17. Chapter 16
Ria
Instantly I start sweating as all eyes turn to me.
God, I can actually feel a drop of sweat trickle down my spine as I take in Leo’s expression. He looks like I’ve just kicked him in the balls.
Repeatedly.
His face is an awful shade of green, and he looks like he’s in actual physical pain. Of course he won’t want to do this. He’s a playboy and enjoys that life. There is nothing wrong with that, but now I’m suggesting he be tied down to one woman. It’s actually laughable that people will believe this.
I clear my throat and stand tall. You can totally do this, Ria. You’re a billionaire, for Christ’s sake.
“Let me rephrase that. We need to stay married.”
“What the fuck?” Hunter rushes to my side. “Why do you need to stay married?”
“Let your sister speak, Hunter,” Mom says calmly, and Dad looks just as confused.
“Thanks, Mom.” I walk toward Leo who looks like he’s about to faint. “I’m afraid we have to keep this up.” Passing him my phone, he slowly takes it and frowns slightly. “Read the email. Please,” I whisper.
To:riastone@
From:colewest@
Subject: Congratulations
Dear Ria,
I hope you don’t mind me reaching out but I would like to congratulate you and your new husband.
My brother Jude sent me a photograph of him and his new wife last night at The Little White Chapel.
They eloped as he couldn’t wait to make her his wife.
Apparently he was hooked from the start, and honestly I’m happy she keeps him in his place.
But I was shocked to see you in the background looking every bit the blushing bride.
You looked remarkably happy and in love with your new husband.
I was unaware that you were involved with anyone, but I’m so very happy that you have found your happily ever after.
Sending you and your new husband all the happiness and good fortune.
Looking forward to our meeting this week; maybe you could bring your new husband along. I’d love to congratulate you both in person.
Kind regards,
Cole West
CEO West Wing Hotels
“Oh, shit,” Leo mumbles.
“Yep, oh, shit.” Taking the phone back from Leo, I turn to Hunter, passing him the phone.
His eyes widen as he reads the email. And then he wordlessly hands me my phone, blinking rapidly.
“So we have to keep this up at least until I win this portfolio. I can’t and won’t lose to Ezra fucking St. Claire because I fucked up. ”
“You sure about this?” Hunter asks softly.
“Yes. If you agree to it?” I plead with Leo.
“If you think it will help you win this portfolio then I guess.” He half smiles.
“But what happens when you win the portfolio and then you get divorced? If you have the portfolio, he is going to be a big part of your working life.” Hunter’s brow creases as he crosses his arms over his chest.
“We will keep up the marriage until the portfolio is won and then we will stage an amicable breakup,” I reply, looking up at Leo, watching his throat work as he swallows roughly. “You sure you’re okay with this?”
“Of course,” he says almost too brightly. “You know I’ll do anything for this family.”
“Anyone going to clue us in as to why these two have to stay married?” Deacon chirps up from behind.
“You pass me that last bacon sandwich, Grumpy, and I’ll fill you in.” Grace winks and Deacon shakes his head at her, but I catch the slight tug on his lips.
I emailed Cole back thanking him for the well wishes and letting him know that I will bring Leo along to our meeting.
We are extremely happy and in love.
It was an impulsive decision but we couldn’t wait. We looked at each other and we both just knew.
Well, that’s what I’ve told Cole.
I can’t exactly tell him that I was ridiculously drunk and can’t remember marrying my brother’s best friend, who by the looks he is giving me across the room is regretting sitting next to me on that bench last night.
I’ve ruined his playboy lifestyle in spectacular fashion, and now he is attached to me with the figurative ball and chain until I secure this deal.
I thought I was figuring out my life after the shambles of my relationship with Ezra, but apparently I’m still able to mess up even in my thirties.
Fuck my life.
“How’s the head?” Jade sits down opposite me and passes me a fresh bottle of water.
“Not great.” I gratefully take the water and take a sip. “Not sure if it’s because of the alcohol or the situation I’ve currently put myself in.”
“Yeah, you’ve outdone yourself.” She laughs, resting her chin on her palm as she grins at me.
“Ugh, why did that prick have to show up? He turns me into this…” Raking my fingers through my loose waves, I tug at the ends.
“This irresponsible mess.” Sighing, I release my hair and meet Jade’s worried light blue eyes.
“I like order. Things always have their place, and I have lists and plans that I don’t deviate from.
Why did I allow myself to let him mess with my head and get under my skin? ”
“He seems to have that effect on people. Hunter has been a nightmare since he showed up, and don’t get me started on Beck.
Lily and I have had to talk him off the ledge.
He wanted to go to Ezra’s hotel room last night.
I won’t repeat what he wanted to do to him, but I think we would have been bailing him out of prison this morning if we hadn’t calmed him down. ”
“I don’t blame him. Ezra was a fucking dick last night. Never have I seen him act like that before.” I soften my voice as I take in her worried expression. “Have you heard from Trixie?”
She reaches across the table and grasps my hand in hers, her smooth warm skin comforting me. “She’s fine. She messaged to say that she would meet us later on as planned.”
“And Ezra?”
“Booked a flight back home for this evening but is apparently glued to my girl’s hip until then.” She rolls her eyes, sighing. “I’m sure he will lurk in a corner somewhere until he leaves. I’d love to see him take on Lily and Grace.” She smirks as she releases my hand.
“I might actually start something just to watch that happen.” I give her a devious smile that she returns.
“I could be up for that.” She scans the rooftop, and I know she’s looking for my brother. Her cheeks flush ever so slightly when her eyes land on him, and I see him give her a look that as his sister I wish I couldn’t see.
“Jesus Christ, do you have to eye fuck my brother in front of me?” I scrunch up my nose as she turns back to me.
“You don’t have to watch.”
“But you’re literally sitting right in front of me.”
“Sounds very much like a you problem.” She shrugs.
“I have many problems right now, Jade.” I huff out a humorless laugh as I watch Leo talking to a stunning blonde in a barely there bikini.
And right there is why I know I’ve succeeded in ruining his life for the foreseeable future.
The man loves his lifestyle, and now it’s going to do the biggest one-eighty.
But also watching how she lightly touches his forearm has an unfamiliar sensation rushing through me.
Jealousy.
“But are you sure about this plan?” Jade’s question brings my attention away from my now—however fake it is—husband.
“Too late now.” I nod toward Leo who is still talking to the blonde. “But it’s not me I’m worried about.”