Falling For My Billionaire Dad's Rival's Son.

The necklace pricked my skin, it's rough edges unlike any I've worn.

I took it off, unaware he was right behind me.

"Put it back on," he said calmly.

I shivered. Terrified, but glad he didn't hit me. I wouldn't want to get a bruise on my day of reckoning. My special day...

I stood in my walk-in closet, still in my robe. Streams of water flowing from the tips of my hair onto the white marble floor.

"Don't take it off again."

I headed slowly towards my bed, holding my breath. The burgundy dress I held grazed the hem of the others on the rack.

I stared at my almond-shaped nails reminding myself that fear was a luxury I couldn't afford.

"I see you're eager to get rid of me princess... It won't happen."

Today was the day I'd finally escape this prison called engagement. The plan was simple: Meet Damon Grey, seduce him, marry him, then father wouldn't lose his assets. My reward? Freedom.

I gazed at the dinner dress, low-cut, thigh slit. He picked it out. It was his favourite.

Damon was sure to notice.

I put it on and flashed a fake smile, one of the many I've done during my engagement to Brian.

"How do I look?," I asked, hoping to get a mild answer.

If hopes were horses, I'd seduce them...

He circled me footsteps echoing in the large dressing room.

He smirked, "like mine."

Tonight was about survival, freedom. If I married a man more powerful than both my father and fiance, they'd lose their leverage over me.

If I failed to seduce Damon Grey, I'd be married off to Brian by sunrise.

I had only 10 hours.

"Brian smiled. The kind, I knew all too well, the one that promised consequences.

"I won't fail" I promised myself.

He adjusted his cufflinks and kissed my cheek.

My stomach turned. This won't be for long.

. . .

The drive in the limo was slow even though we were at a good speed. I sat at the left-hand side clutching the rest of "my dignity." I avoided eye contact with him.

We arrived at the destination in no time. Huge black and gold gates with intricate floral designs blocked the entrance.

Cameras flashed—paparazzi. Cars moved with ease in line.

I took a deep breath.

"You know what to do," he took a quick look at me and stepped out.

The driver glanced at me through the rearview mirror.

I stepped out, into the entrance, holding his forearm and my purse.

It was a penthouse and we were off to the rooftop. The elevator ride felt unbearably slow.

I lowered the volume of my phone, the time watching me like a hawk. 9 hours left.

As soon as we stepped in, I was greeted with the luxurious scents of champagne and cologne. There were hints of cherry, alcohol and rose.

A woman walked towards us and greeted Brian with two kisses-on his cheeks.

Didn't matter.

"Wait here, I'll be back," he commanded, stepping away from me into the crowd.

I heaved a sigh of relief. Maybe, just maybe this once I could have a taste of freedom.

I grabbed a glass of wine from the server, still standing in the centre of the room.

I scanned the room silently observing faces, mapping out the nearest exits and threats.

I hoped I'd recognise him once I saw him. I only had a vague description of him.

"He'd be in a blue tux"

Men paced round me, some even making sexual remarks, none daring to strike a conversation with me.

Women in gold or champagne laughed, giggled and drank.

A woman caught my eye, she was in red, I stared at her in the distance. I loved her hairdo. I couldn't see her face but I could tell she was pretty; tall and pretty.

Next to her was the back view I recognised all too well, the one I had seen several times. My fiance.

Of course.

I sent him a text. "Found him yet?"

No reply.

I grabbed another glass of wine and walked to the balcony.

The slightly less chilly environment was a sharp contrast. I needed a breath of fresh air.

My heart rate quickened, I was dizzy.

I'd only had a drink. I grabbed the railing and stepped aside to drop the drink in my hand.

"Breathe Aurora, breathe," I muttered.

I took two deep breaths, steadying myself.

"Whoa, easy, easy. I can tell you don't take alcohol," a masculine voice rang in my ears.

I staggered. He grabbed me before I could fall.

"Jeez, what was in that drink?!," I wondered.

His strong hands held my waist steady. I turned, taken aback. There stood the most physically attractive man I had ever met. His piercing blue eyes unlike any I've ever seen, assessed me.

I took two steps back.

"Are you okay?" he asked moving closer.

"Yeah, yeah I'm fine." The alcohol cleared immediately and I wasn't so dizzy anymore. Which billionaire heir was this?

"I'm Rex," he stated almost as if he read my mind.

I hesitated.

"I'm... Rosella," I replied taking his outstretched hand.

"Are you sure you don't need to lie down? Who are you with? I'll call them to take you some other place"

I smiled. He was charming.

"I'm with my husband."

"Husband?," he searched my face for proof of a lie.

Luckily, I could pretend.

"Yes, husband"

He took a quick look at my hand.

"I don't see a ring," he raised his eyebrow.

"I took it off"

"So, that means you're not married right now"

He smiled. His perfect teeth glistening.

I couldn't help but giggle.

My phone vibrated, lighting up. It was a text from Brian.

Brian: Where are you?!

My heart skipped a beat, not the good kind.

"Is that him?," he asked warmly.

"Yes, excuse me"

I walked hastily to the main room, bumping into several staff.

He walked towards me.

"I'm sorry Brian, I..," I pleaded.

A fierce slap landed on my face knocking off my earring.

I tasted blood.

The room went quiet. All eyes on us.

"Whore!"

I winced.

"What?"

"Where were you?!" he raised his hand again ready to strike.

I fell on my knees holding my cheek.

I closed my eyes bracing myself for what was to come; public humiliation.

Just before he struck, the footsteps I heard before, echoed.

I raised my head.

It was Rex.

He grabbed his hand fiercely and threw him a punch.

"Never hit a woman!" he ordered.

Before Brian could retort, another punch landed on his jaw.

I froze. I was done for.

Brian staggered, almost falling. He grabbed a nearby object intending to hit Rex with it.

Rex caught it and threw it across the room. He growled.

"Rex, Rex please stop," I pleaded, slowly rising from my knees.

Brian's eyes widened.

I couldn't think straight. So much was happening at once.

"If he makes one more move..."

"Please" I begged, scared of where this was headed, "he's my-my husband"

The crowd gasped.

Brian looked round the room, his teeth clenched in rage.

I glanced at a nearby clock. 7 hours left.

I was at crossroads. Let this man beat up my fiance, find Damon or leave while I still had the chance?

The latter wasn't an option. I knew Brian would find me and even my father couldn't save me.

As the clock ticked, I hoped for a miracle, and for the first time in a long time, I said a silent prayer.

My lipstick was smeared on my cheek. I stood in between the two men.

Brian was about to drag me when his voice echoed.

"Touch her and you'll regret it" he promised.

Whispers moved through the crowd. I caught a name. A title. Fear.

Who was this man? and why did he command such authority?, I questioned.

"She's under my protection now"

I bowed my head. He walked closer to me, looking straight

into my eyes.

"Divorce him"

He took a step backwards, and stood directly in front of Brian, inches away from his forehead.

He said, loud enough for everyone to hear, "Marry me."