by Malone, M.
* * *
King couldn’t stop staring at her mouth.
He took another swig of whisky, relishing the smooth burn as it traveled down and settled in the pit of his stomach.
She sat up slightly and smiled at him, a wooden smile that didn’t reach her eyes. He’d seen that particular look plenty of times on his mother’s face when his father was droning on about something or other.
“You’ve already decided you’re going to say no.”
Surprise flickered in her eyes before she glanced away. Her fingers wrapped around her glass but there was nothing left but ice.
“Look… King. I don’t want to be rude but I have a feeling whatever you’re going to ask me probably isn’t something I want to do.”
“Oh really? You don’t like parties? Or eating exquisite cuisine? Or shopping for clothes and shoes that you don’t have to pay for? The job comes with a clothing allowance.”
She dipped her head. “Go on. Not that I’m interested or anything.”
King pressed his lips together to stifle a grin. “My parents have decided that I need to settle down. I’m the CEO of the family business and as a result, I haven’t had much time to meet anyone.”
“They’re probably just worried about you,” she said.
He grimaced. “That may be the case. But they’ve also decided that they’ll hand control over to my little brother if I don’t settle down. My little brother who at this very moment is probably out drinking, sleeping with anything on two legs and generally being as much of a spoiled brat as possible.”
Angel didn’t say anything but he could tell she was listening because she’d angled her head closer to him. It was impossible not to notice how long her eyelashes were or how the tips of her long, wavy hair brushed her lower back. She’d changed into street clothes but he could still see her sweet curves even beneath jeans and a leather jacket.
“So, you need me to pretend to be your girlfriend? Come on. That only works in the movies. You don’t think your parents will find it suspicious that you suddenly have a girlfriend? They’re going to know you’re just pretending to placate them.”
“I know.”
Her mouth puckered into the most adorable little pout. Damn he was going to enjoy this. His parents would be appropriately scared off by her smart mouth and would leave him, and his position at Kingsley International, alone. Meanwhile, he was going to enjoy having that smart mouth all over him. He’d never been so happy about his parents meddling before.
“Okay, maybe I’m just tired or perhaps there actually was vodka in the cranberry juice but I don’t get the point of this. Why bother having me pretend to be your girlfriend if your parents are going to know what you’re doing?”
He couldn’t resist anymore so he tapped her softly on the end of the nose. She gasped softly and a faint flush covered her cheekbones.
“Because, my sweet angel, my parents know me well. They aren’t expecting me to fall in love. They just want me to marry for appearances sake. My parents aren’t in love either. My mother’s family had some corporate holdings that my father’s family was interested in. So they married and now Kingsley International is one of the biggest banking and investing firms in the world.”
“That sounds very cold.”
“They seem happy enough. But apparently not so happy that they keep their nose out of my business. So here’s the deal. I have a meeting next month with some important European investors. I’ve spent years preparing for this deal. There is no way I can let them pull me off now and stick Colin in there.” He winced at just the thought.
“Who’s Colin?” Her question brought him back to the matter at hand.
“My little brother. I love him but he’d fuck it up and then I’d have to spend another five years cleaning up the mess by the time my father comes to his senses. I have worked so hard for this. Everyone thinks I got my position just by virtue of my last name but my father made me prove myself every step of the way. I’ve been at his knee since I was a child learning the ins and outs of our business. While everyone else was partying, I was studying finance and economics, preparing for when I’d finally be old enough to take over. This job is all I have.”
He stopped talking to find her watching him, stunned. Embarrassed by how much he’d just revealed, he cleared his throat.
“The point is, I don’t have time for this. So let’s just play the game for a few weeks and keep my parents happy. You’ll get to shop, eat and basically do whatever the hell you want on my dime the entire time. It’s a pretty decent deal.”
She made a face. “Are you really going to pretend you don’t have a long list of girls who’d be more than happy to wine and dine on your tab?”
Uncomfortable, he took another swig of his drink. How could he explain things without sounding like even more of an entitled jerk than what she already thought?
“I’ve had girlfriends, sure. But this is just a short-term thing.”
She snorted. “Of course. Wouldn’t want any of them getting the wrong idea. They might actually think you gasp liked them! How inconvenient.”
“Did you just say gasp? As in, actually say the word out loud?”
“Did you just say you can’t ask any of the girls you already know because it would be hard to get rid of them afterward?” She pantomimed putting her fingers down her throat.
Oh yeah, his father was going to shit a brick when he brought her home.
“I didn’t actually say that but if we’re being blunt, then yes. Giving someone false hope doesn’t seem like the kindest thing to do.”
She shrugged. “Well, I guess that’s true. But it doesn’t mean I’m participating in this nonsense either. Good luck!” She stood and straightened her jacket.
“I’ll pay you ten grand for the month,” he blurted out.
Her mouth fell open. “How much?”
