Those dark green eyes pierce through me, not fooled by my tone in the least.
I ignore her prying gaze and the disappointment on her expression. “You’ll be my girlfriend. Starting tonight, with a dinner date.” I plaster a fake-ass smile on my face and wait for her reaction.
“Yes, Zander.” Her posture stiffens now that she knows the rules of this game. It’s an act and she’s ready to play the part. But I don’t want her to just play, I need it to feel real.
“Would you talk that way to your boyfriend?” I ask her. My jaw clenches at the thought of her speaking to Brooks like that. I ignore the jealousy creeping up my spine and sending a chill over every inch of my skin.
Arianna holds her clutch in both of her hands clasped in front of her and shakes her head slightly. “No,” she answers honestly.
“Well then, it’s just Zander, alright?” I tell her with a feigned casualness. “None of that…” I don’t finish, not sure how to word her normal submission.
“I don’t know how to…”
“How to what, sweetheart?” The little nickname parts from me without my conscious decision, but the way she reacts makes me want to say a million times over. The soft curves of her face brighten, and a beautiful pink hue rises to her cheeks. She lowers her head a little, closing her eyes and sinking her teeth into her bottom lip as she shakes her head slightly.
“How to,” she starts to say with her eyes still closed and then opens them slowly, those gorgeous green eyes staring straight into me. The way only she can. “How to act tonight?” she asks in a voice so genuine, so sweet. Fuck, and all because I called her sweetheart? The shift in her is addicting. I love the smile. The light that I give her.
This is why I can’t deny her.
Chapter 12
Arianna
My heart feels like it's going to escape out my throat as I walk up the steps to Gargano’s Italiano restaurant, my heels clicking against the stamped concrete. Wonder courses through my limbs as my eyes take in the gorgeous setting, the bright backlighting illuminating the entire area with soft golden light.
I grip the railing as I walk beside Zander, his arm wrapped loosely around my waist. The stairway leads up to double doors that are surrounded by huge white Greek columns. There’s a ten-foot male statue fountain halfway up the steps, the columns of water spraying high into the air. Surrounding the stairs is lush green landscaping, sprinkled with well-manicured walkways and white stone benches.
This is beautiful.
I’m so enthralled with the picturesque scenery that I only make it a couple of steps before I nearly trip over my dress. He told me to wear a gown, and this is the only one I had. The strapless chiffon fabric is forgiving and doesn’t wrinkle which is a plus, but it’s a bit long for my petite stature.
Shit.
Zander quickly tightens his powerful arm around my waist, saving me, pulling me against his hard body, and forcing me upright. The smell of his masculine cologne tickles my nose as I suck in a grateful breath, my skin pricking from the heat emanating from him. He smells like a fresh breeze and sandalwood. It's both calming and intoxicating.
“I’m sorry,” I apologize softly from beneath lowered lashes, my face burning red with embarrassment. “I wasn’t watching where I was going.”
Zander told me to act like his girlfriend, but all I’m succeeding at is being awkward. I’ve never done this before, and my insecurity doesn’t help. I feel like I’m not worth being on his arm, like it’s obvious this isn’t real. But I force a smile, trying to keep up appearances.
Zander smiles back at me, moving his hand to my hip, and despite my nervousness, I can’t help but notice how handsome he is. He fucking owns the black tux and bow tie he’s wearing. I’ve seen many men in expensive suits at Club X, but I’ve never seen anyone wear one like he does. He radiates, power, wealth and sex like the sun radiates light. I’m breathless, being this close to him. Like I’m drowning. And I don’t want to come up for air.
He chuckles as he says, “I’ve got you. I won’t let you fall.” It’s an odd thing, seeing how charming he is. I wasn’t expecting him to be like this after the signing. I didn’t expect any of this. And I don’t know how to react.
“This place is beautiful,” I say when I catch my breath. I'm trying so hard to be polite and act normal.
“If you think this is beautiful, wait until you see inside,” Zander boasts. His teeth sparkle when he smiles. It’s a beautiful look on him, that gorgeous smile, but it makes me feel uneasy.
Keeping a firm hand on my waist, he leads me up the stairwell. I raise my head, trying to look regal and confident on his arm.
As soon as we walk in, my breath catches in my throat as I take in the impressive architecture. Soft music plays over unseen speakers, setting the romantic ambience. We pass under impossibly high ceilings with massive archways that are decorated with silk sheers. I can see our reflections in the gleaming marble floors, and gorgeous intricate designs are inlaid across the surfaces.
The walls are painted a soft golden color and the sconces on the wall gives off a warm, fuzzy glow, infusing the room with an angelic-like radiance.
Tables are set with pure white cloth and the china and glasses are accented with gold. Expensive. This place looks fucking expensive.
And the people. Everyone here is dressed in their finest.
“You’re right,” I murmur, feeling extremely insecure. I lack the confidence of the other women around me. I have to look out of place on Zander’s arm. “It is better.”
Zander winks at me as we walk up to the reservation area, his arm resting possessively on the curve above my ass. “Told you.” Seeing his playfulness eases my anxiety somewhat, though I clutch at him tightly to deal with my frazzled nerves.
Not a minute passes before a waiter dressed in uniform walks up to us.
“Do you have a reservation?” the waiter asks, his vest bunching slightly as he stands at the podium, flipping over a sheet of paper.
“Payne,” Zander replies shortly although his voice doesn’t hold an edge.
The waiter looks down at the booklet on the podium before nodding and motioning us out of the foyer. “Of course. Right this way, Mr. Payne.”
As we follow the waiter and pass by rows of occupied tables, Zander tightens his grip on my waist and pulls me even closer, causing my skin to flush. It’s like he wants to show me off to the world and wants everyone to know we’re together. I even see a few women look our way, their eyes glued to Zander and traveling down his body, but then stopping at his hold on me.
I try to act confident, but I can’t keep my eyes from nervously darting about. I feel like everyone knows I don’t belong here. That I’m a worthless fraud.
“Remember to play your role,” Zander says under his breath. “Act like you know me and not like you’re a scared little doe lost in the woods.” He whispers the words, but there’s a playful smile still on his lips. His words have an immediate effect on me, and without even thinking, I gently place my hand on his stomach, feeling the hard ridges of his abs beneath his silk dress shirt.
“That’s better,” he says quietly.