NO STRINGS, JUST LIES

're

did. He had one hand shoved in his pocket, the other cradling a phone he wasn't using. His gaze skimmed down

judged by a man who once thought "cleaning up" mea

d, adjusting my grip on Noah

desk and walking toward me like a wolf circling a ra

sitting came with b

ed. "That's your wa

's my way of calling you the mos

inst my cheek as he babbled something incoherent. Te

more than my college degree. My brother's place was intimidating even on video calls in person.

er?" I asked. "He

"Dubai storms grounded his jet.

ky

oward a low-slung glass table covered in coff

I said, reac

la

ped around the edge of a

is arms in one practised move. He held the book high and Noa

d. "Didn't know you

am good at sav

being a smug bastar

id, "but where's

evator

f aura that said my name is on buildings. He looked around, eyes narr

ickly, setting Noah down and e

ng his hand. "Wanted to meet the fa

. "I'm so

y waist like it belonged there. "Yes

w

derful. Family men tend to be

ancée and our son when Grang

is the li

ths," I said

e. I could practically feel the heat rol

a wink. "You've done well, Rhyland. A family m

slowly. "Can I talk

tely at Grange

him toward the hallway with e

ed once we were out of earshot. "Fiancé

m do

You just made me your fake baby mama

ght? He's obsessed with image and wants to invest in peop

anicked a

smiled. He's into it.

im. "You are

u need a place. I need a fianc

and I get free rent in exchange for what? Cooking

ooking," he said. "And you do

ulder. "Don't fl

I'm offeri

ffering a

her's out of the country. This penthouse has security, space, and a spare bedroom. All you have

om. He was dancing now flailing, babbl

ht between fury

for me?" I a

this is over if I land th

ed. "Ho

figu

sita

But I'd never let anythin

sed, and terrified after my ex showed up at daycare. It was Rhyland who'd picked me up. Who stood bet

reasons. But I didn't d

was sipping his drink, talking to my

blow up in your

said. "But it'll loo

out hi

have

red a

at

uffed a designer coaster d

k at hi

you touch me in public,

low. Dangerous. "Oh,

ed. "No weddings. No real

se not,"

knew he