“Yesterday.” She peers over her glasses at me. “She's hosting her engagement party here tonight. She would love it if you could attend.”
Only so she can gloat about being the first to get engaged.
“I wouldn’t miss it for anything,” I say stiffly.
Grandmother sighs. “Valentina, she's family, and I won’t have you causing a scene at this party. You two need to learn to get along,” she adds.
“You keep saying that,” I snap. “But it’s not going to happen.”
“Fine.” She sighs. “I know it might seem like I’m working against you, but trust me, Valentina. I’m not. Your mother would’ve wanted the two of you to be friends.”
How dare she bring my mother into this. If anything, my mother would have been able to see what a selfish cow Amanda is and supported me on this. I take a deep breath, trying to reel my emotions in.
Lashing out at my grandmother isn't going to help anyone, least of all me.
“Where’s your ring?” she asks suddenly.
My face flames as I whip my other hand over the bare space where Mom’s ring used to be.
“The hormones the specialist has me on make my fingers swell,” I fib.
She accepts my excuse and then glances at Hudson.
“Can I ask what your intentions are with my granddaughter?”
“I believe you just did ask,” Hudson informs her. “But to answer your question, I’m planning to marry her.”
“You call that a proposal?” Gran laughs.
“No. I call what I did last night in bed one. A proposal, that is,” he quickly adds, realizing how that sounded. “As in I proposed to her last night. I wasn’t suggesting that we did anything inappropriate—"
“You’re already engaged?”
She looks at me in surprise. I nod, confirming it even though it’s the first I’ve heard of it too. I study her closely for a moment, sure I saw a ghost of a smile on her lips.
My grandmother, smiling? That’s something I haven't seen in a long time.
“Good.” She gives a satisfied nod. “And when is the wedding?”
“We’re eloping,” I quickly reply. I glance at Hudson, who nods.
“Well, then. I guess congratulations are in order.” Gran claps her hands together as she gets to her feet, kissing me on the cheek. She turns to Hudson and beams. “Welcome to the family.”
I blink, overwhelmed by her reaction. I’ve never seen her so happy. Honestly, I didn’t expect her to react at all, and I was okay with that. But this … it’s like she wants us to win.
“Fran,” she calls out. “Fetch a bottle of champagne, please.”
Fran comes rushing back with a bottle of champagne that no doubt cost more than my car, and three glasses. I shake my head when she offers me one. Gran looks at me in surprise.
“Since when don’t you like champagne?”
“Since I’m trying to get pregnant,” I remind her.
She rolls her eyes. “One little glass isn’t going to kill you, Valentina. Maybe the reason you’re struggling is because you’re too uptight?”
Hudson coughs to smother a laugh. Even I’m trying to hide my amusement, because that’s the grandmother I’m used to.
“Fine.” Gran waves her hand and calls Fran to fetch a bottle of sparkling water instead. “You might as well take the champagne,” she adds when Fran returns. “You can toast the birth of my grandchild,” she adds, her tone pointed.
I roll my eyes at Hudson. No pressure there.
We finish celebrating our engagement news with Gran, and then we decide to head back home for a few hours before the party. I’ve held myself together well up to this point, but as we walk over to the car, all the frustration I’ve been holding in begins to surface.
“Hey,” Hudson whispers, wrapping his arms around me. He wipes away the stray tears that are rolling down my cheeks. “All’s right in the world again, remember? They’re engaged, but so are we.”
“We’re really engaged?” I whisper.
He nods. “After that kick ass proposal last night? We better be.”
My heart swells as he pulls me closer and kisses me. I smile and close my eyes, telling myself it’s okay. But I’m not sure if it will ever be okay, because I just got engaged to a man I’m marrying for money. A man who I’ve potentially fallen in love with.
And it terrifies me how happy that makes me.
CHAPTER TWENTY
Hudson
We’re standing out the front of her grandmother’s place for the second time today. Fancy cars fill the long, expansive driveway, and Valentina can’t seem to bring herself to knock on the door.
