His lips were soft and warm against mine, and for a second, I forgot to breathe. The way his mouth moved over mine wasn’t careful, it was deep and claiming.
His hand slid to the small of my back, pulling me closer until there was no space between us.
My hands pressed against his chest, and I should have pushed him away but instead, I held on.
My head tilted instinctively, my body remembering every inch of his like no time had passed.
His fingers moved up, cradling my jaw, everything about the kiss was too much and not enough.
We pulled apart slowly, breath catching, lips still close. I looked up at him, stunned, heart racing. His lips were slightly parted, his eyes heavy–lidded. Then he gave the smallest smile.
But it faded quickly.
‘That was perfect for the media,” he said, voice low and cold only loud enough for me to hear. “Exactly what my father wants. A convincing public relationship between Hart and Sterling.”
The way he said it made my chest sink. I stood there, still catching my breath, staring at him like he’d just ripped the ground from under me.
I had kissed him because I wanted to help him, because I didn’t want anyone to think this marriage was ake but he made it sound like I was just a useful pawn in someone else’s plan.
I didn’t say anything. I followed him quietly to the car as he led the way.
The driver opened the door and Rick slid in first. I followed, sitting as far from him as I could manage without making it obvious.
The silence in the car was thick. I stared out the window, unsure what I was supposed to be thinking inymore. I had questions, so many. Why would our fathers agree to this? What was the point of it all? Why ne? But none of those questions had answers. And the person sitting next to me wasn’t about to offer hem.
When we arrived, the car slowed outside a massive, high–rise venue, the kind of place reserved for
politicians and billionaires.
Gold–framed glass doors, marble pillars, tall windows reflecting the city lights. Everything looked so polished it almost hurt to stare.
Then came the cameras.
As soon as the door opened, lights flashed in every direction. A sea of press surged forward, voices calling our names. Rick stepped out first, then turned to offer me his hand. I hesitated, just for a second, but I took
- it.
I had barely gotten my footing when his arm wrapped around my waist, tugging me close against his side. His grip was firm, and his other hand landed lightly at my hip, fingers brushing the satin of my dress.
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I didn’t know if it was for the cameras or if he could feel how tense I was, but the moment his body touched mine, the nerves went through the roof.
“Smile,” he whispered near my car. “This is the easy part.”
Then he stepped forward with me tucked neatly against his side, guiding us through the press line.
“Rick Sterling!” one of the reporters shouted. “Is this your wife? Are you confirming your marriage today?”
He gave a perfect smile. “Yes. This is Fiona Sterling. My wife.”
Gasps, flashes, murmurs, everything swelled together as questions started flying.
Inside, the event space was massive. Chandeliers dripped from the ceiling, tables lined with gold runners, a live quartet played softly in the background.
The room was filled with guests in gowns and tuxedos, the rich and powerful watching us with interest.
I could hear whispers, cameras still flashing from discreet angles.
We started to mingle, everyone was watching us, and I was doing everything I could to act like I belonged.
A group of women approached me, eyes wide and gleaming.
“You look amazing,” one of them said. “Who’s the designer?”
I blinked. “Uh, I’m not sure, Rick had it picked out.”
They giggled and started talking over each other, asking more questions I didn’t know how to answer. I gave a small smile, nodding politely.
Then I felt it, his eyes.
I looked up and met his gaze from across the room. His arms were crossed, suit perfect, expression unreadable but locked directly on me. I faked another smile and turned away.
Seconds later, he was there.
“Excuse me, ladies,” he said smoothly. “Mind if I steal her for a moment?”
They stepped aside. Before I could ask what he wanted, his hand wrapped around my wrist. He led me through the crowd, not saying a word. We moved down a quiet hall until we were away from everyone. Then, without warning, he turned sharply and shoved me gently but firmly against the wall.
“What the hell was that?” he demanded, eyes dark, jaw clenched.
I flinched.
His voice dropped lower, more controlled. “I’m not going to hurt you.”
He stepped closer, one hand on the wall beside my head. “Why did you kiss me back there?”
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I stared at him, trying to focus but his cologne, his body, his closeness, it was all messing with my thoughts.
My chest rose and fell quickly. I clenched my hands to keep them from shaking.
“You don’t get to yell at me,” I said quietly. “People were already whispering about how fake this marriage. was. Someone even said we had no chemistry. It’s going to ruin your image, your father’s plan. Wasn’t that the point of all this?”
His expression shifted just slightly, eyes narrowing.
“I only allowed this because it works for the media,” he said. “Don’t ever confuse it for something it’s not, you shouldn’t even be thinking about falling in love..”
“Please,” I cut in. “I didn’t sign up for this nonsense either. I did it to save you from-”
“Save me from what?”
I paused, lips parting, then shut them again. “Forget it.”
I tried to move past him, but he blocked me. I pushed again, glaring up at him. “You don’t get to drag me around like this. You made it clear, this marriage is on paper only so stop acting like you have control over
me.”
His eyes darkened further. “You agreed to wear my ring, live in my house, show up at my events. That comes with consequences, sweetheart.”
Before I could respond, a staff member walked quickly toward us.
“Mr. Sterling,” she said. “There’s been a change. We weren’t able to prepare a return car in time. You and your wife will need to stay at the nearby hotel overnight.”
“What?” I said.
Rick just shrugged, already moving past me. “It’s one night.”
I pulled out my phone, calling Lena. She picked up immediately. “Mommy?”
“Hi, baby. I won’t be home tonight, okay? But make sure you eat everything and listen to the staff.”
“Okay! I really like it here,” she said.
I hung up, heart aching.
The journey to the hotel was quiet. The sun had dipped below the skyline by the time we arrived. The staff at the front desk greeted us and handed Rick a keycard.
“One room,” she said. “Last–minute reservation, that was the last suite available.”
My eyes widened. “Wait, one room?”
She smiled tightly. “Yes, ma’am, just for tonight.”
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I turned to Rick. “We’re sleeping in the same room?”
He took the key, gave me a look, and walked ahead.
I stood there, stunned.
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Chapter 14
Chapter 14
