His back is to me as he returns to the bathroom. The white terry cloth towel tied tight around him gives me the perfect view of his rock-hard glutes.
Jesus, I’m no better than a man.
“Start getting ready, Raina, fake fiancé plays fake brother night one is about to begin,” he calls over his shoulder before he slams the bathroom door again.
Looking down at the ring on my finger, I tell myself I can do this. It’ll be easy.
All I have to do is pretend I’m madly in love with Luciano while in front of Javier, and that he’s a member of my family while we’re in front of his.
At least I know one of those things will be easy.
I’ve already been in love with him for years.
CHAPTER TWELVE
After handing the valet the keys to my rented convertible Aston Martin, my hand gravitates to the small of Raina’s back as though it was always meant to rest on that spot. I guide her to the doors of the restaurant, still trying to calm my cock down from the salute it’s giving her, approving of how gorgeous she looks.
When she emerged from the hotel bathroom in a red silk cocktail dress with a back that dipped just above her waistline, I salivated at the sight. She paired it with strappy black heels that wind up her calves and left her hair in loose waves.
She is dressed to kill. I’m just not sure if her target is Javier or me.
“Are you sure you want to do this?” she asks for the third time in a fifteen minute span. “There’s still time for you to retreat.”
“We’re doing this,” I remind her again as I use the hand that ghosts her skin to lead her into the restaurant.
Sobrino de Botin is the oldest restaurant not only in Spain, but in the world, and as we enter the building, it’s like we’re transported back in time with the exposed stone walls and lowlighting. Candles top every table, and the place is packed, which is not only a testament to its history, but to the food.
Raina sucks in a sharp breath as her gaze falls upon who I presume is Javier, if his predatory smile and slow saunter over to us is any indication.
“Raina,” he greets through gritted teeth as he shifts his sight over to me. “I thought I mentioned our reservation was not large enough for your…guest.”
Guest my ass. You know exactly who I am.
Time to slip into my role of fiancé.
“You must be Javier,” I assert, removing my hand from Raina’s back to get closer to him before he can get close to her. Extending my hand, I pull him in with a cheerful clap on the back as he takes it. “So nice to finally meet you. I’m Luciano, Raina’s fi?—”
“Brother!” Raina exclaims as an older woman approaches with tears in her eyes.
I widen my smile. “Hello!” I overenthusiastically greet the woman who has just joined us.
“Hello, I am Javier’s mother, Alba. I am so pleased to meet you, Raina,” the woman says with perfect English, and I’m relieved I won’t have to pull out the Spanish I learned in high school to try to converse with the Moreno family. “And you brought your brother! So glad to meet you.”
“You as well, ma’am.” I charm her as I shake her hand. “I hope you don’t mind that I’ve accompanied my sister on this trip.” Releasing Alba’s hand, I subtly rest mine on Raina’s waist, and Javier’s gaze follows, just like I hoped it would.
“Not at all. I will just ask them to set another seat at the table,” Alba insists.
“That would be wonderful,” Raina interjects, taking a step forward so my hand falls away from her, landing at my side.
Taking her removal of my hand as an invitation, Javier reaches toward her and offers his arm so they can walk together to the table. Her body language is reluctant, and the moment her hand touches his arm, he leans in for a kiss, which she dodges by turning her head at the last moment. As his kiss lands on her cheek, she throws me a quick look and visibly deflates as they begin to walk, leaving me to trail behind.
When we arrive at our table in the back, the waitstaff is already reconfiguring it to include a space for me. The other dinner guests are introduced as Javier’s sister Isabella and her husband Raphael, as well as Javier’s uncle Elian and cousin Ruben.
I’m not surprised that the men look at me with scrutiny as I take my seat, pulling my napkin from the table and onto my lap as I do.
Raina sits beside me, and I waste no time sliding my hand under the table to squeeze her knee, reminding her I’m right by her side.
When I turned into this sap who actually gives a fuck, I have no idea. But all I know is I want to make sure this dinner goes off without a hitch and Raina is comfortable throughout it.
