefore, when I joined Keira near the pool, where she was reading, I didn’t expect the diamond on my ring finger to catch the light like it did and send my friend into freakout mode. Keira examines my engagement ring like an expert cutter would on 47 th Street––aka New York City’s Diamond District. “This is the real deal.” Her huge hazel-green eyes meeting mine. “It’s Harry Winston, real.” Her eyes are even wider now. “Mother of God, that’s as real as it gets.” “Indeed.” “You are marrying a billionaire, after all. It goes with the territory.” “That’s what Phoenix said. I’ll be honest, I stopped breathing when he slipped the ring on my finger.” “I would’ve totally passed out,” Keira says. “So how was the meeting with the soon-to-be-husband?” My cheeks burst into flames. “It went well,” I say in a high-pitched voice. Keira’s brows draw together. “What was that about?” “It was an intense meeting.” ... to say the least. “I bet you had a lot to hash out.” “Amongst other things.” “I want to hear all about it,” she says. “But food first. Are you hungry?” “No. The chefs at the Pompadour outdid themselves. I’m still stuffed from the delicious breakfast.” “In that case, I’ll eat, while you spill your guts,” Keira says. “You got yourself a deal.” I balance on my high heels and follow behind her to the kitchen. She’s still using her cane, but she’s walking with more ease today. Knowing Keira, she’s dying to wear heels again. When we get inside, I drop my bag and take a seat at the kitchen island as she pr epares her lunch. In no time, she whips up a yummy looking tuna sandwich, complete with a side of crudités and a bowl of corn chips. “Oh, by the way, Rhys found a lawyer to go over your prenup,” Keira
says, as she takes a seat across from me. “I can’t thank you enough for going to bat for me.” She stretches across the island and places a hand over mine. “First, we’re friends. Second, you’ve gone through so much in the last few days, if anyone deserves a break, it’s you.” “It’s been a brutal few days.” I place my other hand on top of hers. “Thank you, from the bottom of my heart,” I say, as emotions take over me. We exchange a warm smile. “I’m glad you have an expert in your corner to make sure King König doesn’t stiff you,” she says. “I only have a basic understanding of contracts, but from what I can tell, he’s being more than generous.” “Phoenix k ept his word about the Villiers Grand, right?” I nod. “He did.” “I’m sure your dad will be relieved.” “That’s why he orchestrated all this.” I had a quick conversation with my father this morning while I was waiting for the car to arrive. Daddy didn’t omit to remind me time was of the essence because he’s drowning in debt. I assured him the Villiers Grand Hotel would fall under the König umbrella when I say I do. By Monday of next week, he’ll be able to breathe easy. As Keira eats her lunch, I share the most salient points of the contract. “There’s a clause on children?” She nearly chokes over a bite. “Well, that was a waste of good ink,” she says. “It’s not like you’re going to touch each other.” “It’s standard for a man in Phoenix’s position.” I shrug as if it’s no big deal. It’s best not to go there. “Come to think of it, it makes perfect sense,” she says. “When do you go wedding dress shopping?” “Phoenix will make arrangements with a stylist at the Pompadour boutique. I’m sure she or he will have a selection for me to try on by tomorrow since the wedding is Sunday—” “Wh—what?” “I might’ve forgotten that part.” “Yes, you did.” She purses her lips. “That’s kind of important.” “Everything is so surreal. I might have omitted that detail as a way of pretending it’s not actually happening.” “The enormous rock on your finger says it’s most certainly happening.” “Four more days...” I nod. “We’re going to ke ep it intimate. Phoenix’s father, Slate, Wilder, and his extended family
members on his dad’s and mom’s side will be there. Roman can’t fly, but he’ll join us virtually. On my side, we don’t want to risk getting exposed. So, it will just be Daddy and Uncle Ian––” “Does your uncle know the truth?” “No. He doesn’t. He thinks I’m in love. He’s been following the buzz online. He’s too close to Daddy not to invite him. He’ll be present, but oblivious.” “It’s easier to ke ep him in the dark,” Keira says. “One less person to worry about.” I hold her gaze. “I hope you’ll be my maid of honor, even if I won’t have any bridesmaids.” “I’d be honored.” “I hope Rhys will be in town.” “Oh, trust me, I’ll make sure he’s present.” I could use another ally in my corner. “Thanks, Keira, for being such a good friend.” “You should thank your lucky stars your father picked the Bugatti of fake husbands.” “He did... in more ways than one.” Keira cocks an eyebrow. “Why do I sense you’re hiding something from me?” I pick up a discarded pen sitting on the kitchen island, tapping it a few times on the surface as I weigh my words. “I’m waiting,” Keira says. I let out a frustrated sigh. “Phoenix is sexy as hell. He has the most incredible eyes I’ve ever seen. He’s gorgeous. He’s demanding in an allencompassing-take-charge kind of way. He’s annoyingly sure of himself and drips with confidence. He redefines suit porn. When he smiles, I freaking need shades. He’s gorgeous. Even his hands are freaking sexy. I’m sure it’s the same for his feet. In other words, he’s the kind of man I would avoid in New York,” I say. I’m not sure I took a breath, but I still have more to say, so I ke ep sharing. “And who the fuck has hazel-blue eyes? How am I supposed to not get distracted every time I lose myself in them?” Shock flashes over Keira’s face and she stares at me like she’s never seen me before. I don’t blame her. Since Phoenix came crashing into my life–– Okay, I guess it’s the other way around because I barged into his office unannounced. Regardless, in the short time I’ve known him, he has an undeniable effect on me. And I hate it. “Did he drug your coffee?” “Why would you say that?”