Normally an expert negotiator, King couldn’t believe he’d just thrown a number out there with no forethought. She was already going to hose him in clothing and spa charges so he hadn’t been planning to offer any kind of salary.
After all, what woman wouldn’t jump at the chance to buy all the clothes, shoes and whatever other shit women bought on someone else’s credit card?
“You heard me. Are you in or what?”
It came out more aggressively than he’d intended but he was still grouchy about being put in a corner.
The bartender leaned over, interrupting their tense standoff. “You ready to close out, Livvy?”
She pulled her eyes away from his and handed over some cash. “Yeah, I’m done Jeb. Keep the change.”
“You got it.”
The bartender glanced over at him so King pulled out his wallet and handed over the first credit card his fingers touched.
“Charge her drinks to my tab. Keep the cash for yourself.”
The bartender didn’t look impressed at his largesse but took the card.
She crossed her arms. “Okay.”
“Okay,” he echoed. “You’ll do it?”
She nodded and pulled out a small business card from the inner pocket of her jacket. “Here’s my card, my cell number is on the back. Let me know when you need me. Don’t worry about the clothes. I’ve got that covered.”
She turned and he reached out before he thought, panicked at the thought of her leaving without him. He wanted to walk her to her car and make sure she was safe, a completely alien feeling, but the bartender still had his card so instead he stood there patting her arm like an idiot.
“He called you Livvy.”
Her lips curled up. “You didn’t really think my name was Angel, did you?” She stuck out her hand. “Olivia.”
He shook it. “Olivia. I’ll call you tomorrow, Olivia.”
She winked. “I’ll answer.”
People moved out of the way as she walked though the crowd, as if they too could sense the power in the swing of her hips. There was something hypnotic about the way she moved. It made him t
hink he could enjoy watching her do anything and not just the dirty things he’d been unable to stop imagining the entire time they were talking.
He’d love to watch her dance when she thought no one was watching, or sing in the shower or wiggle that perky little behind while she brushed her teeth in the morning. The door to the pub swung shut behind her and King groaned.
“You don’t look so good.” The bartender held out his card, watching him with a knowing smile on his face.
“I’m not. I’m completely fucked.”
Chapter Five
Olivia woke the next morning with a pounding head and vaguely nauseous, despite not having any alcohol the prior night. She groaned and pulled the covers over her head. That was how King affected her. He made her feel like she’d been flattened by a truck.
He definitely knew how to get her interest.
Whose parents required them to get married by a certain age anymore? There was something weird about the whole thing. It sounded like some sort of medieval plot.
But the rich were different. She knew that better than most after growing up on the periphery of their world. They had totally different morals and ethics. For all she knew, he might be lying about the whole thing to get closer to her.
She knew all about what rich men wanted from girls like her.
Then she remembered the look in his eye. He’d spoken about this business deal with real passion. He really wanted it. To a man like King, business was everything. She shouldn't care that this was obviously so important to him.
You don't even know him.
But that was the thing. She felt like she did. Or at least, she knew that feeling of wanting to be more. Wanting to have more.
Well, either way it was an insane amount of money. She could put up with him for ten grand. Especially if all she had to do was show up and pretend she didn’t hate him at a bunch of events.
What the hell am I going to wear?
She reached over to her phone on the nightstand. Elle would definitely have something appropriate and wouldn’t mind if she borrowed a few things. Although knowing her friend she wasn’t going to get off without a full explanation about why she needed fancy clothes all of a sudden. It was still better than having King buy her clothes. There weren’t going to be any Pretty Woman moments between them. No, thanks.
Her heart screeched to a halt when she saw a text from an unfamiliar number.
- Dinner party at my parents’ house tonight. I’ll pick you up at seven. Text me your address. - K
Olivia swallowed, her throat suddenly as dry as the Sahara. She hadn’t been expecting him to need her so quickly.
Shit.
As her fingers flew over the keys composing a text to Elle, she could only hope her friend wasn’t out of town or she would have to charge a dress to her credit card. Just the thought burned. It had taken her so long to work her way out of debt that she hated to charge anything now.
Luckily, it didn’t take long for Elle to respond. Just as she thought, Elle not only didn’t mind her borrowing a few things but she had extra clothes in her office at the club. That was perfect. She had a good excuse to meet King there instead of her house. There was no way she wanted that smooth talker anywhere near her bedroom.
As expected, after her initial texts telling her where to find the clothes, Elle quickly narrowed in on the real issue.
- And why do we need fancy clothes?
- There's this guy… Not sure where it's going but I don't want to look like a complete hick in front of his parents.
- You're meeting the parents? Where have I been? I didn't even know you were seeing anyone.
- It's a new thing but we're going to be at a party his parents are hosting so. Anyway, wish me luck!
She could only hope that Elle was still too tired to question her strange response. Olivia wasn't entirely sure of her own motivation at this point and she definitely couldn't explain it to anyone else.
