Chapter 21 21. I Don't Sleep With Liabilities
My gold satin dress shimmered like liquid sunlight, ruched at my hip with a daring slit that kissed my skin.
I didn’t wear this dress to defy Lucien; just for the neckline. Low enough to tempt, and perfect for concealing the tiny bottle beneath my left breast.
"How nice of you to use my words against me, Ms. Sterling,"he said, holding out the door for me. "And no, I don't sleep with liabilities."
"Ouch." I said lightly. "I guess I need to work on my seduction skills."
He shut the door, and I used the few seconds before he joined me to steady my hands. Tonight couldn’t go wrong.
Ronan showed up at my door last night, angry as expected, as I didn't inform him about my new contact. He'd handed me the tiny bottle, refused to say what was in it. That was all I needed to know.
"I don't want to see you with alcohol throughout the event." I faked a yawn in response.
"Did you finish reading the file I gave you last week?"
"Lost it."
"Camila Sterling." The way he said my name made the air heavy.
I read the files, and I knew who to talk to tonight and who to frown at. Don Hayes topped the latter list. Lucien said never smile at him. So, of course, I planned to.
"If you have enemies you wouldn't want me talking to, why invite them to the anniversary?"
"In my world, enemies sit closer than allies," Lucien's voice lowered as our car joined the line of gleaming vehicle approaching a hotel.
"So what's my role tonight? Trophy girlfriend or corporate spy?" I couldn't resist the jab.
"Both, if you're as clever as you think you are."
The car stopped. Rafael, who was already standing outside, opened the car door for Lucien while Lucien opened mine for me. Camera flashes exploded like tiny supernovas as I got out. Lucien's hand perched on the small of my back and we walked in together.
"One more thing," he murmured against my ear. "Don't talk to my brother no matter what."
"Worried he'll tell me all your dirty secrets?"
His fingers dug slightly into my waist. "Worried he'll tell you lies that sound like truth."
Before I could respond, we were walking through huge doors of a hall and swallowed by the glittering crowd. I plastered on my perfect girlfriend smile, while Lucien looked as composed as ever. My attempt to rattle him a little before the event hadn't worked.
His hand didn’t leave me as we made our way deeper into the crowd. Every move felt like a choreographed dance of power and pretense.
I smiled on cue while Lucien never slipped, murmuring polite hellos to people I’d only ever read about. Some nodded back, others looked through me like I was furniture. But none of their stares matched the weight of Don Hayes’.
He stood like a sentinel in the center of the room, silver-haired and hawk-eyed behind thin-rimmed glasses. His presence alone made me straighten up.
I extended my hand toward him with my brightest smile. "Mr. Hayes, it's such an honor to meet you."
Lucien’s head turned slightly, that look in his eyes saying, what the hell are you doing?
Don looked at my hand like I’d offered him something foul.
“So you brought the kitchen girl.”
“Kitchen girl has a nice ring,” I said, forcing brightness into my voice. “Congratulations on the anniversary. You must be proud of raising such a business gem.”
“Flattery from the help. How novel.” God, what a miserable old bastard.
“That’s enough, Camila.”
I smiled tightly. Somehow, this didn’t feel like winning. I just wanted to crack someone's perfect composure in public.
“Lucien Hayes,” a familiar voice cut through. My chest tightened before I even turned.
Ronan.
He was here. Why the hell? If he was attending, why send me to handle Rafael tonight?
I tried to look casual though my pulse betrayed me.
“Wow,” I said, stepping forward with a too-bright smile. “I finally get to meet the infamous youngest son of the Hayes family.”
Lucien’s sharp gaze snapped to me. It wasn’t annoyance or anger this time. The realization hit me a second too late. He hadn’t introduced Ronan as his brother.
I blinked fast, forcing a nervous laugh.
“You look so much like Lucien.”
That wasn't entirely false, since they had the same shade of dark hair.
Even Ronan’s expression shifted, that half-smirk that seemed to say 'Careful, Camila'.
Then he looked at Lucien. “Your girlfriend looks like a killer in that dress.”
The words hit harder than they should have... because we both knew what he truly meant.
Lucien didn’t respond, but his jaw tightened. Ronan’s smile stayed fixed as he nodded to Don, then turned and walked off into the crowd.
For a moment, no one said anything. Then Don's voice cut through the soft music.
“I heard you had an issue with the last cargo. I thought you settled the immigration already.”
Cargo. Immigration.
My stomach turned. Did they send a new batch already?
What a disgusting family!
I suddenly wanted to be anywhere but here.
“Go to our table,” Lucien said quietly. “Front row.” Then he leaned into my ear, "Don't you dare touch alcohol."
I started to move, but his hand stopped me. I hadn’t even realized we were holding hands.
I looked up at him. For a second, he just held on, his thumb brushing lightly against my skin before he let go. The warmth lingered for a moment, then started to fade.
The first few times he’d touched me, his hands had been cold. Always cold.
I found our table, spotting the neat little placard with "Lucien Hayes and Camila Sterling" in elegant calligraphy. The front row, of course. Nothing but the best view for the great Lucien Hayes.
Some executive on stage droned about Hayes Corps' record profits and community initiatives.
Yeah, right. Like Lucien cared about the community.
Despite my gold, I felt like an imposter here. These people were born into wealth or clawed their way up corporate ladders. I just got lucky playing pretend girlfriend to a monster.
If I hadn't answered Clara's call that night... if I hadn't rushed home... where would I be now? Maybe still saving pennies for my café and penthouse that would've taken decades to afford, no matter how little I spent.
I closed my eyes, reminding myself of the 'simple plan'.
Clear the debt with Ronan, milk Lucien for every penny, expose him. Then disappear.
"You look lost in thought, querida."
Ronan slid into Lucien's chair beside me, his cologne too strong and smile too sharp.
My pulse spiked, and I forced myself to remain calm. There were no CCTV in the hall and only two official photographers, but there were plenty eyes, and I knew some were on me.
"You should be keeping your distance to avoid suspicion," I warned under my breath.
"Maybe that's what I want," he grabbed a lock of my hair, dragging it slow between his fingertips. "In addition to drugging Rafael, get me Lucien's fingerprints." He spoke so casually like it was an easy task.
I clenched my fists. He could have told me yesterday and I'd have gotten it in the car earlier.
"Fine, now please leave."
My skin crawled as his hand moved to my neck.
"I think I'll keep you company."
Suddenly, a shadow fell over me and a firm grip yanked Ronan's wrist away.
"The lady wants you to leave her alone..."