CHAPTER 004

JAMES

It was adorable to see Stella all flustered. She was always so uptight and stern but right now, with her trapped in my arms, she was flustered as fuck. Teasing her was fun. It made me want to do it even more.

“What do you mean you don't want it to be fake?” She asked, nearly stuttering and a small smirk graced my lips as I leaned even closer so that our breaths were mixed.

“What do you think I mean, Stella? Don't you notice the way I stare at you? Isn't that enough to show that I feel something for you? Every bimbo I've fucked, every girl I've brought to my office while you listened, was to make you jealous. Haven't you considered that for once?” I asked softly as my thumb gently traced her bottom lip and for a moment, she looked mesmerized, causing me to smirk in amusement.

She was so gullible.

Until she suddenly pushed me backward, and I almost stumbled due to how harshly she pushed me. Damn, she was strong. And maybe she wasn't as gullible as I thought.

“We both know you did those things just to get on my nerves. And to get me on your bed, nothing more. Seriously, Mr James, playing around like this is childish as fuck.” She replied in annoyance as she brushed her shirt and I tugged on my bottom lip with my teeth.

She was not just hot but smart as hell. She was my type. But she wasn't wrong. Everything I did was just to get her in my bed. Why was she playing so hard to get?

“Fine. We'll keep it as professional as you want. But if you end up falling in love with me—”

“That won't happen in a million years, Mr James. I should caution you to not fall in love with me instead. I can be very tempting.” She interrupted me with a confident smirk and oh, how I wanted to break that confidence out of her.

“Alright, Missy. What are your rules? Let's get down to business.” I said as I sat down on the couch while she took her seat behind her desk before running her tongue over her lips.

That action right there always made me lose my mind. I couldn't help but imagine how it would feel if she ran that pretty pink tongue of hers over my—

“Here are my basic rules,” She started, interrupting my lewd thoughts and I finally glanced up at her. “We can do whatever couples do in public, but it is strictly forbidden when we're alone. You're not allowed to touch me inappropriately. You don't own me. So don't try to act like you do.” She said with a stern expression and I sneered in amusement as I leaned into the couch.

“Feisty, I love it. I have no problem with your rules. As long as you do what you're supposed to do, we'll be fine.” I replied and she hummed in response before returning her attention to the pile of documents in front of her.

I wanted to kiss her lips again. They were softer than I had imagined. Damn, she was driving me insane. And I won't back down until I have her where I want her.

In my bed.

“We need to make our first appearance. That'll cause a spark and we'll be the next source of gossip. What do you say?” I asked and she glanced up at me with a slight frown on her face before she finally nodded.

“That sounds fine. You make the preparations and let me know what I need to do.” She replied before returning her attention to her book and a scowl formed on my face at how nonchalant she was.

“I'll pick you up by eight. Make sure to look your best.” I said harshly before leaving her office but I didn't miss the look of confusion on her face as I left.

Why was I suddenly throwing a tantrum? Stella had always been like that. But it was definitely more annoying now that she was my pretend girlfriend. She didn't give a fuck about anything and I wouldn't lie that it didn't piss me off.

The day went by in a flash and it was already time for our date. Stella had left the office hours ago, acting like we did not share a passionate kiss earlier today. Returning home, I didn't waste time and quickly freshened up before draping on my favorite suit.

I drove to her apartment that I was all too familiar with and the moment I parked the car, she stepped out of her house. I was dumbfounded for a minute as I stared at her in a blue sundress that did nothing but hug her tightly in all the right places.

How did she know I was wearing a blue suit as well? We were matching without even trying. I stepped out of the vehicle and opened the door for her as she got in silently.

She didn't notice that we were matching until I got into the driver's seat. 

“Oh? How are we wearing the same color?” She asked in amusement as she buckled her seatbelt and I chuckled in response before driving towards the restaurant.

“Let's call it telepathy?” I replied as the car sped down the road and she chuckled softly before looking out the window in silence. The way the wind blew her hair and the glow from the moon made her look even more ethereal as she sat with a smile.

“You look beautiful.” I blurted out and she turned to look at me in surprise as a soft chuckle escaped her lips while I cleared my throat in embarrassment.

“Was that a compliment?” She asked as a soft laugh escaped her lips. I was about to reply when I noticed the large crowd in front of the restaurant.

Those damned media.