Chapter 13

Blake pulled Liya closer when he spotted a veteran paparazzo clicking pictures of him and his brand new fiancée. He wanted the photographer to snap a cozy, intimate picture – one where any judge in the world could easily see the sizzling chemistry between him and his fiancée. He rested his face in Liya’s hair and smiled dreamily. So far his engagement was going according to his carefully scripted plan. Tomorrow morning’s headlines would speak of little else — the billionaire Tycoon’s engagement would capture the attention of countless readers, fans, haters, and anyone that loved gossip. Liya’s intelligence, coupled with her centerfold body, guaranteed a tabloid buzz that would last for days, softening the impact of Alicia’s futile legal case. Blake smiled to himself.

Alicia would soon learn about his fiancée. How could she possibly top his choice of partner? Liya’s angelic nature and her background in psychology would win judges and juries the world over. And the best part was that Sophia preferred Liya over Alicia.

His hands tightened around Liya’s waist when he spotted more photographers taking pictures. He couldn’t afford to waste this opportunity. He hated lying to Liya but if she ever found out he’d faked their engagement; he’d tell her the truth. Surely she would understand and forgive him? Suddenly the engagement of convenience didn’t seem so straightforward after all.

He led Liya back to their table when the photographers stopped taking pictures of them. He was relieved when the evening finally reached its end. He was constantly aware of Liya as they drove home. She yawned at regular intervals despite the constant smile on her face and glow in her eyes whenever she glanced at him.

Although there was a definite chemistry between them, Blake didn’t plan on taking advantage of the situation. Technically, Liya was his fiancée so consummating their relationship shouldn’t be an issue.

Unless Liya discovered he’d tricked her so he could defeat Alicia in court. The brief touches of their hands whenever he shifted gears wreaked havoc on his hormones and conscience. Luckily the roads were quiet and they soon reached home. Blake was grateful when he parked inside the garage. His attraction towards Liya had multiplied since she’d accepted his ‘marriage proposal’.

He was constantly aware of Liya’s presence beside him even as he carried Sophia to her bedroom. What did he expect? She’d gone from babysitter to live-in fiancée in a day. He’d changed her status from employee to would-be-bride with his spontaneous proposal.

He sighed. He’d never lied to anyone before, especially when he was in a relationship. Liya didn’t deserve to be lied to. Maybe he should just come clean and tell her the truth now. His gaze strayed to his daughter. Sophia half smiled in her sleep. No, Blake decided, he couldn’t tell Liya the truth. He sensed Liya wouldn’t be happy with what he’d done. She’d probably leave. He froze at that last thought. No, he didn’t want her leave.

Perhaps the cold socialites he’d warmed in bed would agree to something as preposterous as an engagement of convenience in exchange for a generous compensation. But a good-hearted surfer girl, who was as wholesome as sunshine, wouldn’t be too pleased with his plan. Even if it was for a good cause.

Liya walked into Sophia’s bedroom just then with Sophia’s favorite blanket.

Sophia stirred briefly when Liya tucked her in. She glanced first at Blake, then at Liya. Her lips curved into the most radiant and heartwarming smile Blake had ever seen.

“I’ve never seen my daughter this happy before,” Blake whispered. “I wish I can keep her this happy always.”

“I promise I’ll always keep that smile on her face,” Liya said. She smoothed loose strands of hair away from Sophia’s face. “Always.”

Sophia’s smile tugged at Blake’s heart. In that instant he realized this was where Liya belonged.

Liya truly was a gentle soul who knew how to take care of children. She genuinely loved and cared for Sophia. She was more than just a psychologist with a hot body and she deserved more than just a fake engagement. Liya had transformed his solemn, withdrawn daughter into a happy, outgoing child who’d suddenly spoken about attending a “normal” school. Liya had definitely worked a miracle and helped Sophia find her self-confidence. Obviously her presence had something to do with Sophia’s much-needed internal growth. He had to make the engagement work, he decided, for Sophia’s sake more than his.

