Unnecessary Rumors

ROSALIE'S POV

"You know what? I'll cancel my plans to leave for now, if you don't want me to go."

A smile spread across my face. I had completely forgotten he'd mentioned leaving.

"As for the hangout, how about I pick you up tomorrow?" he added before I could respond.

My lips twitched into a grin. "Okay then. I'll be expecting you tomorrow."

We chatted about random things for a while before ending the call.

That night, I was relieved that Elijah didn't come to bother me. Even dinner was brought to my room.

I would rather eat alone than share a table with that jerk.

The night slipped by like water through cupped fingers, and sunlight spilling through my window pried my eyes open.

I stretched my sore arms with a yawn, hummed softly, and headed straight for the restroom.

After showering, I stepped out with a towel wrapped securely around me.

Suddenly, a familiar scent stopped me in my tracks.

"What the hell!" I yelped, spinning around.

There he was.

Elijah stood across the room, wearing a smug expression.

My throat tightened. "What are you doing in my room? Scratch that—how did you even get in here?"

He raised an eyebrow. "This is my house. I don't think I owe you an explanation."

"Fine. Then why are you here so early in the morning?" I shot back.

Did he realize he'd nearly scared me half to death?

"I sent some documents last night about the responsibilities we'll be handling together. You didn't respond. Why?"

A frown crossed my face at his ridiculous question.

"Maybe because I was asleep. I literally just woke up. Now, can you leave? I need to get dressed," I said stiffly.

Instead of answering, he simply stared at me.

"Elijah."

"What?"

"I said I need to change."

"And I'm listening."

My jaw tightened as I glared at him.

"Get out," I said, pointing toward the door.

Rather than leaving, he stepped closer. Instinctively, I stepped back.

"Elijah, I swear..." My voice caught in my throat as he leaned in, and the air between us tightened my throat.

His amused expression only deepened.

"Why are you flushing so much, huh?" he whispered, his finger brushing a few damp strands away from my face.

My lashes fluttered. "It's none of your business."

I tried to push him away, but his hand caught my wrist mid-air.

He used it to pull me against his chest. "Are you aroused? I thought you had some self-control and loyalty," he taunted, his face mere inches from mine.

My toes curled. Damn me, I could feel my nipples hardening at his closeness.

My lips parted to speak, but he beat me to it.

"We have a charity event. We'll be attending it together next Friday," he declared, staring deep into my eyes.

His hand left mine and settled on my bare shoulder, his finger tracing small circles that sent heat pooling low in my belly.

"You can always attend alone." My voice came out weaker than I intended.

The finger on my shoulder trailed lower, dangerously close to my breasts, while his other hand settled on my waist.

"Then I can also cut our agreed payment short," he chimed in.

My eyes widened as reality snapped back into place.

"You wouldn't," I managed, but the words came out thin and breathless.

Still, Elijah didn't step back. His thumb kept drawing slow circles on my shoulder.

While his other hand on my waist was just there, not squeezing, merely lingering in a way that somehow turned my knees to water.

"You signed the contract, Rosalie. You have to attend public gatherings, parties, meetings, literally everything with me."

The way he said those words, his steady gaze locked on mine, nearly made me lose my mind beneath his touch.

My throat worked around nothing. "That's blackmail. I didn't—"

His finger pressed against my lips, silencing me.

His gaze dropped to my knuckles, which had turned white from gripping the towel.

"You're shaking."

"I'm cold," I cut in immediately.

He knew I was lying. Damn me, we both knew it.

Under the weight of his stare, I couldn't help shifting, and my thighs pressed together on their own.

He noticed instantly as his gaze flickered to my clenched thighs.

Stupid me.

His gaze darkened. "Cold? I don't think that's the case here," he said knowingly.

My heart hammered against my ribs. "I need to change, and I'll attend the charity event with you," I whispered, biting my lip.

His gaze lingered, as though he had no intention of leaving.

"For the charity event, you'll wear what I send. Understood?"

My brow furrowed. "That's ridiculous. How can I—"

I stopped when he tilted his head, his lips barely an inch from mine.

"Okay, but get out," I said weakly.

My thigh shifted against the other instinctively, and he chuckled softly.

Just as he was about to speak, my phone rang, cutting through the tension.

Without a doubt, I knew it was Chris. He must have arrived already.

Elijah's hand dug into my waist. "Going around with your fiance might stir up unnecessary rumors I don't want," he added, making my eyes widen.

"But you knew I have a fiance?" I asked, glaring at him.

He smirked and finally moved away. A breath I hadn't realized I was holding slipped past my lips.

"Of course I knew. But does everyone who knows we're married also know you're now engaged to another man?"

My lips parted at his words.

We held each other's gaze for a fleeting moment. "Okay, fine. Just for these ninety days," I whispered.

For those days, I would pretend, pretend until it was over.

He gave a curt nod, turned, and left through the door connecting our rooms.

My chest had barely settled when my phone rang again.

I grabbed it immediately and swiped to answer.

"Why weren't you picking up?" Chris's smooth voice flowed through the phone.

I offered an awkward chuckle. "Huh... I was a bit—"

"Were you with him? Is that why you didn't take my call?"

My fingers tightened around the phone.