Page 72 of Valentine’s Billionaire Auction

“I have a ton of clothes up there already,” she said. “I haven’t even worn them.”

“I want something else.”

She rolled her eyes. “You’re ridiculous.”

“It’s the job.”

She gave me a dirty look. “We should probably get more specific about what the job is,” she muttered. “And what it isn’t.”

I knew exactly what she was referring to. Yes, it was worth a conversation, but I wasn’t ready to have it just yet.

“The job is exactly what I said it was. I have a delivery arriving soon. You’ll want to do the hair and makeup thing.”

“Why?”

“Because we’re going into the city and there will be photographers.”

Kaira groaned. “I’d rather not.”

“Do I need to I remind you of the terms of our agreement?”

“No. I’m your pawn. Someone you can dress up like a doll when you want to.”

“I’ll meet you in the foyer in an hour,” I said. “Maybe you’ll be less sulky by then.”

She shot me a glare before sulking all the way up the stairs.

I exhaled and rubbed my hand down my face. This was getting messier than I had anticipated. The boundary lines of our agreement kept blurring into something more personal and less contractual.

I got up walked to the window. We had jumped headlong into this farce of an engagement without fully considering all its implications. The media was a beast I was accustomed to but Kaira was not. She had the innocence of someone unscarred by the sharp claws of public scrutiny. I could shield her here on the estate, but once this was over, she was on her own.

Earlier that morning, I had done a lot of thinking. There was a dress we hadn’t bought during our shopping excursion, but I realized that was a mistake. I had called the store and ordered it to be delivered along with whatever accessories the salespeople thought would work with the dress.

The delivery arrived fifteen minutes later. I gave it to a staff member to take up to her. I hated that I was anxious to see her all dressed up. Was I treating her like a doll?

Either way, I liked spending time with her but last night had messed things up. The sex was one thing, but the way I acted after was abysmal. I had left the room without a word. I knew that was cold. She did not deserve to be treated like that.

I left the sitting room and walked to my study. I paced the small space feeling caged. Kaira had been a pleasant distraction when this all started. We had a simple agreement, business-like and mutually beneficial. But last night had changed something fundamental between us. The lines were hazy, our roles confused, and now I found myself in uncharted emotional waters.

I wasn’t just her faux fiancé anymore. There was something more, something deeper that I hadn’t anticipated. It was why I had gotten so distant after we rocked each other’s worlds. She made me feel things that scared me.

There was no way in hell I could act on those feelings.

I quickly changed into another suit and went to the foyer to wait for Kaira. I didn’t think she would stand me up but I wouldn’t be surprised if she made me wait as a way to pay me back for my rudeness earlier.

Later, when she descended the grand staircase, she looked incredible. The dress I’d chosen for her fit her perfectly. She had left her hair down and put on just enough makeup to enhance her natural beauty. The sight left me momentarily speechless.

“You clean up well,” I said, my tone light but sincere.

She gave me a dry look, clearly unsure whether or not to accept the compliment. “Wouldn’t want to disappoint the photographers.”

“I mean it,” I added, stepping closer. “You look stunning. I don’t know why we walked away from this dress the first time.”

Her cheeks flushed slightly. “Thank you.”

“Please tell me you’re comfortable in it.”

She smoothed her hands over the front of the dress. “Yes. It’s not something I would normally wear, but it’s okay.”