RUTHLESS GAME

Chapter 8: Shocking Encounter

Ruby

Stephen helped me into a chair right beside him.

"I hope you don't mind the proximity. I didn't see the point of having to shout at each other across this huge table."

The sound of my laughter surprised me. I thought I'd be too much of a nervous wreck to find amusement in anything. "This is fine."

The night was full of the unexpected. I hadn't expected to like Stephen, and I definitely hadn't expected to be so relaxed in his presence. Yet, by the end of dinner, I was leaning closer to him, chatting with the man as if we were old pals. Surprising, since I was on the timid side. Stephen and I seemed to click, but not in a way that I was eager to marry the man. He was just…nice.

"Stephen, I hope you don't take any offense, but I have to ask."

"Ask anything you want, Ruby," he smiled.

"Why are you doing this? The whole marriage of convenience thing. I mean, I expect the unexpected from my father, but you actually agreeing to the farce is confusing. You're so normal."

Stephen's rumble of laughter filled the room. "Thank you. I think."

Cheeks heating up, I pursed my lips. "That was definitely a compliment. What I'm trying to say is that men like you don't need to agree to arrangements like this. You're wealthy and handsome and you seem like a very nice man. I imagine women would be lined up to marry you. I'm surprised you're not already married."

"Are you saying you're attracted to me, Ruby?"

I froze, and gaped at him, searching for a diplomatic response. He was cute and all, but my panties weren't exactly dropping for him as they had for Julian. I stifled a sigh. Once again, the mysterious stranger made an appearance in my thoughts. Why couldn't he just stay out of my head? One night with him and he'd become an obsession. This couldn't be healthy.

Lifting my shoulders, I began, "Well…"

Stephen's eyes twinkled with humor. "You don't have to answer that." He fell silent for a while before stating, "I wouldn't call this a farce, Ruby. I took an interest in your father's offer because it sounded convenient. I need convenience right now."

Stephen remained poised, but I swore I saw a flash of discomfort play across his face when he averted his gaze.

"Maybe it's harder for me to find a suitable partner than you think." He cleared his throat. "Dating nowadays is hard."

"Tell me about it," I murmured, playing with the stem of my almost empty wine glass. It was so hard, I had no desire to participate in the activity. I barely stopped myself from asking Stephen what was wrong with him. By all appearances, he shouldn't have any problem getting women. Since I'd just met the guy, I decided not to pry into his personal life.

Instead, I set my mind on another task―trying to get out of the deal. I eyed him through my lashes. He'd been such a gentleman throughout dinner. Maybe I could try my luck.

"So… Stephen, is there any chance of you taking my restaurant off of your need to buy list? I mean, what do you really need that small place for?"

Stephen blinked. "Buy?"

My eyebrows furrowed, wondering why he seemed so shocked by the word. Wasn't that what he intended? But I got distracted when he asked, "Your restaurant?"

I nodded. Stephen looked more confused than I was at that point. "Yes, I'm the rightful owner. My father was just overseeing things until I finished school."

"Oh."

He frowned. For a second, I allowed myself to hope that he was reconsidering buying my business. That hope died when he said, "I'm sorry, Ruby, it isn't really up to me."

My shoulders drooped. Not up to him? He was the one who met with my father. He was the one throwing around prices. That's what Dad told me. Before I could ask what he meant, Stephen pushed his chair back and stood up.

"I think I've kept you long enough, Ruby. What do you say we meet up again? Take some time to think about things and we'll discuss further."

More confused than ever, I took his offered hand and got up. "What do you want with a restaurant that isn't even a blip on the map, Stephen?"

His lips twisted into a humorless smile, but there was genuine regret in his eyes. "As I said, Ruby, it isn't up to me. It's just business."

It wasn't just business to me. It was about keeping a family legacy going, and I was sure Stephen knew all about legacies. He was probably from a long line of rich, powerful people who prided themselves on maintaining their legacy. Jaw tight with annoyance, I barely stopped myself from saying something that might offend him. There was still a chance that I could wear him down. He seemed like a reasonable man, so I'd remain calm and try my luck another time.

"I'll be happy to meet up again. Tonight went…"

"Better than you thought?" Stephen finished. "For me too. It was a pleasure meeting you, Ruby." He took my hand and lifted it to his lips.

I waited, hoping to feel the spark of something. Maybe a little attraction, so I wouldn't feel so weird about considering a business marriage to him. Nothing happened.

A little disappointed, I accepted that Stephen just didn't float my boat. I opened my mouth to bid him good night when I heard someone say―or growled rather―"What the f*ck."

Stephen and I turned to the sound of the angry voice. I nearly choked on my gasp when my eyes collided with familiar blue ones. Only they weren't gazing at me with carnal intent this time. They gleamed with shock followed by confusion and then cold fury―so cold, I shuddered. I tugged my hand out of Stephen's.

Julian?

What in the hell was he doing at Stephen's place? For a second, I entertained the idea that I was hallucinating. That I thought of the man so much that my mind was randomly conjuring images of him. I actually blinked a few times to see if I was right and nearly burst into hysterical laughter.

He was real. Julian was really standing in the same room, apparently as shocked to see me as I was to see him. I never fainted before, but I felt as if it might happen at that moment because all the blood seemed to rush from my head to compensate for the rapid pounding of my heart.