VEGAS

Chapter 5: Playing House - Juno’s POV

“I haven’t actually heard that name before,” Hazel is saying as she blows her cup of steaming tea. “Verde.”

“It’s Italian,” I offer. “It means green.”

She shakes her head. “No, I mean, I haven’t heard of any business men or you know such, with that name.”

I almost forgot how shallow high society people are. Your status matters more than your personality. No, your status IS your personality.

I offer her a kind smile. “If you’re looking for business men, then you’re looking wrong. I was orphaned young and raised by my abusive grandfather. When he died, he left everything to me, and I took it all except his name.”

It’s an on the spot lie, and I’ll have to update Oliver later. Hopefully, not too late before it is brought up to him and he has no idea what to say…and then I’ll be in trouble with him.

“I’m sorry dear, that was insensitive of me.” Hazel’s eyes soften in compassion.

“It’s okay, you didn’t know.” I take a sip of my tea, hating the taste.

I had two options this morning. Go shopping with the twins, or stay for tea with Hazel. Normally and sensibly, I was going to go with the girls, but Oliver made me stay with his mom. Apparently, I have to play house with my ‘mother-inlaw’ , and not go on childish shopping sprees.

I swear, I’m beginning to hate that man.

“So, how did you guys first meet? She looks at me with interest and I suck my teeth in fake excitement.

“It’s a crazy story, actually.”

“Hmm,” she smirks. “I want to hear it. I like crazy.”

Setting my cup of tea down, I clear my throat and lean forward in my seat. “So, I was in my hotel room one afternoon when Oliver barged in like he owned the place. I was completely naked and about to take a bath.”

“No way,” her eyes are glistening with excitement as she takes in the fake story.

“Yes way. I kicked him out and he called the CEO on me, claiming I was one of those free loaders that sneak into the wrong hotel rooms deliberately and use their feminine advantage. Turns out, there was an issue with the checking system and he booked my room. He was embarrassed and wanted to make it up to me, so we had dinner and…we just never stopped seeing each other.”

“That is the most beautiful love story I’ve ever heard!”

“What is?” Oliver’s voice suddenly booms from behind me and his hands find my chin as he raises my head up to give me a light kiss on the lips. I lean in to his touch, smiling when he pulls away.

“I was just telling your mom how we met.”

He winces, using a hand to cover his face in mock embarrassment. “You promised to keep that between us,” he groans, but there’s a strain in his voice.

He’s a good actor. The emotions that he displays, one would think he’s a soft young man, not the stone cold man he actually is.

Hazel looks pleased seeing us together, and I swear her eyes water. Oliver lifts me up from the chair and pulls me into his body. His cologne clouds my senses in a way I hate and love at the same time.

“If you don’t mind mother, I have to borrow my woman for a few minutes.”

“Of course, my dear. Of course.”

I give her a small wave as I let Oliver lead me to his office. He locks the door behind us while I find myself a seat on a couch near one of the bookshelves. Good, this is the perfect time to tell him about my new origin story before he finds out himself.

“What are you doing?” he asks a moment later, throwing me off guard.

“What am I doing?” I throwback at him with a frown.

“What did I tell you about relating with my family, especially my mother?”

I try to think back, very confused. He’s told me a lot of things relating to his family, and I’m just doing what fiancees do. Is it supposed to be any different?

“I need an answer, Juno. I hate to be kept quiet.”

“You’ve said a lot of things. You’ll have to be more specific.”

“I specifically told you never to engage in a conversation with my family in such a way that you speak more than you should.”

He did?

“Did you forget?” He stares at me blankly.

“So what if I did? Your mom loves talking to me, and I’m not giving anything away.”

In an instant, his eyes flash with an emotion. Anger. But it’s gone just as quickly. “My mother is an awarded psychologist, and it only takes a few conversations before she figures out your lies. My father is a business man who is able to read people more than books. My sisters are also very perceptive. Do you understand?”

“What is the point of this then?” I ask in exasperation. “Do you want me to be a trophy fiancee?”

“Yes. And I made it clear before.” He face palms. “You’re almost as dense as Dean.”

“No, you can’t do that,” I shake my head. “You can’t keep disrespecting me, Oliver Kane.”

He looks at me with mild irritation. “Who are you to demand my respect? I met you in a club, dancing with your breasts out and paid you to have sex.”

His words are like a slap to my face. I feel my anger rising and no matter how I try to suppress it, I keep losing. “I didn’t ask you to meet me. I didn’t ask you to pay for me. I didn’t ask for this arrangement, you did!”

“You agreed. Shows how little regard you hold yourself to.” His voice is so calm and void of emotion, like he can’t be bothered.

“f**k you!”

“Language. You can’t use that with my family around.”

“I don’t give a f**k about your f*****g family! f**k you!” I push away from the couch, heading to the door. “And I’m done with this stupid arrangement, since you think you can talk to me like you’re better.”

“I am better. I’m the billionaire that’s about to change your life with an amount of money that’s worth nothing to me.”

“Then keep your damn money.”

“And what will you use to pay for your mother’s surgery?”

I turn around to meet his gaze. He has an amused little smile on his lips. “You’re too emotional, Juno. But no hard feelings, this is just the reality between you and me. I’m high up, and you’re ground bottom. Granted, I do sound a bit disrespectful, but I’m just saying things as they are. My family can’t find out the truth about you or I’ll be in trouble. So you can’t talk to them more than necessary. Do you understand?”

I don’t answer him. I just stew, already fantasizing on the way I’d break his fancy family apart. I’m being looked down on by him, and will be looked down on by his family if they knew how I make a living. Funny, given that I’m part their flesh and blood.

All the prestige…all of it that I could have had, I’ll take it away. Then there’ll be nothing to look down on.

“I hate you, do you know that?”

“This is not the first time I’ve heard the words. Are you trying to hurt me?”

“No. I just wanted you to know.” I turn back around and walk out of the office.