The First Public Appearance

Ava.

I stood before the mirror in the restroom, my fingers working methodically as I applied another layer of mascara. My reflection stared back at me: high cheekbones accentuated by a light dusting of blush, full lips painted a deep red, and eyes that seemed to smolder with a mix of resignation and defiance.

I blinked, scrutinizing my work. The makeup was flawless, transforming me from CEO to red carpet ready in a matter of minutes. On any other night, I might have felt a twinge of satisfaction. Tonight, it left a bitter taste in my mouth.

"Fucking circus," I muttered, reaching for my lipstick. My hand hesitated over the tube. Did I really need another coat? Who was I trying to impress?

I knew the answer, even if I didn't want to admit it. This whole charade was for Alex's benefit. Sure, I stood to gain from our arrangement too, but right now, it felt like I was nothing more than arm candy for Seattle's most eligible bachelor.

The door swung open without warning. My eyes flicked to the mirror, catching Alex's reflection as he sauntered in, all easy confidence and tailored suit.

"You do know this is the ladies' room, right?" I said, not bothering to turn around.

I watched in the mirror as Alex's gaze traveled the length of my body, lingering on the curves accentuated by my dress. "Looks like I came to the right place then."

I rolled my eyes, focusing on the final touches of my makeup. I leaned forward, adjusting my breasts in the plunging neckline of my dress. The movement was automatic, practiced – I'd worn enough revealing gowns to know how to make everything sit just right.

When I straightened, I caught Alex's eyes in the mirror. His smile had turned devilish, a hint of heat in his gaze.

"Was that on purpose?" he asked, his voice low.

I turned, shouldering past him. The spicy scent of his cologne hit me as I brushed by, stirring something low in my belly. For a split second, I was tempted to lean in, to press my face against his neck and inhale deeply. The urge was so strong it startled me.

I blinked hard, banishing the thought. "Are you coming?" I tossed over my shoulder, fully aware of his eyes on me as I walked away.

Alex's chuckle followed me out the door. "Oh, I'm right behind you."

My step faltered for a moment, heat rising to my cheeks. I pressed my lips together, forcing myself to keep moving. It was going to be a long night.

The moment Alex and I stepped into the main hall, it was like someone had flipped a switch. The constant hum of chatter dipped for a second, then swelled again, punctuated by not-so-subtle whispers. I felt the weight of a hundred gazes, scrutinizing every inch of me.

"Quite the entrance," Alex murmured, his lips barely moving.

I plastered on a smile, all too aware of how my dress clung to every curve. "Isn't that what you wanted?" I hissed back.

His hand slid around my waist, fingers splaying against the small of my back. The heat of his palm seeped through the thin fabric, sending an involuntary shiver up my spine.

"Cold?" he asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.

I shot him a glare. "Peachy."

We made our way through the crowd, a sea of designer labels and fake smiles parting before us. I caught snippets of conversation as we passed.

"...can't believe he's really engaged..."

"...she's pretty enough, I suppose, but..."

"...wonder how much he's paying her..."

Each word was like a little barb, pricking at my skin. I was used to being the center of attention, had learned to use it to my advantage in the cutthroat world of business. But this? This felt different. I wasn't Ava Silver, CEO. I was Ava Silver, arm candy.

"Darling!" A high-pitched squeal cut through the murmur of the crowd. I turned to see a flash of red hair and a dazzling smile. Vivian.

She air-kissed my cheeks, her perfume washing over me in a cloying wave. "That dress is simply divine," she gushed, her eyes raking over me. "So brave of you to wear something so... daring."

Before I could respond, she'd already turned her attention to Alex. "And you," she purred, running a manicured hand down his arm. "Handsome as ever. I swear, you get more attractive every time I see you."

Alex chuckled, clearly at ease with her flirtation. "You're not so bad yourself, Viv."

I watched their interaction, a strange feeling coiling in my gut. Jealousy? No, that was ridiculous. This was all for show, wasn't it?

"We simply must catch up," Vivian was saying. "Come, let's get drinks. You don't mind if I borrow your fiancé for a moment, do you, Ava dear?"

Before I could answer, she'd looped her arm through Alex's, all but dragging him towards the bar. I trailed behind, feeling increasingly like a third wheel at my own engagement party.

At the bar, Vivian dominated the conversation, regaling Alex with tales of her latest photoshoot in Milan. I sipped my champagne, the bubbles doing little to dispel the sour taste in my mouth.

"...and then the photographer said—oh, Ava, you simply must hear this, it's hilarious—he said..."

I tuned out, my eyes wandering over the crowded room. Everywhere I looked, people were staring, whispering. Judging.

"Excuse me," I muttered, setting down my half-full glass. "I need some air."

