Ella Logan’s grip on my waist tightened as Leonard appeared again, his eyes more calculating than ever. “Ella, your father is coming tonight, correct?” I swallowed hard, my eyes darting around the extravagant room as if it could offer me a way out of this situation. “Yes, they got caught up in traffic, but they’re on their way.” Leonard smirked, sipping his champagne. “And what about your little sister? Will she be gracing us with her presence as well? I’ve heard so much about her, you know.” My jaw clenched. There was something in his tone, something that went beyond a man simply asking about my sister. He was probing, although for what, I couldn’t be sure. “I wouldn’t invite my sister to a gathering like this, Leonard.” I stopped myself short, sensing the edge in my voice. I was about to add something more but bit back the words. The glint in Leonard’s eyes was unmistakable. “I see.” He looked at Logan. “Well, I do hope tonight won't be a disappointment. Edrick and I have s
Ella The moment my eyes found my parents making their entrance into the grand hall, I felt like I could breathe a little easier. Shaking off Logan’s hold on my arm, I weaved through the maze of socialites and mobsters, until I reached them. “Dad, Mom,” I greeted, my arms wrapping around them in a fleeting embrace that made all of my worries melt away, even for just a moment. “Ella, you look beautiful,” Moana, said, pulling away to study me. Her eyes carried a mix of pride and concern. Classic mom. My dad, along with her, gave me that fatherly once-over. “You okay, Ella? You look a bit tense.” Before I could reply, a looming shadow descended upon our intimate circle. Leonard. He was like a vulture circling roadkill on the verge of dying, just waiting and biding his time for it to take its last breath. “Ah, Mr. and Mrs. Morgan, I presume,” he said, stepping in with that air of confidence that only heightened my anxieties. “Leonard Barrett. Very pleased to meet the esteemed
Ella The bathroom door clicked shut behind me, and I felt an immediate shift from chaos to calm. The soft lighting created a gentle glow on the cream-colored marble tiles, soft music played over the speakers, and the air smelled like soap. I let out a soft sigh of relief once I realized that I was alone, and made my way over to the sink. I glanced at myself in the mirror—flawless makeup, perfect hair, a dress that fit like a glove. I looked like the perfect picture of control, but I felt like the exact opposite. My heart was still racing from the dance with Logan, from the way his eyes glinted in the soft light of the ballroom, from the way that he so nonchalantly mentioned that our arrangement was almost over. But most of all, I was still reeling over the fact that I… was actually sad about it. With a sigh, I leaned on the marble countertop, taking in slow breaths. In, out. In, out. Suddenly, the door creaked open. I jerked my head up to see Moana walking in, a
Logan The room was a blend of laughter, chatter, and the soft notes of a violin. Dressed in a tailored tuxedo, I mingled among our guests, pausing to speak with business associates and family friends alike. My mind, however, kept driving back to Ella. She had run from the room so suddenly when our dance ended. Something about it was jarring and rather unlike her. “Did I offend her somehow?” I asked my wolf. My wolf was silent for a moment before responding. “You were awfully casual about the end of your arrangement. I think it hurt her.” I sighed and ran my hand through my hair. “But she didn’t want to be with me. I don’t understand how…” “Don’t be dense, Logan,” my wolf hissed. “She clearly likes you; she’s just scared of your future, of your life. And for good reason.” I was just about to respond when I was suddenly pulled from my internal conversation as my father, seemingly out of nowhere, materialized at my side. With his salt-and-pepper hair neatly c
Ella Emerging from the bathroom with Moana, my shoulders felt a little lighter after our chat. Talking to my mom had always been therapeutic, and I was glad to finally get the truth off of my chest, especially to someone who had experience in the realm of fake relationships for publicity. We made our way to the bar, weaving through the sea of ostentatiously-dressed mobsters and businessmen. I felt like a lamb amongst wolves, like prey waiting to be devoured. “Come on, let’s get a couple of martinis,” my mom suggested. “One for you, one for me. It always helps at events like this.” My mom put in our orders, to which the bartender nodded and began preparing our drinks with swift expertise. While we waited, my mom turned toward me, her eyes twinkling as she scanned the crowd. My father was standing off somewhere, having an animated conversation with someone who I didn’t recognize. One would have thought that they were old friends, though, judging from how my father
Ella Logan glanced at me as though asking for permission. Right now, I wasn’t horribly keen on continuing our conversation about the fake wedding, so I nodded almost imperceptibly, grateful to have a few moments to myself to digest everything. “Very well,” Logan said with an almost inaudible sigh, turning back to face his brother. “Let’s go.” “Excellent,” Harry grinned, draping his arm around Logan’s shoulders. I watched as they walked away, but then my stomach sank. Marina wasn’t going with them. Her eyes assessed me, a smile curling her lips as if she were looking at a puzzle she was intent on solving. “Your dress is… lovely, Ella,” she began, her voice laced with a tinge of something I couldn’t quite put my finger on. Was it jealousy? Sarcasm? “It… suits you. Surprisingly.” Surprisingly? I can sense the sarcasm in her voice, and for a moment, I want to ask her what she means. Now, more than ever, I wish I had my wolf in the back of my mind to help me navig
Logan Harry led me away from the throng of guests, his arm casually draped over my shoulder as if we were the best of pals, like old mates catching up and not rivals who hated each other to our very cores. We made our way to the bar, where I leaned over and ordered a whiskey on ice to calm my frayed nerves. “What did you want to talk about?” I asked, glancing at my brother. He shrugged. “Oh, I was just wondering… How did your recent legal escapade turn out? Ella was representing you, correct?” “Yeah, the murder case,” I said, my eyes narrowing just a fraction. “It went well, actually. Very well. Ella was exceptional.” Harry smirked. “Do tell.” “As it turned out, the opposing lawyer and his client were hiding evidence to frame me. But Ella found out. They’re both in a heap of trouble now; likely going to prison once they’re charged.” Harry let out a deep sigh, a performance designed to fool the unsuspecting. “Ah, such a pity. It was all so perfect, you kn
EllaI stood frozen in a secluded section of the garden, bathed in the dim glow of hanging lanterns that failed to dispel the chill creeping up my spine. Marina stood behind me, the cold metal of her knife pressing into my neck. I felt frozen in place, lost without my wolf’s strength, and utterly alone.“What is this all about, Marina?” I asked, keeping my voice as steady as I could manage.Her smirk widened. “You’re smart, Ella. A good lawyer and an even better fake girlfriend. You play the part well, but it’s time for you to stop.”My eyebrows knit together. “Stop what, exactly?”“Stop being the damsel who always gets in the way of my plans,” she snapped. “I want Harry’s fortune, and you and your precious Logan keep stumbling in the way.”The audacity of her statement floored me. “So you’re just going after Harry’s fortune? That’s it?” Marina’s eyes flickered in the surface of the water, and her smirk returned. “He has a lot to offer, and not just money. Influence, power, connection