She could go with the obvious explanation and blame it on the money. How many people could turn down ten thousand dollars? It would give her some much needed breathing room and ensure that she had a cushion for any unexpected expenses.
All it would take was one health issue and she'd be back in debt. Someone like King had no idea how close the average person was to bankruptcy at any time. Most were only one car accident away from losing everything they owned.
Olivia flopped back on the bed and covered her face with her arm. The amount of energy she was wasting on this guy was ridiculous. She should just tell him she’d changed her mind and then she wouldn’t have to stress about this. But ten thousand dollars…
She didn’t want her partners to ever know just how thin she’d stretched herself to afford her share of the club. It was worth it though, no question.
To have the freedom to be her own boss, she’d eat ramen noodles and cut coupons and give up every luxury. That had been her life for the past few years and she was finally almost comfortable.
That ten thousand dollars would be an extra cushion in her I’ll never have to ask my parents for money again fund. Her pride was worth any amount of discomfort she felt in King’s presence.
So he was sexy, so what? She’d dealt with sexy, entitled alpha A-holes before. He was no different. She would do the job, impress his parents and never look back.
She sat up and grabbed her phone again. After texting King to meet her at the club, she threw back the comforter and stretched. First thing she wanted to do was get in a workout.
If her completely neglected body could work up this much enthusiasm for a guy she wasn’t even sure she liked, then it could handle a little cardio. She would work off her newfound sexual appetite in the gym.
* * *
Later that evening, King checked his watch for the hundredth time. Why the hell was he so nervous?
He was picking up a stripper with the intention of horrifying his parents. But the entire day when he should have been reviewing the financials of a company Kingsley International was interested in acquiring, he was thinking about her pert little mouth instead.
He parked outside the club and his eyes immediately traveled to the small figure walking his way. She must have been watching him from inside. It was a chilly day with a brisk wind so he appreciated the courtesy. He wouldn’t have to get out of the warm car.
She opened the passenger side door and climbed inside, bringing the scent of lavender with her.
“Good evening. I hope you weren’t waiting long.”
She shook her head. “No, I’ve only been here about ten minutes. There was some stuff I needed in the office, that’s why I wanted to meet here.”
He was pretty sure she just didn’t want him having her address but he didn’t mention it. It would probably freak her out to know that he already knew her address, what kind of car she drove and how much money was currently in her bank account at First National Bank and Trust.
There wasn’t too much he couldn’t find out if he paid enough.
“There aren’t going to be any ex-girlfriends at this party, right? I’m willing to help you out but I draw the line at fighting some jealous chick. I won’t even fight for a guy I’m actually dating.”
He chuckled. “No jealous ex-girlfriends you need to worry about. Just a bunch of people drinking too much and trying to impress my father. A typical weekend at the Kingsley stronghold.”
“Sounds fun.”
Her voice was so droll that it only made him smile harder. Somehow, talking about it with her, made it easier to contemplate spending the next few hours under his parents’ roof. He could already see her making that annoyed face at some older guy who dared to look at her the wrong way.
She turned in her seat and regarded him with curious eyes. “So, what's the deal?”
He must have looked as confused as he felt because she rolled her eyes. It was a struggle to keep his eyes on the road when all her wiggling in the seat had worked her dress up her legs several inches.
; “Don't give me that look. You know what I mean. Am I supposed to be someone you've dated forever and we're supposed to pretend like we're madly in love? I'm not good at subterfuge.”
“No, just be yourself. If anyone asks you a question, you're to answer it completely honestly.”
He was looking forward to this dinner party with a level of enthusiasm that he'd never thought to attach to one of his parents' events.
Normally he didn't go for the ballbuster type but there was something incredibly arousing about Olivia's smart mouth. She hadn't hesitated to call him on his shit yet and he had no doubt that she wouldn't hold back tonight.
How many times had he fantasized about telling one of his father's stuffed shirt friends what he really thought about them?
He grinned. He'd have to stick close to her tonight. The first time one of those good-old-boys said the wrong thing to Olivia, it was going to be like watching a cage match live and in person.
“Seriously? You want me to be completely honest?”
“Yes. Keeping track of lies is too complicated and that’s how people get caught. We met yesterday. I asked you out. That’s as much truth as anyone needs.”
“I doubt anyone there is ready for my brand of truth,” she mumbled.
King didn’t think they were either. His father was probably going to beg him not to get married after tonight.
“So we’re just going with the truth. Okay.” She looked out the window and clenched and unclenched her first.
As if suddenly aware of her fidgeting, she forced her hand open and pressed it against her thigh.
She's nervous.
The thought didn’t make him feel any better. He couldn’t help feeling a little guilty. He was basically throwing her to the wolves in a way.
He could only imagine how his parents were going to react when she told them King had picked her up in a pleasure club after watching one of his employees get a lap dance.
But his parents and sister were too concerned about appearances to actually say anything. They would more than likely just grit their teeth and then give him an earful later.