The Billionaire's Holiday Hoax

Synopsis

"So, Harper," my aunt sneered, swirling her wine. "Still drawing cartoons for a living? Meanwhile, Chad here just made partner at his law firm." My ex-boyfriend, Chad, smirked from across the table, his hand resting on my cousin's knee. I shrank into my chair, wishing the floor would swallow me whole. I was about to make an excuse and leave when a warm, large hand covered mine. Declan didn't just hold my hand; he interlaced our fingers, his thumb stroking my knuckles possessively. The table went silent. The cold, ruthless billionaire who hadn't spoken five words all night suddenly smiled—a dark, dangerous smile that didn't reach his eyes. "Actually," Declan’s deep voice vibrated through the room, "Harper’s latest contract is with my company. And considering I just paid six figures for her 'cartoons,' I’d say she’s doing better than a junior lawyer." He turned to me, his eyes softening into a look so full of fake adoration it made my heart stop. "Aren't you, sweetheart?" He leaned in and kissed me. It was supposed to be for show. But when his tongue swept my lip, and his hand gripped my waist, I realized... the contract didn't say anything about real fire.