32

32
Liam
"Was that necessary?" she asked, her voice laced with irritation as her sharp gaze locked onto mine.
Arlene wasn't one to sugarcoat her words, and her question hit hard, making me wonder if I had crossed a line.
She glared at me, daring me to justify my so-called dramatic stunt. I leaned back against the wall, crossing my arms as I replied smoothly, "Is that your way of saying thank you for saving your ass?"
She snorted, folding her arms across her chest. "I don't need saving. I could've handled it perfectly on my own."
A smirk tugged at my lips as I raised an eyebrow. "Is that so?" I shrugged nonchalantly, letting the silence linger before adding, "It's simple. I can walk back out there right now, tell everyone it was a lie, and watch how quickly you lose your position as president of your father's company. I'd enjoy seeing how you handle that on your own."
Her jaw tightened, the fire in her eyes dimming just enough to show she knew I wasn't bluffing. I had her cornered, and she hated it.
After a tense pause, I continued, "But I have to admit, this little charade has been... interesting. So, tell me, Miss Gomez, are you really pregnant?"
She raised her chin, annoyance flashing in her eyes. "If I wasn't, I wouldn't have been dumb enough to go along with this ridiculous game."
"I see," I replied, my lips curling into a satisfied smile that I knew irritated her even more.
Satisfied for now, I let the topic drop. There was no need to push further - she'd already agreed, even if her reluctance was practically radiating off her.
We had an understanding: for appearances, we'd play the happy couple until her child was born. After that, we’d go our separate ways. No strings attached.
She nodded reluctantly. "For this to work, we'll need to be seen together often. I'll send you a contract outlining the terms. And while we're on the topic, what do you want in return? It's obvious your family has tried countless times to get linked with mine. What's your price?"
I chuckled at her audacity, shaking my head. "You do love to flaunt your wealth, Miss Gomez."
Her brows furrowed, clearly not expecting that response.
A smirk tugged at the corners of my lips as I leaned back, deliberately casual. She was as predictable as ever, and I enjoyed prodding her just enough to see that fire flare up. "You're right. I do want something."
Her eyes narrowed, irritation flickering across her face. "Of course. A Walker always wants something."
I couldn't help but laugh, the sound low and easy. "You'll get the details tomorrow," I said, letting the anticipation hang between us. "Let's see if you can afford it."
Her head snapped up, her gaze locking with mine for a moment - startled, maybe even a little nervous.
But she quickly masked it, shrugging nonchalantly as though my words hadn't fazed her.
"As long as you're out of my life after two months," she muttered, her tone final.
I didn’t respond, letting the smirk linger on my face. Two months? I could play the role. But if she thought she'd seen the last of me after that, she didn’t know me nearly as well as she thought.
"Don't forget," I said, nodding toward her hand, "you're wearing a ring that says otherwise. People will think we're an actual couple soon enough."
She scoffed. "We'll announce the breakup in two months. I don't need you or anyone else. The only important thing is that someone is claiming to be the father of my child."
I shrugged, knowing I already had her tangled in my web. There was no way I’d let her—or anyone else involved—out of my sight until I had the answers I wanted.
"Two months is enough," I said coldly. "Come up with something brilliant so I don’t keep getting tied to you."
That was meant to infuriate her, and it did.
Her head shot up, her glare piercing. "You're the one who tied yourself to me. I didn't ask for your help."
I smirked, stepping closer. "You didn’t reject it either."
Her mouth opened, but no words came out. Satisfied, I turned toward the door.
"Do you want them to believe we’re the real deal?" I asked, glancing back at her, my gaze deliberately dropping to her stomach.
She shot daggers at me with her eyes, clearly flustered. "What?"
"Open up," I said, motioning toward the door. "That’s what I meant."
Her expression was a mix of disgust and reluctant compliance. I chuckled under my breath, amused at how adorably ruffled she looked.
She walked to the door but paused abruptly, making me raise an eyebrow.
"One more thing," she said, turning to look at me. Her voice dropped, laced with a hesitance that wasn’t like her. "When I asked if it was necessary... I meant the kiss."
I snorted, stepping toward her. Her eyes widened slightly, but she didn’t back away. She held her ground, ever the fighter.
"I see you couldn’t forget it," I teased, leaning just close enough for her to feel the heat of my breath on her skin. Her cheeks flushed, but her expression remained defiant.
"We have two months," I murmured, my voice dropping to a low, almost taunting tone. "I’ll give you the honor again."
She snorted, stepping back slightly. "You won’t, because that will be strictly nullified in the contract I’m sending you. Now, shall we?"
Snapping the door open, she gestured for me to step aside. I smiled and stepped back, motioning for her to lead the way.
"We shall see, little mouse."
Together, we walked out of her room, putting on an act that would fool anyone watching.
As we reached the bottom of the stairs, I spotted my father approaching. Before he could say anything, I leaned down, pressed a quick kiss to Arlene's cheek, and bid her family goodnight.
"I have something to attend to," I said smoothly, walking past my father before he could corner me.
I spotted Alex, making a spectacle of himself in the corner. When he saw me, he grinned mischievously, the smell of alcohol wafting off him.
"Does it fit?" he slurred, clearly enjoying himself.
I stopped in front of him, my jaw tightening as I replied, "I’ll answer that only after you get your ass to my car and explain the stunt you pulled earlier."