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It’s because I have this compelling need to know everything about you. What makes you smile; what makes you laugh? What makes you worried or scared? What you like; what you hate? Why you always manage to bring the sunshine with you wherever you go?"Can’t slip up. This is my one chance to make sure my grandfather confirms me as the CEO of the company."
"Is that so important to you?"
"Is that a question?"
She opens, then shuts her mouth. "Money isn’t everything. Nor power. There’s more to life than just trying to build your business empire."
"Been there, done that. All there is to life is money and power. It’s what allows you to control your future."
"You don’t believe that."
I incline my head.
She searches my features, then lowers her hand to her side. "Just because you had your heart broken once—"
"That is not up for discussion," I growl.
Hurt flares in her eyes.
My heart stutters. I’m unable to guard myself against her responses. I want to draw her close and tell her everything, and then what? I’ll never break my vow to not allow anyone else in my life again. It’s not right to give her false hope when I intend to always keep that emotional distance between us. I firm my lips.
She takes in the expression on my face, then squares her shoulders. "I am going to be your wife—"
"Fake wife."
"But real in front of everyone else."
"What’s your point?"
"I need to know enough about you so I can ensure no one, especially your family, can question our relationship." She thrusts out her lower lip in that expression I’m coming to recognize as stubbornness, and damn, if that doesn’t make me want to close my mouth over hers, dig my teeth into her lower lip and—
I clamp down on my errant thoughts. "You’re right."
"I am?"
I nod. "It’s why you’re moving in with me."
17
Mira
"This is your room. Mine is next door; the ensuite connects both rooms." He stands at the entrance to the bedroom, one hand braced on the doorframe. It’s a posture that declares his masculinity in no uncertain terms. When he said I needed to move in with him 'right now,' he meant it. He coerced me to pack what I needed in an overnight bag. He assured me the rest of my stuff would be sent over soon.
Then, he hustled me past my friends, who looked at us open-mouthed in surprise. He gave me just enough time to tell them I was fine, and that I was relocating to his place until the wedding, which is in approximately five days. Gio spotted the engagement ring. When she pointed it out, my friends gathered around me while Edward waited nearby, impatience writ in every angle of his body. Abby congratulated me, and Summer said she couldn’t wait to help me choose my wedding dress. She’s also recommended a wedding planner, who she said would contact me. Penny said her friend, Amelie’s company would do the catering.
Only Gio remained unconvinced. She made me promise to call her if I need any help. I hugged them all, managed to keep the tears from falling, and left with Edward.
And I know, he mentioned we’d have separate rooms, but looking around the space, which is almost as big as my entire one-bedroom, I’m overwhelmed. I’m getting married in a few days, to a man I don’t know. And no one except me, him, and my father knows why. A shiver grips me, and I wrap my arms about my waist.
I hear footsteps, and the next thing I know, he’s draped his jacket over my shoulders. The scent of woodsmoke and that faint tingle of electricity surrounds me at once. It’s as if I’m surrounded by Edward. I’m not sure if I like him, but I could bottle his scent and sniff it all day. Not that I’ll ever admit that to him. I snuggle into his jacket. The weight of his hand on my shoulders sends a flush of heat over my skin. I shiver again.
"You’re cold. I’ll turn up the heating in the room."
"No, I’m good, I—" I begin to protest, then turn to find he’s pulled out his phone.
He plays with the screen. "All done."
"You’re able to control the temperature of my room with your phone?"
