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To the untrained eye, he was dressed “simply”—nice pants, nice shoes, nice sweater.
I knew better. The way the fabrics were cut, the way they hugged his thick frame, everything was designer, down to the chain around his neck, the glasses on his face, and probably that fucking nose ring.
Inappropriate probably, for a man his age, but he was a billionaire.
He could get away with what he wanted.
Instead of giving Orion the satisfaction of being watched—at least by me—the whole way, I turned back to my plate.
“Good morning, ladies,” he greeted the table. “I hope it won’t be considered too much of an imposition that I covered your bill.”
I rolled my eyes, but Morgan and Alexisbothjust grinned at him.
“No, not at all,” Morgan said, her expression morphing into mischief right in front of me. “We’ve been celebrating the happy news…”
I almost choked on the mouthful of biscuit I was using as a reason to not say anything, tossing a glare in her direction as Orion planted a hand on my shoulder.
“That’s good to hear,” he said, giving me a gentle squeeze. “And in that case, I’m sure you ladies won’t mind if I borrow my lovely fiancée for a moment.”
Before I could offer howImight feel about being “borrowed”, Orion had already grabbed my hand. Knowing I couldn’t make a scene in this restaurant, I accepted his help in leaving my seat, sending another glower at my “friends” before being led away from the table.
“What the fuck do you want?” I hissed when he finally stopped, in a somewhat private area. We were still visible for plenty of patrons, but far enough away that the contents of the conversation could remain between us.
“Why so hostile so early?” he asked, wetting his lips with his tongue.
Shit.
I couldn’t look at his mouth.
“Make your point before I walk away,” I demanded, faltering a bit when he stepped even closer into my personal space.
This was dangerous, considering how our last “conversation” ended.
“Our lawyers have finished up our agreement,” he said, speaking into my ear.
I took a step back. “This could’ve been an email. Instead of you hunting me down at breakfast.”
“This is entirely coincidental,my love.” He grinned. “I enjoy breakfast too, believe it or not.”
I scoffed. “And here I was thinking the blood, sweat, and tears of the people your family destroys would be sustenance enough.”
Orion tossed his head back, laughing. “That’s funny. I like laughing. Keep it up.”
“Fuck you.”
“Soon enough, sweetheart,” he said, stepping in again. “Sign your papers today.”
I rolled my eyes. “Why the rush? The sooner we do, the sooner we have to start playing pretend.”
Orion hooked a couple fingers under my chin. Suddenly, I was incredibly conscious of the spot he’d chosen for this conversation. More than a few people were staring right in our direction.
He smirked at me, still holding me as he leaned in to press a soft kiss to the side of my head.
“In case you haven’t noticed, Nala, the show has already begun.”
FIVE
ORION
