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Chapter 70
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Hired Fiance Chapter 71
Emma's POV As I got ready for bed, I couldn’t help but think about how far we’d come in such a short time. Sharing a room with him had initially been a nightmare. We were strangers, thrust into this charade of an engagement, and now, here I was, feeling a strange sense of comfort in his presence. But tonight felt different—more significant, somehow. I could sense that he was going to push the teasing a little further, and the thought made my heart race.I slipped into my pajamas, choosing a simple, soft set that I hoped would be comfortable enough to sleep in and plain enough to discourage any of Ryan’s usual banter. As I emerged from the bathroom, I found him lounging on the bed, a mischievous grin already playing on his lips. He was waiting for me.“Ah, there you are,” he said, propping himself up on one elbow. “I was beginning to think you’d fallen asleep in there.”I rolled my eyes, though I couldn’t help but smile. “Very funny. You’re not getting rid of me that easily.”He chuck
Hired Fiance Chapter 72
Emma's POV I didn’t like where this was going. Or maybe I did, but that was the problem. The idea of Ryan lying next to me, without any clothes on, was both terrifying and undeniably appealing. But I couldn’t let him know that. I had to stay in control.“Interesting how?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.He rolled onto his side, propping himself up on one elbow as he looked at me. “Well, if we’re going to be convincing, we should probably get used to being close. Really close. And what better way to do that than by sharing… everything?”I swallowed hard, my mind racing with all the implications of his words. Was he really suggesting that we…? No, surely not. But with Ryan, I could never be sure.“Ryan,” I began, trying to sound stern, “we’re supposed to be convincing, not reckless.”“Reckless? Who said anything about being reckless?” he asked, feigning innocence. “I’m just saying we should be comfortable with each other. You know, as an engaged couple would be.”“Comfortable
Hired Fiance Chapter 73
Emma's POV I shook my head, still smiling, as I settled back into bed. Despite all the teasing and banter, I felt a sense of peace that I hadn’t expected. Being with Ryan, even in this strange, pretend engagement, was starting to feel… right. And as I drifted off to sleep, I couldn’t help but wonder what the future held for us—if this was just a temporary arrangement, or if it could be something more.But for now, I was content to let things unfold naturally, to enjoy the playful moments and the way he made me feel. Because as much as I hated to admit it, Ryan had managed to break through my walls in a way no one else ever had. And maybe, just maybe, I was okay with thatI closed my eyes, willing myself to relax. But just as I was beginning to drift off, I felt him move closer again, his body heat enveloping me.“Goodnight, Emma,” he whispered, his breath warm against my ear.“Goodnight,” I managed to reply, my voice barely above a whisper.And as I lay there, my heart pounding in my
Hired Fiance Chapter 74
Emma's POV There were freshly baked scones, still warm and golden, their golden crusts still warm from the oven, and their buttery scent filling the kitchen. They were accompanied by small jars of clotted cream and homemade strawberry jam. He had selected an assortment of cheeses—creamy brie, sharp cheddar, a tangy blue, and a nutty gouda—along with thin, crispy crackers and slices of crusty baguette.He had also packed a selection of muffins and finger food. Nestled among the savory items were bowls of plump, juicy strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries, their deep, rich colors a feast for the eyes. He had even thought to include delicate cucumber sandwiches with the crusts cut off, some cutlets, and for dessert, he had packed a small tin of chocolate truffles, each one rolled in cocoa powder and filled with rich, velvety ganache and doughnuts, a nod to the traditional English picnic. To top it all off, there were chocolate truffles, rich and decadent, nestled in a small tin
Hired Fiance Chapter 75
Emma's POV We wandered away from the picnic, following the path that led down to the riverbank. The air was cooler here, the shade of the trees providing a welcome relief from the warmth of the day. The river flowed gently beside us, its surface shimmering in the light. It was a perfect setting, almost too perfect, and I felt a strange mixture of nervousness and excitement as we walked in silence.I don't know why but I felt a Deja vu....When we reached the water’s edge, Ryan paused, looking out at the river with a thoughtful expression. “It’s beautiful here,” he said softly.I nodded, my eyes following his gaze. “It is.”He turned to look at me then, his expression shifting to something more serious. “Emma, I know this isn’t easy for you,” he began, his voice gentle. “But I want you to know that I’m here for you. Whatever happens, we’re in this together.His words touched me in a way I hadn’t expected. There was something about the way he said them, the sincerity in his voice, that
Hired Fiance Chapter 76
Emma's POV I didn’t let him finish. Something inside me snapped, and before I could stop myself, I leaned up and kissed him. It was the first time I’d ever kissed someone willingly, and the moment our lips met, it felt like everything around us disappeared. The world shrank until it was just the two of us, tangled together in a moment that felt both inevitable and surprising.The kiss started slow and tender as if we were testing the waters, afraid that the slightest misstep would shatter the fragile connection between us. His lips were warm and soft against mine, and I could feel the careful restraint in his touch, as though he was afraid to push too far too quickly. But I didn’t want restraint—I wanted to feel everything.I deepened the kiss, pouring every unspoken emotion into it. The longing, the fear, the overwhelming sense that this was where I was meant to be—it all rushed to the surface, and I kissed him like I’d never kissed anyone before. The intensity of it took me by surp
Hired Fiance Chapter 77
Emma's POV Deep down, despite all my fears and doubts, I knew that he was different and that he was worth the risk.But for now, I’d take it one step at a time, one moment at a time, letting the tension between us build until I was ready to embrace whatever it was that was growing between us. And when that day came, I hoped that I’d be brave enough to face it, to let go of the past and embrace the future that was waiting for me, just beyond the edge of the cliff.Because as much as the thought of falling scared me, the thought of never taking that leap, of never knowing what could have been, scared me even more.I wanted him but was scared that maybe it was fake, a part of our original plan“You don’t have to say anything,” he replied, his thumb brushing gently across my cheek. “Just…be here with me. Right now.”And so I did. I let myself be present in the moment, soaking in the warmth of his touch, the depth of his gaze, the connection that was building between us. The world around
Hired Fiance Chapter 78
Emma's POV I finally found my voice, though it was softer than I’d intended. “Thank you for today,” I said, my eyes not quite meeting his. “You didn’t have to do all of this, but…I’m glad you did.”Ryan’s gaze was steady, unreadable for a heartbeat, and then he smiled—a slow, genuine smile that made my heart skip in a way that was both thrilling and terrifying. “I meant what I said earlier, Emma. I’m here for you. Whatever happens, we’ll face it together.”His words should have comforted me and should have made me feel safe. But instead, they sent a shiver down my spine, a sensation that I didn’t quite know how to process. I could sense him moving closer, even though I hadn’t looked at him. It was in the way the air between us seemed to hum, in the warmth of his breath that I felt more than heard.When he reached for my hand, I didn’t pull away. I let him take it, though I knew my trembling would betray the tumult of emotions coursing through me. His hand was warm, his grip firm but
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