16. Michaela
Michaela
A n incessant ringing jars me out of my sleep.
I groan, disoriented and irritated someone would dare to interrupt my deliciously naughty dream.
As I find my bearings, I’m shocked to find my fingers buried deep inside my pussy. I’m even more shocked when realization sets in.
No way was I fantasizing about Phoenix.
On a curse, I remove my slick hand from between my legs. I shift my gaze to the nightstand when my phone rings again. I grab it and flip so I’m lying on my back and answer.
“Hey, Keira,” I say.
“You’re up?”
“Barely.”
“I can tell by your morning voice,” she says.
“What’s up?”
“I have a delivery guy here with an enormous bouquet of flowers.”
I sit up straight in bed. “Someone sent me flowers?”
“I’m going to play psychic and guess they’re from your husband-to-be,” Keira says.
“Oh wow.”
“King Kong Tycoon has great taste.”
“What do you mean?”
“I have no idea what these are, but the bouquet stands out, and it’s unique,” she says.
Would it be wrong to admit a shudder of excitement washes over me?
“Do you want me to send the delivery guy over to the guesthouse?”
“Can you accept them on my behalf? I’m not presentable right now.”
“All right, I will,” Keira says. “But get your pretty ass over here pronto so we can have breakfast and you can tell me what you did to deserve such a stunning bouquet.”
“I’ll be right over.”
I end the call, a huge smile stretching my lips.
After a quick morning routine, I take a shower, get dressed and I’m out the door.
Memories of our fiery kiss tiptoe through my mind when I pass in front of the spot where Phoenix assaulted my lips a few hours ago.
My mind kept reminding me it was all for show––a practice run––but from the way my body ignited under his touch, I know it was way more.
I’m still unsure who that brazen woman was who so greedily grinded her body against a near stranger without an ounce of shame, out in the open for public scrutiny.
Fuck, that was a hell of a phallus.
Kissing Phoenix shouldn’t trigger this wave of confusion. I need to keep things straight. I can’t afford to have a fuzzy mind around this guy. He’s too dangerous. And too much of a great kisser.
Damn him.
With each step I take, more snippets from last night’s kiss flash in front of my eyes.
I don’t want Phoenix to kiss me again.
I don’t want Phoenix to kiss me again.
I. Don’t. Want. Phoenix. To. Kiss. Me. Again.
I stop halfway to the house and I bring my fingers to my lips as if they’re still burning.
How could I have enjoyed it so much?
Why does he have to be who he is?
Such injustice, God.
Another time, another place, and that kiss might’ve meant something.
The irony.
This isn’t a Hallmark movie.
My new reality is as far removed from a fairytale as can be.
I, Michaela Knight, am a pauper, pawned by her desperate father, in debt to King Phoenix Konig to the tune of two hundred million for a year of pretend.
Nothing more. Nothing less.
As I reach the main house, my phone rings.
King Kong Tycoon.
I should change his name.
Nah. Not yet.
I laugh under my breath.
“Good morning,” I say, accepting the call.
“Good morning, Michaela.”
That voice.
“I hope I’m not waking you up,” he says.
“In a way, you are.”
“I’m sorry,” he says. “Should I call back a little later?”
“I’m up and about. Keira called me when the delivery guy showed up at Rhys’s house. I’m on my way there now. Apparently, someone sent me flowers.”
“Guilty as charged,” he says. “You haven’t seen them yet?”
“No. Keira accepted them on my behalf because I was still in bed when the delivery guy showed up.”
“You in bed… that’s quite the visual, Michaela.”
I can imagine his hooded blue eyes staring at me with desire while the muscle in his jaw ticks like last night. As if on command, my pussy clenches.
God.
Enemies? Lovers? Future fake husband and wife? I have no fucking clue what we are anymore. I’m not sure I care either. Not after last night’s kiss.
I clear my throat. “Thank you so much for the flowers,” I say, veering the conversation to safer ground before I throw caution to the wind and rush back to the guesthouse to rub one out. “That’s so unexpected. Keira can’t stop gushing all over them. I can’t wait to see them.”
“I selected a bouquet of dahlias.”
“Dahlias are gorgeous.”
“They’re unique… like you. I got the hot pink ones because it’s your favorite color.”
Warmth curls in the vicinity of my chest.
The giddy feeling lasts a second.
Fake marriage.
Get it together.
“You’re calling because you want us to meet today.”
“Yes,” he says. “We have a lot of ground to cover.” I’m grateful he slips back into business mode. “Do you have plans this morning?”
“No. I was going to hang out with Keira.”
“I hope your friend won’t hate me, but I’d love to steal you away. Let’s have breakfast together. Something laidback before we jump into contract terms.”
“Okay. I’m sure Keira will understand.”
“Good. I’ll send the Bentley over. The chauffeur will leave now. He should be there in forty minutes, if traffic permits.”
“That works. I’ll be ready.”
“Your engagement ring should be delivered by the time you get here.”
My head jerks back in surprise. “Oh wow. That was quick.”
“You texted me your top selections last night, and I forwarded it to my contact.”
My heart is beating way too fast for me to form a response.
A hurricane of emotions riots through me.
This is really happening.
“We have to get the ball rolling, Michaela,” he says, as if he can sense my turmoil.
I nod even though he can’t see me. “I guess so.” The words come out faint.
“You’re still with me on this?”
I pinch my lips together, wanting to escape from all of this, but I can’t.
“Michaela?”
“I’m still in.” I know what’s at stake. “It’s a lot to take in at times.”
“We’re a team,” he says, borrowing my words from last night.
I can’t help my laugh. “We’re a team.”
“All right, I have to go. I’ll see you soon, Mrs.Konig.”
“See you soon,” I say.
Then, it hits me.
Wait? What?
“Phoenix, I’m not changing my last name.”
No answer.
“Phoenix?”
I pull the phone away from my ear and stare at my screen, dumbfounded.
He hung up.