Ruthless Heir (Ruthless Billionaires #5)

Chapter 17

Chapter Seventeen

Harper

I’ve heard great things about the Astoria but seeing it in real life is something else entirely.

The building is a testament to timeless European elegance with its ornate carvings on the exterior and the tall, arched windows that punctuate the walls.

Considering where I was weeks ago— from the broken down motel in the middle of nowhere to the county jail —I never imagined in my wildest dreams that I’d ever be here as a guest at the invite-only association which caters for the world’s elite, known by their net worth.

The press spot us as soon as Asher and I step out of our car. And when I see them the nerves in my stomach turn to rocks.

It’s time. Time to act like Asher and I are a real couple.

I don’t think I’ve ever been more nervous in my life. I feel like I’m going to implode.

A group of journalists swarms us when we walk further inside. Asher keeps his hand at the small of my back but moves closer and I follow his lead.

“Asher Le Blanche, who is this beautiful mystery woman you’re with?” asks a woman with thick-rimmed glasses who reminds me of Velma from Scooby Doo. “Is she your date for the evening?”

“Yes, she so happens to be my date?” Asher gives her a charming smile.

“Are you two in a relationship?”

Asher replies with another smile not confirming or denying the answer to her question. I smile too, realizing what he’s doing.

He’s allowing them to believe whatever they want. And they do. They assume we’re dating but they won’t have it on record that he confirmed it.

A flood of questions come rushing our way next.

They ask for my name. Where we met. How we met. How long we’ve been dating and if marriage is in the picture. But Asher remains silent and leads me away.

“They’re not allowed in the hall,” he mutters in my ear, making it look like he’s whispering sweet nothings to me.

For a moment I wonder what that would feel like but I shove the thought away and smile back at him.

“I’m glad because I don’t know what to do if they ask me something crazy,” I murmur back under my breath.

“You’re doing great. Just keep doing what you’re doing. Come on.”

Asher leads me up the sweeping marble staircase leading to the large double entrance doors. Then we go into the grand hall which is brimming with people dressed in their finest.

There are stunning women dressed in gowns suitable for the red carpet, but it’s the opulent décor in the hall that makes my head spin.

Gilded mirrors stretch high along the walls, reflecting the soft, golden light spilling from the glamorous chandeliers lining the painted ceiling.

Deep burgundy velvet drapes frame the windows and the floors shine like black crystal.

Whoever designed this place was a real master of the arts. I feel like I’ve been swept into some fantasy palace where every detail seems meticulously crafted to evoke the grandeur of the Rococo period.

Little old me only knows about the Rococo period because of a trip to Europe in my freshman year. We mainly stayed in Italy and I fell in love with the place.

I never knew I could have a taste of it right here in New York.

“Wow,” I gasp, knowing I’m drawing attention to myself for being so fascinated with my surroundings but I can’t help it.

“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” Asher grins down at me.

“This room is a work of art. I’ve never been anywhere like this before.”

“Welcome to my world.” He gives me an easy grin and I get lost in his smile just as easily as I do with the place.

We spot his family sitting at a long table in the corner of the hall. There are some other people at the table I don’t recognize and I wonder whether the woman he likes is here.

I have no idea what her name is or what she looks like. Only that she exists.

Asher’s hand moves from my waist and he takes my hand. His large hand swallows mine, warming my body from head to toe, and all thoughts of his mystery woman drift out of my mind.

He held my hand the other night at the Dark Odyssey but that was different. Or rather this is different. At the club it was the I’m-mad-as-fuck-and-you’re-coming-with-me-now kind of hand holding. Whereas this says…you’re mine.

“Ready?” Asher leans in again, filling me with the scent of his musky cologne and power.

“Ready.” I look up at him this time, not realizing how close he is.

Our eyes lock, time slows, and the world narrows in the space between us.

He guides me to stop then inches closer and I quickly realize with impending shock that he’s going to kiss me. I’m going to get the answer to all those years of wondering what it would feel like to kiss him.

The sudden thought makes my nerves buzz but I’m drawn to him like a magnetic force.

Shivers rush down my spine. Then his lips touch mine. And it’s electrifying.

Asher presses his mouth to mine and fire ignites within my core, consuming

me with the raw heat of desire and longing.

The kiss is divine, filled with every dream I’ve ever had of Asher Le Blanche’s lips on mine. But it’s also bittersweet because I know that nothing will ever be the same again.

Nothing. Because… the kiss. It doesn’t feel fake.

A fake kiss isn’t supposed to make your head spin. Or stir need in your core that makes you think of hot wild sex.

The kiss feels as real as we are standing here.

Asher moves away and I wonder if he felt it too. The non-fakeness of our

first kiss.

His lips part to speak but he doesn’t get a chance. His parents come up to greet us and the magical moment we just shared is sucked away with their excitement at seeing us together.

Asher’s mom hugs me like I’m her long lost daughter and practically carries me away to meet the rest of the family, leaving Asher with his dad.

I just about manage to glance over my shoulder at him before a group of people clouds him from my view. But he was looking at me too.

His mom introduces me to all the wives, friends, and acquaintances. I’m seated in between Luna, Layla, and Autumn, Luc’s wife who all talk nonstop about everything.

The excitement is infectious but all I can think about is Asher and that kiss.

When dinner is served Asher and I sit together, becoming the couple again.

He kisses me two more times and I don’t believe there’s anyone here who thinks we’re anything other than a couple. Except of course for those who know about our plan.

The evening wears on and I have a surprisingly great time but in the back of my mind I keep wondering what next.

What will we do next?

What will happen next? What will we have to fake next that will feel real?

And is it just me who’s worrying about this?

Maybe Asher is fine. Maybe this is nothing to him. After all this is his world and he’s used to the attention. Since we arrived I’ve noticed so many women looking at him, not even caring that he’s clearly with me.

I guess the irony of the situation is that he doesn’t really belong to me.

So either way it doesn’t matter.