“What is it?” I ask, sensing something is wrong.
She gives me a small smile, but it doesn’t quite meet her eyes.
“It’s nothing. It’s stupid, really, but I guess seeing all these cars and knowing my family is inside, it’s just made me realize how much I miss my father.”
I put my arms around her, not sure what to say to make her feel better. I hadn’t considered this might be bigger than just her grandmother and Amanda, but it makes sense.
“Why don’t you try and see him again?” I suggest.
“There’s no point. He’s made it clear the last time I went there that I was wasting my time.” She takes a deep breath and does her best to convince me she’s okay. “Can we just get this over with? Please?”
“Of course we can,” I whisper in her ear. “It’ll be fine. Trust me. I’m right here by your side. All the way.”
I press my lips against her forehead, then tilt her face to mine so I can kiss her properly. Her eyes half closed, she smiles at me, some of the tension inside her seeming to disappear. Straightening up, she takes a deep breath, releasing it slowly.
“Thanks. I think I needed that.”
I nod at the door. “Want me to go first?”
She shakes her head, a look of determination filling her eyes.
“Nope. Let’s do this.”
From the moment we walk inside, she’s a different person. The vulnerable, uncertain girl I was comforting outside is long gone and in her place is the Valentina I’ve always known.
Sassy, confident, and self-assured.
Her hand firmly grips mine as she scans the room. She stops when she sees Amanda. I assume it’s so we can stay out of her way, so I’m shocked when she marches in her direction. Amanda looks up as we approach, her eyes flickering with satisfaction. Her smile falters slightly when V steps forward and throws her arms around her.
“Congratulations,” Valentina gushes. “We’re so happy for you.”
I watch them embrace, in awe at how composed Valentina is being, especially since I know how she’s really feeling on the inside. I catch the eye of Vera and note the wistful look on her face. She smiles when she notices me watching her. Valentina might not realize it, but her grandmother is proud of her. I can see it in the way she looks at her.
“Thanks, Valentina. It’s great news, isn’t it?” Amanda agrees, recovering quickly. “I’m so happy for myself, and you know what they say. First comes marriage and then comes babies in cute little Versace prams.”
Her high-pitched giggle makes me wince, as does her obvious attempt to make Valentina feel as insecure as possible. I step forward and place my hand on Valentina’s back to give her my support, but she’s fixated on Amanda.
“Someone give the woman an Oscar,” I murmur in Valentina’s ear.
She chokes back a laugh, while Amanda keeps rattling about how perfect her life is now that she’s engaged. She’s so self-absorbed that I could probably fuck Valentina on the floor right in front of her, and she wouldn’t notice.
“So, Amanda,” I begin, cutting her off. “Where is this future husband of yours? We’re both very excited to meet him.”
Valentina blinks at me, obviously wondering what the heck I’m up to, but the truth is, I just want to see what kind of asshole would subject himself to a marriage with someone like Ama
nda. Just as I thought, Amanda jumps at any opportunity to rub her engagement in Valentina’s face. She waves over her fiancé, who joins us. He extends his hand to me and then Valentina, giving us both a warm smile.
“Hello. I’m Jackson.” He grins.
I’m almost disappointed, because he seems like a nice, easygoing guy, someone I did not expect to be with a girl like Amanda. He’d be so much easier to hate if he were an asshole. We chat for a few minutes, until Amanda gets bored not being the focal point of the conversation.
“Okay, we better go and mingle.” She tosses her hair over her shoulder and beams at us. “I’m sure everyone is waiting for their chance to congratulate me.”
“I’m sure they are,” I agree, somehow managing to keep a straight face.
“It was lovely to see you again, Hawthorne,” she purrs at me.
“Hudson,” I correct her.
“Right,” Amanda drawls, draping her arm over Jackson’s shoulder. She blows Valentina a kiss. “We’ll chat later, ’kay?”
After they’re gone, Valentina turns to me, a sour look on her face.
