Hired as His Fake Fiancée

CHAPTER THIRTEEN: FINGERS CROSSED.

NORA

I spent the rest of the afternoon in bed with a thick blanket over my legs while Gabriel was seated on the couch. His eyes were fixed on whatever he was reading.

The thought of my identity as a Thorne slipping out because I managed to not screw up the seating chart was scary. Even though Gabriel wouldn't end up mine, I couldn't let Evelyn walk all over me and get away.

I was scrolling through social media, but none of the videos or posts made sense to me. I couldn't help the unconscious and continuous looking up at him, as if I was waiting for him to approve of my actions.

My phone began ringing, the soft lullaby-kind of music filling the air. Chole’s name flashed across the screen as it brightened a bit. I had missed her so much; after spending just a night here, I was ready to go back to the life I had built for myself.

I throw off the covers and am ready to walk away to find a place to talk to Chloe because I know our conversation wouldn't be something I'd want Gabriel to hear. I picked up a scarf and jacket, putting them on as I hurried for the door.

“Where are you off to?”

I stopped at his voice, my hand already gripping the cold handle pressing into my palm. I swallowed gently and turned to him.

“I have to get this,” I said. The ringing stopped for a split second and started almost immediately.

“Who is it?”

“What?” I snapped, nearly enraged that he was holding a conversation with me without even trying to raise his head to look at me. His eyes were glued to the book in his hand.

“Who is it?” He finally snapped the book shut and looked up at me. ”Why do you have to leave the room to answer?”

I pressed my lips down. I never knew liking someone could be this annoying. Was he seriously trying to control my every move just because I spoke to the stable manager once?

“None of your business.”

“Nora…”

“Do you think that contract of yours gives you the right to control my personal life?” My voice was raised and I was grateful for the padded walls. We might have become the talk of the estate if not for them.

“That is not what I mean,” he said, getting out of the chair. The flimsy knitted cardigan he wore over the white t-shirt flowed freely.

“Then what do you mean?”

“If it is one of your little boyfriends, then you probably shouldn’t answer it.” His jaw flexed and I almost laughed. “For the next three weeks you are mine and mine alone. I don’t like to share.” His voice dropped. I scoffed and shook my head.

“My little boyfriends?” I ignored the rest of his words, knowing they meant nothing more than the contract with our signatures at the end.

With the way his jaw squared, one might mistake his professionalism for jealousy.

“Do you think with the crazy hours I work I would have a boyfriend?” I asked him, crossing my hand over his chest.

I didn't even have the time for a personal life after the hours; how could I meet others and even go on a date?

“You don’t give me that privilege.”

His face fell for a slight moment but he managed to pull it back up into his usual stoic expression.

“Now if you wold please excuse me… “I have to take this.” I turned on my heels.

It felt so good to keep him wondering who it was. I walked out of the house until I was on the plain grounds. When I was sure I was out of hearing range, I called her back.

“Are you too busy kissing Mr King to even answer my call?”

“Ughh!” I groaned, lowering myself onto one of the benches and crossing my legs. The cold air wrapping around me in an embrace.

“Wait, don’t tell me you guys haven’t kissed.”

“It’s only been two days,” I said and stopped; my mind traced back to the day we had arrived and how he pulled me and kissed me right in front of his family. What was supposed to be an intimate, cute moment ended up being a show.

“Two days is enough for you both to make mini-yous.”

“Are you drunk?” A slight laugh escaped my mouth at her antics. She always ranted about nonsense when she was drunk. I felt a little bad for hiding this from her, but I was not ready for her to escalate the situation more than it was.

“Of course not.” Her voice was clear enough. I sighed. “You know what you need?”

“What?” I caught myself before I could go down this hole with him. With Gabriel, I didn't need anything aside from everything he asked me to do.

“To seduce him,” she said, pride beaming in every corner of her voice. “You need to let him see you for you and not the girl who fills his coffee cup.”

“No, I won’t do that,” I said, shaking my head.

“Come on, I think it would be fun and you'd get to…”

“Chloe, really? Did you call me to talk about that asshat, or did you call me to check in on me?”

“Asshat? Back up, how many chapters did I miss?”

“Well, only the chapters where my infatuation about him has been ruined by the reality of who he really is.” I sighed and bent a bit. “Just like the rest of my family”

“Are you saying fantasy is ruined and you don’t like him anymore?”

“Unfortunately, I still like him so very much; I find myself staring at him, but the problem is I don’t think I can stand him anymore,” I sighed.

I didn't even fully understand what I was saying, but it seemed to make a bit of sense.

“I have no solution for that,” she said, and we both laughed.

“Oh well, thank Gd because I was not going to solve it. I will endure for the next three weeks and return to reality as soon as I can.”

“That is kind of a bummer. I was so sure you both would be a couple for real.”

“I have asked you to stop reading those books.” I rolled my eyes. “You need to actually go out and see how the real world works. If someone asks you to pretend, you don't just fall for them because of it.”

I had already fallen for him, but he was never on my level, and I had made peace with that already. I just needed to stop allowing Chole to step into my fantasy space.

“I am still crossing my fingers.”

I heard movements from behind me and a subtle throat clearing. I turned to see Aurelia standing there. She was dressed and ready to go out.

“I have to go now. I’ll call you back later, Chole.”

“Talk to you later,” she said, and the line beeped dead.

“How can I help you?” I asked when Aurelia had a large scowl on her face. She didn't move but stayed still, staring at me as if I had the answer written on me.

“We are on our way to shop for dresses. I honestly do not want you to come along, but Mom said…”

“I will come,” I cut her off.

Her mouth parted, but she seemed restricted from saying a single word. I smirked and took a step closer. If I wanted to beat Evelyn at her own game, I had to be as close to her as possible at all times.

“Give me a moment to get changed.”

I didn't wait for her reply before I disappeared into the house and up to the suite. It was game on.