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“I want you to manage that closely,” Connor says, and I watch him lean back in his huge black executive chair, looking as powerful as any man can.
Perhaps more.
His tattoo may be covered, but I know it’s there, and the edge it gives him is different to the powerhouse he presents himself as here in his billion-dollar empire.
Which in and of itself is sexy as fuck.
“On that. Let’s discuss what youarewilling to discuss.” Tim lifts his tablet and taps on the screen. “The obvious questions will be about your relationship, but they’ll be curious about your family, Mia.”
My eyes dart between the two men. “I can’t speak about my family.”
The media, government, and police are our enemies. At least, that’s what I was told as I was growing up.
“Be generic. Something along the lines of, ‘Both Connor and I are looking forward to blending our families.’” Tim lifts a shoulder as if it is no big deal.
It is.
And I have no idea about Connor’s family.
We hardly know each other. From what I have read, he is an orphan. Yet, he seems to have thrived anyway and made his place in the world with outstanding success.
“Mr. Barrett, I have your cards.” Lilly walks over to his desk and hands him an envelope.
“Thank you,” Connor replies, ripping it open. “Let us know when the media arrive.” He briefly lifts his eyes to Tim. “I need a private moment with Mia.”
Tim nods and glances at his watch as he walks to the door. “Ten minutes.”
My stomach lurches. Soon the world will know who I am. Soon they’ll believe I am Connor Barrett’s fiancé, and our plan will be locked in place.
Holy shit. Am I doing the right thing?
As the door closes and we find ourselves alone once more, I turn.
“Maybe we shouldn’t do this,” I begin as Connor walks over to me. “I’ll figure out another way. I’ll...”
I’ll do what?
Where would I live? I’d have to go home, and the first thing they’d do is marry me off to that creep, Salvo Vitale.
The thought makes me feel nauseous.
“We are doing this, Mia.” Connor hands me two plastic cards. “These are yours.”
I glance down at the black credit cards and swallow.
You can do this.
“You’ll need to act the part, dress the part, and spend the part,” Connor says. “Update your wardrobe and ensure you have outfits to attend events and dates with your fiancé. We’ll be photographed together, and the media will want to know who you are wearing and all that bullshit. Make sure you know.”
I can do that.
I’m not a stranger to designer clothing. I came from money—dirty money. Most of my more expensive outfits are still in my wardrobe at the Mancini residence because they aren’t suitable for my current life as Mia, the events coordinator.
Now I am engaged to a billionaire.
It already feels like my old life is fading away, but I have to make sure it doesn’t. I am happy. I love my friends, and Sienna is important to me.
She is not mad at me about being a gangster’s daughter—like I had a choice—or rather that I didn’t tell her. Sienna was curious and asked questions, but I could sense she felt there were more lies hidden. She is right.
