The Billionaire’s Bargain Bride

Awful Disguise

CENRIC

You’re the best. Fuck, yeah. I kept reminding myself.

I went back home after work. I didn’t bother her anymore. The more I kept my distance, the easier it was for her to figure out what she wanted in her life. It was hard. I missed her every second she was away from me. But she needed it, and that was what she got.

That was two days ago. No call. No text. I didn’t even ask Devin for updates.

And here I was, stalking my wife.

Beck just shook his head in disappointment. “You’re losing your shit. What is in the fucking of need space you did not understand? You will still see her on Saturday, won’t you?”

“She needs space, but I don’t. I want to see her, not meet her. And can’t you be a little supportive of me?”

“Supportive my ass. You did this to yourself. But whatever. If she sees us, you’re gonna have to explain. Then she needs another week or two. Your trouble, man. Not mine.”

“Maybe you should get laid. You’re being a pain in my ass.”

“I will always be your pain in your ass if you don’t act like an adult. I mean, look at you?” He turned to look at me in the passenger seat. “Who does that? What kind of disguise are you even doing?”

I wore sunglasses and a baseball cap. “This is how I blend in.”

“And what about me and the car, huh?”

I sat straight, took off the cap, and ran my fingers through my hair. “You are fucking annoying.”

“And you’re like an idiot. You never stalked someone, and your disguise is awful. It doesn’t work on Sadie. Trust me.” Beck pointed at the building. “I mean, you’re here in front of your fucking tower.” He shook to laugh.

I narrowed my eyes and tried to get a clear view. It was my wife with a man. “Who the fuck is that asshole with her?” I pulled the door handle, but Beck managed to lock it before I could do something stupid.

“No.”

I glared at him. “What are you doing?”

“Recon, remember?”

I clenched my jaw. “Who the fuck is that?” A guy around Sadie’s age in a well, he wore a nice blue suit walking beside my wife. They looked like they were in a light conversation, carrying her leather bag as they headed towards the parking area.

“Gentleman,” Beck muttered. I knew he wanted to piss me off. Well, he was successful.

“Fuck him.” I laid back when they were closer to our car. I groaned louder. Beck didn’t even try to hide himself.

“Your idea, remember?”

“You’re an asshole. Who’s that dude?”

“You mean a fine dude who helped your wife? Not to mention around her age?”

“Where’s her assistant? Isn’t she supposed to be with her?”

“She got colds.”

“How in the hell did you know that?” I sat straight back, studying my best friend.

He pretended as if he didn’t hear my question.

I laughed aloud. “So, you’re getting laid, huh?”

“You think my life revolves around you. I have a life outside your fucking world, asshole.”NôvelDrama.Org: text © owner.

“So, Maeve then?” I was still laughing. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Why would I spill my personal life to you?”

“Because I am your best friend? Or I am the last person to know that you and my wife’s assistance are hooking up?”

“We’re not hooking up.”

“So this is serious then?”

“I don’t think it’s your business, brother.”

“It is when you are my best friend. I mean, I don’t keep secrets from you, even my personal life, and you know everything about me.”

“No offense, but I don’t have to tell you who I went out with.”

“Fair enough. But maybe I can help.” I scratched my growing scruff. I thought, what was the point of shaving when Sadie would not even see my face. I realized everything I did had something to do with her.

This time he was the one who laughed at me. “Help? How? You can even barely fix your issue in your relationship. I mean, look at you, hiding behind the windshield to take a glimpse of your wife.”

“Well, I miss her. What’s wrong with that? She’s my everything. That’s why I am giving her the space she… needed.” I realized we weren’t alone anymore. I could feel it. I could feel she was near. My heart pounded widely in my chest. Shit.

A knock on the window just proved my suspicion. Fuck. I am in great trouble.

Beck rolled the window down while I was still thinking of what to say. “Sadie, good to see you here.”

“Beck,” she acknowledged him before she leaned in and looked down at me. “Cenric?”

“Babe.” I plastered a guilty smile.

“What are you two doing here? Why didn’t you come inside?”

“We were just in the neighborhood. So I thought to drop by and checkout for a renovation idea of the parking lot.” Fuck! I sounded stupid.

“In the neighborhood, huh? What do you have in mind? It looks fine, in my opinion. Walk with me.”

I turned to look at Beck beside me as he tried hard to keep himself from laughing. “You’re dead.”

I got out of the car.

“Mr. Wollf, I’m a fan.” The guy in a suit extended his hand.

Out of respect to my wife, I shook his hand.

“This is Tanner. He was subbing Maeve while she was on sick leave.”

“Good to meet you, Tanner.”You’re lucky you still have an intact jaw.

“It’s an honored, sir.”

“I’ll take her bag.”

He gave it to me. “See you tomorrow, Sadie.” He then looked at me. “Mr. Wollf.”

“Sadie?”

“What? I told them to call me Sadie. It will sound like a granny if they call me by Mrs. Wollf. So, how’s the renovation idea going?”

I walked by her side. “Okay, babe. You got me. And nice lad. Nice accent.”

She smiled as she looked at me. “Jealous?”

“Me?” I pursed my lips. “Nah. First, he works in my company. I’m a lot more well-experienced than him. I’m more handsome than him. Are you into older guys?”

She laughed at my question. “You are being humble right now. How about you start bragging by saying I owned a billion-dollar company. He works for me. I’m older, but I’m one of the most powerful people in the country. I’m attractive and good in bed.”

“I don’t like to brag.” Did she hear everything that I said in the car? I hoped not.

“So, what are you doing back there, Cenric?” She stopped when we were in front of the car while Devin waited.

“Do you want to know the truth?”

“That would be a great idea.”

“I miss you, and I just want to see you even if I don’t get to talk to you. Sorry, it was not a good idea, and my disguise is awful.” I looked at the sunglasses in my hand.

“You know I can feel you when you are near.”

“Really? I got the same vibe as well.”

She looked at me, touching my suit. “You’re doing good. It’s just my senses are heightened every time you are around. It’s silly, but you have this effect on me.”

“Very well. I won’t take much of your time. Don’t stay up all night.”

She squinted her eyes. “Are you stalking me?”

“No, babe. I’m just telling you.”

“You too.” She cupped my face, tiptoed, and whispered, “I miss you too.” She then pressed her lips against mine, causing me to freeze. I fucking froze like a statue. I mean, who did that? When a woman you longed to kiss was kissing you, the first thing to do was kiss back, not fucking freeze.

Well, too late. She was already stepping back, but not a fucking way I would let her go. I grabbed her wrist and pulled her into my arms. She yelped. The last thing I knew, I had my hand at the back of my neck as I smashed my lips against her and kissed her hard and quick.

When I broke the kiss, her eyes still fluttered close, but she was smiling. “I froze back there for a while.”

She opened her eyes. “Did I catch you off guard?”

“It happened for me once in a while when I was with you. Good night, babe.”