ela

evident. For a moment, he didn't say anything, jus

ding up a hand. "You

all this media and daddy mess blows over; then we 'break up, and you get on with your life. That is it. A win-win si

ch of paparazzi bursting into your room. What's insane is having your father breathe down your neck, ready

that you are in trouble of one sort or another, but I do not

have a problem with it

he squared his thro

e," I snapp

y all this had to happen, but it's just not that kind of man. I keep my head down

. "Gary, this isn't a request. It's an offer. A

ion and annoyance. "And what makes you t

I'm willi

is head tilted slightly,

ill get enough money to take a vacation, pay bills, or w

eyes cynical

r. "Enough to make it worth your time," I replied vaguely

e was nervous yet intrigued by pursing his lips and darting his ey

d, lowering my voice. "If I wanted to, I could

together. Finally, he let out a deep sigh; shoulders caving he settled toward his knees in de

smile slipped throu

" his voice

smoothing my dress. "My father d

ion of th

ocating. Gary rode rod straight beside me, his fingers beating out a spastic rhythm on his knee. I gave him no

ence far away, the house was a white marble-walled high-towering piece of architecture supported with columns and carv

ove up the long driveway.

ing," I correct

els clattering noisily on the stone steps to warn all, I was coming. Gary followed mo

eliers glistening, shining marble floors, and walls lined with artworks of value.

eking of cigar smoke. My father sat behind that enormous oak desk, commanding the

firm voice. "And this m

ed but nodde

im over like some specimen under a gla

" he replied,

eaned back in his chair, expressionless. "

at me to bail him out, but I did

n jobs at the mom

wryly into that mild condemning smile of his. "I

It's unimportant, Father. It matters not, because i

t mind me making an announcement to the world about your engagement. It'll

not necessary. We can

e that everything is well under control, and tonight, the engag

little, my composure cracki

leaving no room for argument in his ton

. "Father, this is not your decision to make. G

o that low dangerous level. "If you wa

ly beside me, all that earlier bravado gone. I turned to him and watched

e, and I exhaled. "Fine," I said throug

Gary's

father's house. I leaned my head against the window and listened to

o his modest place. It was a far cry from Cast

he silence broken. "This

ence wearing thin. "What

. You said I'd be your fake fiancé, no

glaring at him. "Wh