The Correct Way To Live.

CATALINA

If I thought I could handle this job before, that confidence immediately disappeared when I stepped into the Knight family.

The mansion was freaking lit.

From the crystal chandeliers to the expensive red rugs, the place looked like it had stepped out of a freaking fairy tale. I could barely contain the awe in my eyes when we reached the dining table.

Up to now, everyone had done a good job pretending they never saw us messing around in the car like a pair of horny rabbits. For some unknown reason, I wanted to do a very good job for Theodore, and that meant convincing them that we were truly dating.

And they seemed very convinced.

A small wince escaped my lips when Theodore maneuvered me to a seat next to his. He seemed quite tense since the little car situation, but that didn't bother me at all.

Okay, maybe a little bit.

He kept throwing glances at the pretty little brunette, whom I assumed to be Madelyn. She was the only one who hadn't even spared me a glance since I walked into the room, and I knew why.

I grabbed Theodore's arm just before he was about to sit down. Ignoring his confused face, I readjusted his crooked tie and then gave him a peck on the cheek.

“Just wanted to make sure you were looking great,” I said sweetly. “Gotta look the part, right, babe?”

Translation: Get your shit together, Theo.

Theodore immediately cleared his throat after hearing my words while I sat down. Once dinner began, the tension in the room tripled as I felt everyone's subtle stares directed at me.

Eventually, one of the women couldn’t keep her curiosity to herself.

“I didn’t know Theodore was seeing anyone,” she said, tilting her head. “He must really like you if he’s been keeping you such a secret.”

I opened my mouth to respond, but paused when I felt Theodore stiffen beside me. The women exchanged knowing looks and barely-concealed laughs.

Honestly, I should have felt embarrassed. Maybe even a little insulted.

But instead, I leaned against Theodore's shoulder and replied. “Well, I wasn't very thrilled to meet you guys either. But Theodore begged me to meet the lady of the house, and he knows I will do anything for him when he pleases me right.”

Theodore choked on his glass of wine while the rest of the room went into shocked silence. The looks on their faces were truly priceless, and it was hard to hold in a snort.

Then, like a carefully aimed bullet, a voice cut through the silence.

“So... do you love him?”

I turned to see Madelyn watching me with a polite smile, her tone light and cold as ice. “I’m genuinely curious, Miss Rodriguez. What made you fall for Theo?”

I lifted my glass, swirling the crystal liquid within for a few seconds before I responded. “His money.”

This time, Theodore's mother dropped her cutlery on the plate and gave me a scathing look.

“I meant I fell in love with him because he's very generous,” I explained with a chuckle. It was really fun messing with these people, and I couldn't deny I was having a good time here. “Theo has such a big heart, and he's always ready to help people.”

Madelyn smiled. “That's good.”

Once dinner was over, Theodore's aunt kindly suggested we stay for the night. I wanted to refuse, but Theo accepted without a single glance and guided me to his room.

He shut the door with a sharp thud before facing me. “What the hell was that, Catalina?”

“What do you mean?”

His jaw clenched hard. “You were only supposed to convince my family that we were dating, not piss them off. Do you even understand the consequences of your actions tonight?”

Panic curled at the pit of my stomach when I heard the subtle threat in his voice. As much as I wanted to punch him for not appreciating my brilliant performance tonight, I still needed him to help me find my son.

“I didn’t do anything wrong,” I snapped. “Just because I agreed to help with this little charade doesn’t mean I’m going to let anyone walk all over me.”

He blew out a harsh breath. “It was one night, Catalina.”

“Good. That means all I have to do is wait for the sunrise so I can leave this place,” I replied. My eyes wandered across the room, taking in the grey and black sophisticated designs.

Then my eyes landed on the bed.

“I’m sleeping there tonight. You can take the couch. Or join me. Your choice. I really don’t care.”

Theodore rolled his eyes the second he caught me blatantly checking him out. He muttered something under his breath, threw his hands up, and stalked toward the door.

“I need a drink.”

“Bring two!” I called after him with a grin.

A few minutes later, Theodore returned with a bottle of expensive-looking whiskey in one hand and two crystal tumblers in the other. His sleeves were rolled up, revealing his strong, toned arms.

“I brought the good stuff,” he muttered, handing me a glass.

I took it, raised an eyebrow. “Trying to bribe me into behaving?”

“Is that even possible?”

“Nope,” I replied cheekily. “But maybe I can teach you how to live life a little, Mr. Knight.”

We sat on opposite ends of the bed at first, taking slow sips and swapping barbed remarks that softened with every round. Tension gave way to laughter. The edge dulled, and for the first time since entering the house, I actually felt like I could breathe.

And then, a great idea bloomed in my mind.

Without hesitation, I reached forward and swiped the car keys off the table. When Theodore gave me a confused look, I swirled the keys around my forefinger.

“Hey, wanna do something fun?”

Theodore replied warily. “But it's already late, Catalina.”

I moved away from him the second he tried to retrieve his keys, standing up to my feet. My entire body felt lighter, but I have never felt so free.

Must have something to do with his subtle British accent and the way he was looking at me right now.

“Well, that's just the correct way to live.” I replied.