His lips were soft and warm against mine , and for a second , I forgot to breathe . The way his mouth moved over mine wasn't careful , it was deep and claiming . His hand slid to the small of my back , pulling me closer until there was no space between us . My hands pressed against his chest , and I should have pushed him away but instead , I held on . My head tilted instinctively , my body remembering every inch of his like no time had passed . His fingers moved up , cradling my jaw , everything about the kiss was too much and not enough . We pulled apart slowly , breath catching , lips still close . I looked up at him , stunned , heart racing . His lips were slightly parted , his eyes heavy - lidded . Then he gave the smallest smile . But it faded quickly . ' That was perfect for the media , " he said , voice low and cold only loud enough for me to hear . " Exactly what my father wants . A convincing public relationship between Hart and Sterling . " The way he said it made my chest sink . I stood there , still catching my breath , staring at him like he'd just ripped the ground from under me . I had kissed him because I wanted to help him , because I didn't want anyone to think this marriage was ake but he made it sound like I was just a useful pawn in someone else's plan . I didn't say anything . I followed him quietly to the car as he led the way . The driver opened the door and Rick slid in first . I followed , sitting as far from him as I could manage without making it obvious . The silence in the car was thick . I stared out the window , unsure what I was supposed to be thinking inymore . I had questions , so many . Why would our fathers agree to this ? What was the point of it all ? Why ne ? But none of those questions had answers . And the person sitting next to me wasn't about to offer hem . When we arrived , the car slowed outside a massive , high - rise venue , the kind of place reserved for politicians and billionaires . Gold - framed glass doors , marble pillars , tall windows reflecting the city lights . Everything looked so polished it almost hurt to stare . Then came the cameras . As soon as the door opened , lights flashed in every direction . A sea of press surged forward , voices calling our names . Rick stepped out first , then turned to offer me his hand . I hesitated , just for a second , but I took it . I had barely gotten my footing when his arm wrapped around my waist , tugging me close against his side . His grip was firm , and his other hand landed lightly at my hip , fingers brushing the satin of my dress . 1/4 8:42 pm Chapter 13 55 vouchers I didn't know if it was for the cameras or if he could feel how tense I was , but the moment his body touched mine , the nerves went through the roof . " Smile , " he whispered near my car . " This is the easy part . " Then he stepped forward with me tucked neatly against his side , guiding us through the press line . " Rick Sterling ! " one of the reporters shouted . " Is this your wife ? Are you confirming your marriage today ? " He gave a perfect smile . " Yes . This is Fiona Sterling . My wife ." Gasps , flashes , murmurs , everything swelled together as questions started flying . Inside , the event space was massive . Chandeliers dripped from the ceiling , tables lined with gold runners , a live quartet played softly in the background . The room was filled with guests in gowns and tuxedos , the rich and powerful watching us with interest . I could hear whispers , cameras still flashing from discreet angles . We started to mingle , everyone was watching us , and I was doing everything I could to act like I belonged . A group of women approached me , eyes wide and gleaming . " You look amazing ," one of them said . " Who's the designer ? " I blinked . " Uh , I'm not sure , Rick had it picked out ." They giggled and started talking over each other , asking more questions I didn't know how to answer . I gave a small smile , nodding politely . Then I felt it , his eyes . I looked up and met his gaze from across the room . His arms were crossed , suit perfect , expression unreadable but locked directly on me . I faked another smile and turned away . Seconds later , he was there . " Excuse me , ladies , " he said smoothly . " Mind if I steal her for a moment ? " They stepped aside . Before I could ask what he wanted , his hand wrapped around my wrist . He led me through the crowd , not saying a word . We moved down a quiet hall until we were away from everyone . Then , without warning , he turned sharply and shoved me gently but firmly against the wall . " What the hell was that ? " he demanded , eyes dark , jaw clenched . I flinched . His voice dropped lower , more controlled . " I'm not going to hurt you . " He stepped closer , one hand on the wall beside my head . " Why did you kiss me back there ? " 2/4 8:42 pm D Chapter 13 55 vouchers I stared at him , trying to focus but his cologne , his body , his closeness , it was all messing with my thoughts . My chest rose and fell quickly . I clenched my hands to keep them from shaking . "You don't get to yell at me , " I said quietly . " People were already whispering about how fake this marriage . was . Someone even said we had no chemistry . It's going to ruin your image , your father's plan . Wasn't that the point of all this ? " His expression shifted just slightly , eyes narrowing . " I only allowed this because it works for the media , " he said . " Don't ever confuse it for something it's not , you shouldn't even be thinking about falling in love .. " " Please , " I cut in . " I didn't sign up for this nonsense either . I did it to save you from- " " Save me from what ? " I paused , lips parting , then shut them again . " Forget it . " I tried to move past him , but he blocked me . I pushed again , glaring up at him . " You don't get to drag me around like this . You made it clear , this marriage is on paper only so stop acting like you have control over me ." His eyes darkened further . " You agreed to wear my ring , live in my house , show up at my events . That comes with consequences , sweetheart." Before I could respond , a staff member walked quickly toward us . " Mr. Sterling , " she said . " There's been a change . We weren't able to prepare a return car in time . You and your wife will need to stay at the nearby hotel overnight ." " What ? " I said . Rick just shrugged , already moving past me . " It's one night . " I pulled out my phone , calling Lena . She picked up immediately . " Mommy ? " " Hi , baby . I won't be home tonight , okay ? But make sure you eat everything and listen to the staff . " " Okay ! I really like it here , " she said . I hung up , heart aching . The journey to the hotel was quiet . The sun had dipped below the skyline by the time we arrived . The staff at the front desk greeted us and handed Rick a keycard . " One room , " she said . " Last - minute reservation , that was the last suite available . " My eyes widened . " Wait , one room ?" She smiled tightly . " Yes , ma'am , just for tonight ." 3/4 8:42 pm & Chapter 13 I turned to Rick . " We're sleeping in the same room ? " He took the key , gave me a look , and walked ahead . I stood there , stunned . 3:42 pm Chapter 14 Chapter 14 55 v Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!