FAKE: An Enemies to Lovers Standalone Romance

by Sarah J. Brooks

  “I hope you make full use of it.” Gerald winked. “Gotta make the rounds, just grab a server if you need anything at all. We’ve got everything you might want.”

  “Thanks,” my brother and I managed to say at the same time; it was almost awkward, but not.

  He dangled his key in front of me. “I am so using this tonight.” His eyes glazed over with rabid desire.

  “Let you out of a long-term relationship and look at you go,” I teased.

  I hoped it wasn’t too soon. Amelia was the love of his life, but she dumped him because he hadn’t asked her to marry him. Together for five years and he couldn’t pop the question; something was weird about that. He shot me an unamused glare.

  “At least I’m not here with a big fucking pair of wings pretending I’m the hottest character in action film history.” Touché, he got his dig in.

  “Truce.” I threw up my arms; he smiled. “Well, I plan on using it.” I tapped my pocket. “On her.” I nodded my head to the dark angel accompanying Christopher Regent.

  My brother laughed at me as he knocked on my elbow.

  “I’m going to mingle.” His voice was eager, now seeing that I’d cast my line, he wanted to go explore.

  “Yeah, right, have fun.” I nodded to him, and he moved away toward someone who wasn’t going to embarrass him as badly as I was about to. I was leery my other brother might ooze in at any moment, but this opportunity was too good to pass; the girl was too incredible to miss.

  The foyer was two stories tall, bookended by two sweeping staircases; very dramatic. It made for an incredible first impression as she approached. For a moment, I thought she was coming for me, but she veered towards the bar. Behind her, hot on her heels was that scoundrel Christopher Regent. As she passed, she saw we were wearing similar costumes. A glorious smile crossed her face, one Christopher Regent didn’t miss.

  “There you are,” I said in a stern and commanding tone as I stepped in front of them, hoping to stop the beautiful dark angel in her tracks.

  “Me?” The woman looked around her as Christopher sided up and linked his arm around hers. He was a total prick, a wave of hatred coursed through my veins.

  “Yes.” I stepped in closer.

  “She’s with me.” Christopher muscled in.

  “No, I’m not,” the woman said, incensed.

  “I like your outfit.” I gently stroked her wings, casual and seductive. “I think I might know you from somewhere. Heaven perhaps?” My lips pursed seductively.

  “Seriously?” Christopher huffed.

  “Or maybe hell?” She rolled her eyes, and we both laughed.

  “That must be the place.” I knew we were being totally cheesy, but it was glorious.

  “Back off buddy, she’s mine,” Christopher growled.

  The girl was not impressed. “No, I’m not.” She nearly hit him.

  “Hell... Hello? That’s my domain.” He flared his hand along with his devil costume. “Besides, who the fuck prances around a party without his shirt on? Grow up.” Christopher angled the woman away from me as he attempted to whisk her away.

  She planted her foot on the ground and wasn’t budging. “Go ahead and get a drink, Chris. I’ll stay here until you get back,” she said, making her intentions known.

  “I brought you to this party. You’ll stay with me,” he cautioned her like a child.

  “I’m your assistant, not your slave,” she said, her thick red lips looking glossy as the dim light reflected on her mask.

  I felt my cock stir. She was a picture of beauty with just enough sexuality mixed with a dash of innocence. She wasn’t being lewd or tawdry with my flirtations, but rather sweet and playful. She’d already stayed her ground, and I wanted to nail this deal down.

  “I’m dressed as the Dark One.” My tone had the stern command of a successful businessman. “It’s my film. You may have heard of it,” I said as I flashed him a disingenuous smile.

  “Right, yes. Very successful little horror flick. What’d that gross you?” Christopher’s interest had now peaked.

  “About a hundred mil give or take.” My tone was casual; my body relaxed as if gross box office on all of our films was that high.

  In truth, we’d struggled until the Dark One’s success. Now we had a franchise that would put us on the map. Christopher knew this, knew the film would only make us more and more money, and eventually become a cult classic. He’d be stupid not to get in on the ground floor of this franchise. He pulled a card out of his wallet, which he’d retrieved from his back pocket, and handed it to me.

  “Call me if something else comes down the pipeline. Or you’re interested in blowing this franchise up,” he said in a cold and calculating tone. “I’ll leave my assistant in your hands for a moment. Perhaps you can pitch her a few projects. She knows our company’s taste,” he said as he slapped her ass, which jettisoned her forward ever so slightly.

  She took a deep breath, and her lips became a thin flat line. “Right,” was all she gave him in a respectful but curt tone of voice.

  “I’ll be right back then,” Christopher said. He kissed her neck as his hand brushed across her nipple, giving it a hard squeeze. “When I do, we’ll find which room this key belongs to.” Her eyes narrowed as he turned away from her and headed toward the bar.

  “I wonder why he capitulated and let you stay with me,” I said gently, not wanting to scare her. Her boss seemed scary enough.

  “He smelled like money.” As soon as Christopher was out of sight, her face relaxed. “Horror isn’t really my thing, though.” She smiled, “But it’s Christopher’s thing; he’s pretty horrible.”

  We both burst into laughter.

  “Do you want to go to a room with him?” I worried she might be obligated to do whatever he asked of her.

  “I’m here to work. Going to a room with him is NOT in my job description.” Her face fell as stress flattened her lips into a line.

  I wished I could see the whole of her face. I could only imagine it was completely gorgeous. The rest of her certainly was heavenly. Her being masked was supposed to be part of the fun and attraction of the evening, but all I wanted to do was rip the damn thing off her face and kiss every part of her.

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  More about Sarah

  Sarah has been writing since she was 16 years old and has published multiple Amazon bestselling books. No matter if her heroes are Billionaires, Bad Boys or both - she loves to write about hot and sexy alpha males, who are protective and sometimes bossy, as well as the women they crave. Her exciting stories are always steamy, with a lot of twists and turns and a guaranteed HEA that leaves you satisfied after a wild ride - just like it should be in the bedroom, you know?

  Sarah loves to travel the world, because new places always inspire her. Right now she enjoys time in Europe while writing new books.

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