Chapter 21: The Rules

The next day, Emily did not have to wait long for a call from her friend and soon to be fake boyfriend.

She meant to call him as soon as she finished breakfast, but her phone rang at 9 am.

"Have you forgiven me yet?" Byron's smooth voice caressed her ear.

"Yes," she replied, "and I want to do the fake dating."

"You do?" his voice suddenly lost some of its professional lustre, and he sounded vulnerable for a moment. "Let's talk it over. I'll pick you up for lunch at Mangiamo."

The Italian restaurant was bustling with glamorous couples and smartly dressed professionals. Amadeo, the same middle-aged man who had served them the last time they were here, appeared even happier to see Byron. Once again he had a hug for his employer and a warm greeting for Emily.

She was bewildered by how close Byron was to his staff, despite all the articles she had read about his ruthlessness and how he crushed all companies that stood in his way. Maybe he truly cared about the people who worked for h