“Damn, I really wanted to hate him. What’s a nice guy like that doing with her?” she mutters, echoing my thoughts.
“Some would say the same about us.” I bait. She gasps and puts her hand on her hip as she glowers at me, but her lips are twitching as she struggles to contain her amusement. I hold my hands up in surrender. “I’m kidding.”
“You better be,” she mutters.
For the rest of the night, Valentina is relaxed and happy. She’s almost enjoying herself, if you forget the fact that we’re at Amanda’s engagement party. Things are going well right up until the point when the couple do their speeches.
Valentina tenses as Amanda takes the microphone. I wrap my arm around her waist and pull her closer to me. She relaxes for just a second, but then her attention switches to Amanda, and she stiffens up again.
“I’d like to thank everyone for celebrating this very special occasion with us.” Her eyes scan the crowd until they land on Valentina. Her smile widens. “I’d like to extend a special thank you to my cousin, Valentina…”
Valentina smiles as everyone turns around to look at her, but her gaze remains fixed on Amanda. She grips my hand so tight that my fingers lose feeling. I have no idea what Amanda is playing at, but Valentina isn’t going to just sit back and take her shit.
“…and ask her if she’ll be my maid of honor,” Amanda announces.
Silence follows as everyone waits for her to answer. Valentina stares straight ahead, mortified at being put on the spot. The worst thing is she knows she has no choice but to accept. Her grandmother made it clear she didn’t want any drama. Forcing a smile, Valentina nods.
“I’d love to,” she graciously accepts.
I clap along with the rest of the crowd, but I’m still trying to work out why Amanda would ask Valentina such a thing. I study Amanda as she looks at Valentina, a self-satisfied expression on her face. All night Amanda has relished in every opportunity to stick the knife in deeper, but this time she’s really twisting it.
“You handled that well,” I praise Valentina.
“I didn’t really have much choice,” she rages. “Great, she’s headed this way.”
I look up and sure enough, Amanda is walking over to us. She throws her arms around Valentina and gives her a tight squeeze. I’m almost fooled by her attempt at affection. Almost. Until I see the gleam of satisfaction in her eyes. I’m still trying to figure out what her angle is. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer? This must be her way of keeping tabs on Valentina.
“Amanda,” Valentina begins, “what a touching speech.”
“I hope I didn’t catch you off guard.” Amanda smiles. “I’ve been thinking about asking you to be part of my wedding for the longest time.”
“I’m sure you have,” V replies through clenched teeth. “Was it part of your plan to ask me in front of a crowd too? Making sure I can’t say no.”
“Come on, V. I’m holding out an olive branch,” Amanda whines.
“Too bad I hate olives,” Valentina mutters, then she lets out a bitter laugh. “Quit the games, Amanda. Since when do you want anything to do with me? You always made it clear what you think of me.”
“If that’s what you really believe, then I obviously haven’t made it very clear at all,” she protests, pretending to be hurt.
V laughs. “You think I don’t know what this is?”
“I don’t know what you mean.” Amanda crosses her arms over her chest and pouts. “I guess getting married has made me realize I need to treasure the things that are important, like family.” V laughs and flashes me an incredulous look, but Amanda isn’t done yet. “You'll understand what I mean one day,” she promises. “And I’m sure it will be sooner than you think.”
“Shall we tell her?” I say to Valentina.
Amanda narrows her eyes. “Tell me what?” she demands.
“That I asked her to marry me.” I explain. “She accepted, of course.”
“You’re getting married?” Amanda echoes. She frowns as she looks from Valentina to me. “When? Why wouldn’t you have said something earlier?”
“We didn’t want to take anything away from your day, but since you two are such good friends now…”
“So, you’re engaged too.” Her eyes dart between the two of us, her expression frozen. “How splendid. And when is the wedding?”
“We’re actually planning to elope,” I say with a wink. “So, who knows? It could be tomorrow.”
Amanda gapes at us, her jaw dropping.
“I … I have to go,” she mutters.