“Not only was that verbal diarrhea a d eparture from your earlier description of him, but you used the words ‘he’s gorgeous’ twice, and you mentioned his eyes, also twice.” “No, I didn’t.” She shoots me a sideways glance like I grew another head. “Yes, you did.” I brush a dismissive hand in front of my face. “I was agreeing with you. Thank God he’s a Bugatti and not Consumer R eports’ worst compact luxury sedan on the market.” “That man is a fine ride.” I let out a little laugh. “Oh, he’s a fine ride, all right.” Shit. I put my foot in my mouth. Keira’s eyes widen. “If I didn’t know better, I might be tempted to think you’re speaking from experience.” She tilts her head to the side. I pretend to be fascinated by the ceiling. “Michaela?” Keira says. I meet her gaze. “Yes?” “What aren’t you telling me?” I shrug. “Mikki.” “The man is dangerous.” Keira sits straight on her stool and narrows her gaze. “Did he put any pressure on you in regard to the contract?” “God, no.” I drop my head in defeat. “I... I...” In the heat of the moment, what happened in his office was hot and heavy, but now, I’m a little––a lot––ashamed. “You what?” “That stupid kiss...” “What kiss?” “Last night. After he walked me to the guesthouse, we kissed. It was supposed to be a practice run for the cameras so our first time wouldn’t be awkward. I was ill-pr epared, Keira. The moment he dropped his lips onto mine, I could no longer remember my own name.” She stares at me, her shock evident. “At least I can justify last night’s kiss as an integral part of this whole charade.” I ke ep talking. “What happened this morning at his office is beyond me. I’m still grappling with what I allowed him to do to me.” “Good God, Mikki, what happened?” “It was dirty.” “Dirty as in another tongue-lashing between you or dirty as in tongueon-tongue action?” “Tongue, mouth, hands... and his cock.” “Fuck. Me.” “Trust me, I was two seconds away from begging him to do exactly that.” “Start talking.” I spill my guts, recounting my X-rated story. Keira fans herself. “It’s official. You’re a slut.” I wince. “My only saving grace was I didn’t have to do a walk of
shame. Lydia wasn’t at her desk when I left. She heads a monthly morning meeting with the company’s other executive assistants.” I cover my face with my hands. “Still, this is so embarrassing. I don’t even recognize myself.” “Oh, no, girlfriend. I mean slut in the best possible way,” Keira says. I look up at her and frown. “You don’t think less of me?” “Michaela, at the fault of sounding like a broken record, I’m going to r epeat myself. Your soon-to-be husband is smoking hot. No one can blame you for making out with him.” “A lot of good it did me to swear up and down on a stack of Bibles I wouldn’t allow him to touch me. My hormones tried to pull the emergency brake, but his potent male swagger and general deliciousness pretty much pulverized my walls.” We sit in silence for a beat. “I guess the sexless marriage goal is well and truly fucked after this morning,” Keira says. “I told Phoenix it couldn’t happen again.” Keira’s jaw drops. “You can’t put the genie back in the bottle, Michaela. You realize that?” “This morning was a lapse in judgment.” She’s dumbfounded. “You’re serious right now?” “I am.” I offer a firm nod. “Moving forward, there’s no room in our fake relationship for that kind of naughtiness. It felt too real, Keira. I don’t want to end up with the short end of the stick a year from now. Phoenix is a member of a private adult club. He’s used to casual hookups. I’m not. Our story isn’t meant to be forever. Why be a glutton for punishment?” Once I was done oversharing, Keira declared I needed to work on my tan before my wedding day. I rushed to the guesthouse to change into my bathing suit, and I’m about to run out the door, when my phone rings. I look at the screen and acc ept the video call. “Hey ladybug, how did it go this morning?” “You look even more exhausted than you did this morning, Daddy,” I say instead of answering his question. The fatigue lining his features is so pronounced. “Phoenix’s expert called to
