en around the edge of the table until her knuckles turn white, but her jaw sets in a way

ot most

e clock on the wall. "That's how lon

gesture I'm starting to recognize as her thi

. "Shopping. Lots of shopping. Hair, makeup, the works.

sses her arms over her chest. "The

smeared makeup and rumpled clothes. "But Maverick will be watching for any sign that you don't be

her confidence wavering. "I don't know if I can do this, Rowen.

est. I set my phone down and move closer to her, careful not

me," I sa

, and I see fear there, bu

ideas, made me laugh, and never once seemed intimidated by who I am. Mave

of a smile. "Easy for you to say. You've been

ded. "I grew up middle class, Avery. My parents were teacher

and she uncrosses her ar

ing to keep the conversation from getting too personal. "The point is, we both know

oulders relaxing slight

aven't used in months. "We start with making y

t st

married so quickly. Maverick will ask questio

liar voice answers. "Rowen Knight.

phia. I ne

tan's elite for fifteen years. If anyone can transfor

a complete makeover. Hair, m

the tabloids ar

, Avery's eyes wide

. "You really think you can get married in Vegas with

and count to f

es are grainy, but it's definitely you two lea

ers digging into my skin. "W

phia. "And clear your schedule.

going to

lways

Avery leans over my shoulder, and I catch a whiff of her shampoo. So

h drop: "Billionaire Bad Boy's Sec

owen Knight's Vegas Mistake

er my shoulder. "Oh God. They think I'

us leaving the chapel, both obviously drunk, with me carrying her shoes whi

e the most d

in our favor," I say,

There are pictures of me drunk in a weddin

ildly. I can see the panic setting in, and I k

can't threaten to expose something that's already

ind of

ke. That you're just a paid actress or that

res at me. "Isn't that e

prove that if we're

hia: Saw the photos. Bring her to th

"The sooner we get you ready, t

ere looking at me with those gre

t?"

ot what I

id you

man who would marry a stranger for business

people tell me what they think I want

I say. "Maybe I just h

saw you when you talked about your parents. I see you now, worrying ab

building walls around myself, and this woman I've known f

caring, Avery. I need you functional

about her that gets under my skin in a way I don't understand. Maybe it's her h

e makes me want to be th

she says with a small smile t

ver been anyone's husband. Never wanted to be. But hear

say, more abrupt

rd the bathroom. "Let m

hrough my hair. What the hell am I doing? This was supposed to be a simpl

out Avery Sage

ed off her makeup and pulled her hair back in a ponytail. She look

that has nothing to do with expens

?" she

'm not ready f

o," I sa

phone buzzes with another

ely wife tonight. I hope she's prep

xpression chang

h her face pale again. But she doe

o scare us," s

work

t there an hour ago. "Good. Let him think he has the upper h

ore trouble than I thought. Because Avery

o be my partn

rust myself not to forge