I wrap my arm around Valentina as Amanda races off, no doubt to try and convince her fiancé to elope tonight. Valentina takes one look at me and dissolves into laughter.
“Did you see the look on her face?” she puffs, her eyes twinkling.
“Yeah, it was pretty good,” I agree with a chuckle. “Sorry if I was out of line doing that,” I add.
She shakes her head. “Are you kidding me? That was amazing. You are amazing.”
“Amazing enough to be your husband?” I kid.
She gazes at me.
“Honestly? I can’t think of anything better than being married to you.”
I lean closer and kiss her on the mouth.
I hope she means that, because I’m falling in love with her.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Valentina
“I owe you a thank you.”
“For what?” Hudson looks confused as I lead him into the living room.
We’re back at the apartment after the party, and I’m trying to put into words how grateful I am for what he did tonight. Having him there by my side meant everything to me. There’s no way I could’ve handled that alone.
“What you did at the party,” I enlighten him. “Telling Amanda that we’re engaged, standing up for me. It means a lot to me. Just having you on my side means the world. There’s no way I could’ve done tonight alone.”
“You’re stronger than you think,” he argues.
I shake my head and laugh. “No. Really, I’m not. I would have been a mess at that party if it wasn’t for you,” I confess. “I’m starting to realize how lucky I am to have you in my life.”
“See, I could’ve saved you a heap of trouble and told you how lucky you are,” he teases. “How about we relax and watch some TV?”
“I’d much rather thank you some more.”
“Seriously, Valentina. You don’t need to thank me—”
He stops, mid-sentence when I slide my dress over my head and let it fall to the floor. He rubs the back of his head and laughs, the look on his face priceless as his gaze rakes over my body.
“I mean, you don’t need to thank me, but if you want to thank me, I’m not going to say no,” he mutters.
“I thought that might be your answer.” I reply.
Tossing my hair to the side, I reach behind my bac
k to unclip my bra, letting it float to the floor. Then I step forward, allowing him to take me in his arms. He kisses me, grabbing a fistful of my hair as he explores my mouth with his.
I pace my hand against his groin, his erection spurring me on. With my other hand curled around his neck, I kiss him, while I massage his cock. He grunts and then kicks off his shoes, shuffling out of his pants. I stop him when he goes to lower his boxers.
“Let me.”
His eyes darken as I sink my knees. With one finger looped through either side of his boxers, I roll them down. His thick cock springs out, the tip almost at my lips. My eyes on his, I twirl my tongue around his girth, tasting him. Desire burns in his eyes as I take him in my mouth. He kicks his boxers completely off, then he holds the back of my head, forcing his rock-hard cock deeper into my mouth.
He leans against the wall for support as I all of him take him in, sucking and licking along his shaft. His grip on my hair tightens as my tongue teases him, while my hands gently caress his balls. I smile, loving the feel of him controlling me as he tightens his grip on my hair.
“Fuck, Valentina. You’re incredible,” he mutters, gazing down at me as I suck his cock.
He groans, thrusting himself deeper down my throat. I take as much of him as I can handle, relishing the feel of his tip hitting the back of my throat. His thrusts become faster and more furious, as his hips jerk against my face.
I place my hands on his back as he fucks my face, the blood pumping through his cock. He jerks forward, his hips bucking against me as he comes, hard. His warm liquid spills into my mouth. I swallow, lapping up every last bit of his taste, then I lick along his shaft, teasing him until he can’t handle it.
“Come here,” he murmurs, emotion lacing his voice as he lifts me into his arms.
He carries me to the bedroom and throws me down on the bed, climbing over me. His hands move over me as we kiss, then he rolls onto his back. I use his hand to steady myself as I straddle him, but he shakes his head.
“Face away from me,” he orders.
I don’t need to be told twice.
I turn around and slide myself down onto his cock. His hands steady my waist as I ride him, his cock rubbing against my clit every time he penetrates me. He rocks me, bouncing me onto his hips, driving himself even deeper into me. His hands on my back, his thrusts get faster as he forces himself deeper.
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