talk about the fire, and then the police called because they had more questions. It’s been a stressful morning.” “Oh, gosh, Daddy, you’re dealing with a lot,” I say. “I’m sorry I’m not there to lighten your load.” “We’ve talked about that at length, Michaela. Your only job is to get to the altar,” he says. “I’ll deal with the rest.” A bitter laugh rumbles up from de ep inside me. “Got it. Let’s get down to business, then.” My father gives me a warning look, but I ignore him. I understand the urgency, but I resent how he makes me feel like I’m a commodity. “You’ll be glad to know Phoenix and I ironed out all the important matters. Now, it’s a question of meeting with the lawyer Rhys found me.” My father lets out an audible exhale. “Keira’s boyfriend was able to find someone to look over the prenup?” “Yes. The lawyer will go over the prenup, the contract, and any other legalese before giving her blessing.” “Since Phoenix won’t be footing the bill, will you be able to negotiate a payment plan of some sort?” There’s no mistaking the worry in his voice. “Rhys wanted to pay for it in full, but I refused. He’ll front me the money and I’ll r epay him back over time.” “Okay,” Daddy says. Silence stretches between us. “Phoenix is a good man, Mikki.” I grind my teeth together. “How would you know, Daddy? He’s just a business deal to you and a dossier an investigator collected.” He stares straight into my eyes. “Phoenix is solid. He’ll be good to you, ladybug. In my heart, I knew he was the right choice.” That sounded kind of cryptic. I hold his gaze. “At least he’s not a monster.” “I deserve that,” my father says on the heel of a small laugh devoid of any humor. “You have no idea how guilty I feel about putting you through this, but––” “I’m the only way out of this cluster fuck of a mess.” He glares at me. I cock a defiant eyebrow. “When is the wedding?” Daddy moves right along. “This Sunday.” His eyes widen. “That’s fast.” “I thought that’s what you wanted.” “I thought it would be a few weeks. Not a few days.” “Phoenix doesn’t see any point in stretching things out.”
“I’m sure he knows what he’s doing.” “Phoenix’s executive assistant will make travel arrangements for you and Uncle Ian. He’ll hire a private jet for the two of you.” “That’s generous of him,” my father says with a touch of humility. “It’s going to be a private affair at his father’s mansion.” Daddy nods. “It’s a good idea to ke ep it intimate.” “Yes, the less people—” A crippling thought enters my mind as a pang of pain stabs at my heart. I place a hand against my chest and fold over a little. “What is it, ladybug?” I pinch my lips and lift my hand to cover my mouth as emotions bubble up. A tear trickles down my cheek. Then another. And another. “Did Phoenix do something to you? Did he force himself on you? That’s not part of the deal. He gave me his word he would treat you with respect.” Anger colors my father’s voice. “No.” I wipe away my tears. “So far, he’s been a gentleman.” I inhale a shaky breath. “It just hit me.” “What just hit you?” Daddy’s voice rises. “I’ve known since the day Mom passed away, she wouldn’t be at my wedding, and I know this is a fake wedding—” I sniffle. “Still, it’s a hard pill to swallow not having her there.” My father’s eyes close for a beat. When he opens them, they’re glassy. We stare at each other in silence, overcome with emotions. His gaze flinches as he blinks away tears. “Oh, ladybug, you just broke me,” he says, his voice trembling. “I’ve been single-mindedly pushing my mission forward. Securing the Villiers Grand’s future became top priority— my only priority. I was so afraid I had fucked up your heritage, so ashamed I had let the woman I loved with every part of me down, I didn’t even stop to think about Mom not being here and how that would affect you.” He takes in a long, de ep breath. “I’m so sorry, ladybug.” The sincerity in his gaze—and voice—touches my core. Now we’re both crying. “One thing I know about my beautiful wife is she’ll be watching over her baby girl,” Daddy says in between tears. In that simple statement, it’s as if Thana was never part of our lives. I nod in response because my heart is too heavy to speak. “Charlize will
be all decked out, with her nails done, her makeup expertly applied, and her long silver hair dyed brown and styled—coiffed, like she used to say.” He offers a sad smile. “She’ll be wearing a fancy dress and an elegant fascinator as a nod to her British roots. You know she’ll be holding a glass of champagne, looking down from heaven above, giving God the play-by-play.” He pauses. “She might not physically be with you on Sunday, but she’ll be right here.” He taps two fingers against his heart. Now, he’s the one to break me. I bawl like a child.