Page 31 of Scarlet Embrace

Setting a meeting with Lucas was quite easy. In fact, he insisted that we meet at a high-end restaurant. “Please wear something fancy,” he told me, but I ignored him.

“Just finished defending a trial,” I said as I sat down.

“I see,” he said with a nod. “Have you thought about my offer?”

“Yes,” I answered.

“And?”

“I’ve decided that I’ll be your fiancée for a few weeks.”

“Good. We’ll have to start planning,” Lucas started before I cut him off.

“There are a few conditions before I agree to this plan of yours.”

I noticed his brows knit together, and that delighted me. I have no plans of making this easy for him. In fact, I have every intention to make him regret ever making this decision.

“Fine, I’m all ears,” Lucas said as he folded his arms.

Good. It’s time to initiate the first plan.

CHAPTER 14: LUCAS

ENCHANTED

Both Logan and Thomas expressed their concerns about this plan of mine. Thomas had stated that being with Elena might expose us to a number of risks, a fact I truly agreed with, but there was more to be gained by forming this relationship with her.

“I’m all for you having a nice time with her, but making her your fiancée? That’s crossing a lot of boundaries,” Logan added. “Does your father even approve of you being with her?”

“He’s the reason I’m doing this,” I informed them.

If it were anyone else, I would have kept my father’s discussion in the garden a secret, but these were the two people I trusted most. Thomas’s gaze was quite apprehensive, while Logan was amused. He told me that if that was the case, then we needed to make use of Elena as much as we could.

“Still,” Thomas said, not entirely confused.

I told him I understood his concerns and would do everything in my power to ensure that she wasn’t in any harm’s way or risk any operation we were conducting. With that done and over with, I told them I planned to take her to the upcoming event I had.

“That quick?” Logan asked with a wink.

“The earlier people know, the better,” I said.

My dinner was an event by one of our legal business partners, Madam Caroline, and she had sent an invitation to my father. For some reason beyond me, he decided that it would be best if Elena and I went. I wanted to tell him that Elena might not be comfortable, but I had noticed the look on Hannah’s face. Madam Caroline was one of the few influential people in the city, and going in my father’s place must have made her angry.

The only problem at the moment was convincing Elena to go with me. I mean, how exactly do I break it to her that I need her to go with me to a black-tie event?

“Nope, that’s not going to work,” Elena said over the phone.

“But you haven’t even listened to what I have to say,” I let out.

“Doesn’t matter. I really don’t care. I have girls' night on Wednesday, so I can’t attend this fancy ball of yours.”

I took in a deep breath, realizing I was going to need all the patience in the world to get this done and over with. This woman doesn’t know what’s at stake because if she knew, she wouldn’t turn down this opportunity.

“Is it possible you postpone the girl’s night?” I asked in what had to be the calmest voice I could muster.

“Nope,” she said without thought.

It took all of my willpower not to let out a huge scream. Finally, after several trials, I got the opportunity of a lifetime, and I’m going to lose it because of her.