The Billionaire's Temporary Bride

CHAPTER 5: THE CAR RIDE

That thought was still in my head when we walked out of the Plaza Hotel.

We didn't talk when we left.

Julian's hand was still holding mine. Tight. Too tight. Like he was still angry at what Victoria said.

The driver opened the car door for us. I got in first. My green dress was wrinkled now from sitting and standing all night. My feet were killing me. Those heels the stylist gave me were too small.

Julian got in next to me and closed the door. The car was quiet. Black windows. No one could see us.

For like one minute we just sat there breathing.

Then he let go of my hand.

"Sorry," he said. His voice was rough. "For that in there."

"For what? Defending me?" I looked at him. "Most people would say thank you, but okay."

"No," he said, looking out the window. "For putting you in that position. Victoria is like that with everyone I bring. I should have warned you."

"Everyone you bring?" I said. "How many girls have you brought to this gala?"

He finally looked at me. "You're the first."

Oh.

My heart did a weird thing. I looked down at my lap fast so he wouldn't see my face.

"The threat about her dad's company," I whispered. "Was that real? Would you really pull your money?"

He didn't answer for a second. Then he said, "Yes."

"Julian! That's millions! For me? We're not even real!"

"We are real tonight," he said quietly. "Tonight you were my wife. That makes it real enough."

The car kept driving. New York lights passing outside.

I was holding my little purse tight. My phone was buzzing inside it nonstop. Probably my best friend Maya. She was going to see the pictures tomorrow.

"Can I ask you something?" I said.

"Yes."

"Why did you leave your door open last night? After the cinnamon rolls."

He looked at me again. His eyes were not cold anymore. Not like in the office. Softer.

"Because for the first time in three years, my penthouse didn't smell like nothing," he said. "It smelled like home. I didn't want to lock that out."

We didn't talk after that. We just drove.

When we got to the penthouse building, he walked me to the elevator. He didn't touch me again. But when we got to our floor, he said, "You did good tonight, Clara."

"I thought I was going to faint on the stairs," I said.

"You didn't."

He went to his side. This time he didn't lock his door. He left it open a c***k. Just like last night.

I went to my room, took off the green dress, and sat on the floor again in my old t-shirt. The big white bed still scared me.

I took off the four-carat ring and put it on the bedside table. My finger felt light without it.

Then I picked it up and put it back on.

I don't know why.

I fell asleep on the floor with the ring on.