If Alex or Vivian replied, I didn't hear it. I was already walking away, my heels clicking against the marble floor as I made a beeline for the balcony.

The cool night air hit me like a slap, shocking some sense back into me. I gripped the railing, taking deep breaths of the crisp autumn air. What the hell was I doing here? This whole charade was—

"Ava?"

I spun around, my heart leaping into my throat. But it wasn't Alex standing there. It was Nicholas.

"Nick," I breathed, surprised at how relieved I felt to see a familiar, friendly face. "What are you doing here?"

He smiled, that same warm smile that had once made my knees weak. "Business, same as you. Though I have to say, you seem to be mixing it with pleasure quite successfully." He nodded towards the party inside. "Congratulations, by the way. You and Russo make quite the power couple."

I laughed, a sharp, bitter sound. "Thanks. It's... quite the whirlwind."

Nicholas stepped closer, concern etching lines around his eyes. "Are you okay, Ava? You seem..."

"Like I'm way out of my depth and questioning every life choice that led me to this moment?" I was already pouring out before I could stop myself.

He chuckled, shaking his head. "I was going to say 'tense', but sure, let's go with that."

For a moment, we just looked at each other, and I was struck by how easy it felt. No pretense, no game-playing. Just... us.

The balcony door swung open with a bang, shattering the moment. Alex stood there, his jaw clenched, eyes darting between Nicholas and me.

"There you are," he said, his voice tight. "I've been looking everywhere for you."

He strode over, placing a possessive hand on my lower back. The warmth of his touch sent a jolt through me, so different from the easy comfort I'd felt with Nicholas moments before.

"Nicholas," Alex nodded curtly. "I didn't realize you were invited."

Nicholas smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Last minute addition. You know how it is, Alex. Business never sleeps."

The tension crackled between them, thick enough to cut with a knife. I cleared my throat. "Nick was just congratulating us on our engagement."

"How kind," Alex's voice dripped with sarcasm. "Well, if you'll excuse us, I need a moment with my fiancée."

Nicholas held up his hands in surrender. "Of course. Ava, it was good to see you. Take care of yourself, okay?"

As he walked away, I felt a pang of... something. Regret? Longing? Before I could examine the feeling, Alex's grip on my waist tightened.

"What the hell was that?" he hissed, spinning me to face him.

I wrenched myself out of his grasp. "What was what? A conversation with an old friend?"

"Don't play dumb, Ava. I saw the way he was looking at you."

I laughed incredulously. "Oh, that's rich coming from you. Shall we talk about the way Vivian was draped all over you in there?"

Alex ran a hand through his hair, messing up its perfect style. "That's different. Vivian and I have history. She knows this is just for show."

"And Nick doesn't?" I shot back. "In case you've forgotten, this whole thing isn't real, Alex. You don't get to be jealous."

He stepped closer, crowding me against the railing. "Doesn't feel fake to me right now."

The air between us shifted, charged with something dangerous. I could feel the heat radiating off his body, smell the subtle notes of his cologne mixed with something uniquely him. My breath caught in my throat.

"Alex," I whispered, but it came out more like a plea than a warning.

His hand came up, cupping my cheek. I knew I should pull away, put some distance between us. But my traitorous body leaned into his touch.

"Tell me, does this feel fake to you?" He murmured, his voice rough with desire.

I was unsure if that was a question I was meant to answer, but all thoughts halted when his lips crashed into mine, hot and demanding. I gasped, and he seized the opportunity, his tongue delving into my mouth. My hands fisted in his shirt, all thoughts of pushing him away vanishing as I pulled him closer.

This was nothing like our staged kisses. It was raw, primal, months of denied attraction erupting between us. I moaned into his mouth, the sound seeming to drive him wild.

Alex's hands roamed my body greedily, one tangling in my hair while the other slid down to grip my ass, pulling me flush against him. His erection pressed hard against my stomach, and I ground against it instinctively, drawing a guttural groan from him.

My dress had ridden up, and Alex took full advantage, his fingers skimming up my bare thigh. I broke the kiss, panting, as his hand inched higher.

"Fuck, Ava," he breathed against my neck, teeth grazing my pulse point. "You drive me crazy."

I arched into him, past caring about anything beyond this moment, this burning need. "Alex, please—"

Camera flashes exploded around us, but they felt distant, unimportant. Alex's fingers had just brushed the edge of my panties when the balcony door burst open, and the flash of cameras blinded us. I jerked, but Alex held me in place, not letting me go.

I wanted to hit him, but that would be creating a scene. Still latched onto each other, Alex stared into my eyes, and I could see it, he was enjoying it. This sick bastard was enjoying the show he was putting up.