“Goodnight, Blake.” Liya’s voice broke into Blake’s thoughts. They’d tip-toed out of Sophia’s bedroom. Blake turned toward Liya and took her in his arms. He stared into her eyes for a few seconds. She had the most amazing eyes. He could gaze into them all night. His hand moved to caress the smoothness of her porcelain skin and fullness of her soft, bottom lip. Liya hadn’t changed out of her dress yet. His gaze drifted to her heaving, lush breasts. Her nipples peaked under his gaze. Liya’s lips parted to tell Blake something. Her words were forgotten when his mouth met hers. His hands moved down her back to cup her firm, tight buttocks. His lips were firm and demanding against her mouth. He inhaled the fruity scent of her shampoo and felt its ambrosia-like effect on his senses. The oriental undertones of Liya’s perfume seduced Blake to the point of lustful madness. He slid the straps of Liya’s dress down her smooth shoulders and inhaled sharply when his actions exposed her small, firm breasts. He gave himself a minute to absorb her breathtaking beauty before lowering his lips to capture one rose-colored nipple.

***

Stubble grazed Liya’s face, sending electric sensations soaring up and down her back. She wound her arms around Blake’s neck, never wanting to let go of Blake and never wanting this moment to end. Who’d have guessed a whirlwind romance could feel this good? That every cell in her body would yearn for Blake’s touch? She was aware of his hands moving up her back, past her neck to the clip securing her hair. He undid the clip, freeing her hair and tangling his hands in it.

She’d dreamt of this moment from the day she’d fallen asleep in his bed. Liya threw her neck back instinctively when shockwaves of raw desire coursed through her body. Blake teased her nipple with his tongue before he sucked on the hard tip greedily. Liya’s fingers dug into Blake’s flesh. She had never experienced such a passionate, sexual encounter in her life. Her experiences with men had been limited to one college boyfriend who hadn’t done much except kiss her. Nothing compared to the way Blake kissed her. His seduction brought her to the brink of her first orgasm. A sudden crash of thunder tore them apart. The lights went out. Blake and Liya relaxed only when they were convinced Sophia hadn’t woken up. Flashes of lightning lit up Liya’s sensuous body. Blake slid her dress down her body.

“I want you, all of you,” he murmured.

Liya barely heard his confession. She slowly snapped back to reality. Her engagement ring was ice cold against her skin. Although this moment felt so right, she could not move past the niggling doubt at the back of her mind. What if all this was happening too fast? The engagement? The kissing? She recalled the gossip she’d overheard in the restaurant. Had Blake really proposed to her because he loved her, or did he have any ulterior motives?

***

Blake sensed Liya’s hesitation when she trembled slightly. “What’s wrong, Liya?”

“It’s just that I always wanted my first time to be the most romantic, passionate and memorable encounter.”

Blake’s heart skipped a beat. Liya was a virgin! She expected romance and passion not spur of the moment sex. He couldn’t ruin her first experience because he couldn’t control his lust. There was just one tiny problem—Blake Stone didn’t believe in romance and passion. Sex, yeah, but none of that cotton-candy stuff Liya obviously expected. His mind strayed to his little girl. He had to at least make an effort to keep Liya happy. He couldn’t let Liya suspect his engagement to her was a farce. His permanent custody of his little girl depended on it. So did his daughter’s happiness. Blake counted to ten silently before replying to Liya.

“You’re right. We should celebrate our engagement properly.”

Their gazes met amidst furious flashes of lightning.

“I promise that it will be a night to remember. Trust me on that. And our celebration won’t be a one-night affair.” He lowered his mouth to hers. “It’s going to last for as long as we both want it to.” One glance at her doe eyes told him she was smitten. He’d spoken all the right words. Nothing could stop him now. He had to keep everything about his engagement to Liya as real as possible. He’d heard the gossip in the restaurant. He knew Liya had heard it too. He couldn’t give her a reason to suspect his didn’t have feelings for her. Of course, he had feelings for her, just not the type she expected him to have.

Also, his conscience wouldn’t let him live in peace if he seduced Liya tonight. He ignored the voice, took a second glance at her, and lost himself in her grey-green eyes. He’d drown in them if he had to. The storm raged above them, and inside his blood followed suit, hardening him to the point of madness. He had to have Liya. Yes, he’d promised her a night to remember. And he’d fulfill his promise. He had to make this engagement seem as real as possible, but neither of them could deny the passion that sizzled between them since their first meeting.

“Goodnight, Liya.” He kissed her one more time. Tomorrow night, he planned on truly making her his.