Page 34 of A Win-Win Situation
"You don’t have to do that," she says sweetly, like she’s not used to being treated this way, and that bothers me. I was raisedto take care of the women around me, and more than that, Iwantto treat her that way.
"Yes I do." I offer her a stiff smile. Her gaze lingers on mine, searching for something, and, for a brief moment, the air is charged with something I can’t explain. The moment seemingly passes as she nods and steps fully out of the car, her hand still in mine.
As we step into the restaurant, Leora subtly links her arm through mine, one hand gripping my bicep, and the other lightly resting on it. I feel her weight shifting towards me, as if trying to make our body language look natural and intimate. It's a small gesture, but it's enough to make me feel a bit nervous and unsure of what's to come.
When we spot my uncle, he's wearing his usual black suit, a stark contrast to his white hair. I feel her grip on my arm tightening.She’s nervous.
He greets me with a warm smile and then his eyes land on Leora. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him this enchanted by someone.
"Hello, dear."
I watch as she raises her hand slowly, unsure of what to do. He takes it and leans in, giving her three kisses on the cheeks—a Lebanese custom that I will have to teach Leora. It’s one of many customs I will have to teach her if she’s to play the part of my wife.
As we take our seats at our usual table, Leora sits down next to me with my uncle on the opposite side.
Before we even have time to order our food, I notice Michel Beaumont—one of our investors—making his way over to us. He's a middle-aged man who exudes sleaziness and I barely tolerate him. When he reaches us, his beady blue eyes immediately scan over Leora's form, and it pisses me off. I feel aprotective instinct flare within me as I mentally prepare to fend off any of his unwanted advances.
I reach below the table to find her hand, quickly intertwining mine with hers. With Michel’s gaze still locked on Leora, I place our intertwined hands atop the table in a display for him to see. Leora's eyes widen in surprise as she looks at our interlocked hands.
"Lucas." He nods towards me and then towards my uncle. "Antoine." He returns to staring at Leora, and I feel her tensing up next to me.
"Who is this beautiful lady?"
"My fiancée, Leora," I answer.
"She’s also our new Marketing Manager," my uncle adds, and I immediately know it's the wrong thing to say to Michel.
Michel's gaze lingers on Leora, a sly smile tugging at the corners of his lips, as if he's relishing a secret amusement. "Fiancée, you say?" he drawls. "Well, Lucas, you've certainly got yourself a catch. But didn’t Antoine warn you not to mix business and pleasure?" His eyes travel down to her breasts, and Leora shifts in her seat, a subtle unease causing her to play with the hem of her dress as Michel's gaze becomes intrusive.
"Tell me,dear," Michel continues, "do you have any experience in the business world? Or are you just a pretty face for Lucas to show off?" His words are loaded with implication, and I can feel my blood beginning to boil. Leora's hand tightens around mine. She opens her mouth to respond but I beat her to it
"Actually, Michel, Leora has extensive experience in this field. That's why I decided to hire her." I turn my face toward Leora, a warm smile playing on my lips as I gently lift her hand. The soft texture of her skin and the delicate intertwining of our fingers send a reassuring warmth through me. "She’s not only qualified butalsothe most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen."My lips graze her hand, a subtle touch that raises goosebumps on her skin. When I raise my gaze, our eyes meet in a silent exchange. Her green eyes are soft and there’s a small smile on her lips. A smile that tugs at something within me.
"I see that the lady can’t speak for herself." It’s spoken like a dare, his words laced with condescension. The low hum of conversation in the upscale restaurant becomes a distant buzz as Michel's words hang in the air, creating an uncomfortable hush around our table.
Leora’s expression tightens, a mixture of indignation and resolve flashing across her features.
"I’m quite capable of speaking for myself, and while I appreciate your interest, my value as a professional has nothing to do with my physical appearance." Michel's smirk fades as Leora's words sink in. She pauses and looks at me, the softness in her eyes morphing into determination.
"I'm here because I love Lucas and believe in the work we're doing together," she adds. Leora's hand tightens around mine, a subtle yet powerful show of solidarity. I can't help but feel a surge of pride as I watch Leora confidently finish scolding Michel.
Atta girl.I'm relieved to see that her fire isn't solely reserved for me.
"Well then, I suppose I'll have to take your word for it. But I must say, I'm intrigued." He lingers for a moment longer before finally turning to leave, his gaze still fixed on Leora.
"Good job." I lean in to whisper in her ear, unable to resist inhaling her delicate vanilla scent. She smells divine.
As the adrenaline settles, her body relaxes and her eyes widen as she comprehends the significance of the encounter.
"Was that rude? I shouldn't have spoken like that. Is he going to see through this entire charade? Did I just jeopardize your business?" She fires off questions without taking a breath inbetween, her words a rapid cascade reflecting the whirlwind of thoughts in her mind.
"No, no. You handled him perfectly, dear," my uncle interjects, a proud smile stretching across his face.
Leora hastily releases my hand. A chill replaces the warmth of her skin, so I quickly return my hand to my side
"Did I overdo it with the whole ‘love’ thing?" she asks, her uncertainty written across her face.
"No, that was great. Bravo." My uncle chuckles. "I guess you'll have to keep up the act of being madly in love with Lucas from now on," he teases, leaving us to grapple with the unforeseen consequences of our performance.
