Billionaire & His Liar (Damned billionaires series #1)

Chapter 5

Serena

I reached Roman's house wearing a white silk dress adorned with a diamond necklace, the elegant piece resting against my collarbone. My black curls cascading down my back that added to the allure of the attire.

The house was situated in an upscale neighborhood of NYC, looking different than it was at the night of Lexi's party. Every aspect of it exuded opulence and a sense of aristocracy, embodying the heritage of old money.

It seemed Roman was engrossed in conversation with a woman in her late 40s when our eyes unexpectedly met as I approached them. His eyes widened as he took me in, his gaze lingering on my lips, my eyes, and the curve of my hips. I could feel his eyes burning into my skin, and blood rushing to my face. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. I tried to remember the last time a man looked at me like that. Oh...wait. Never. Not even Tyler.

After Tyler left me for another woman, I found myself spiraling into a vortex of self-doubt and insecurity. I began to scrutinize my appearance, my behavior, and even my intelligence, desperately searching for the reason behind his abandonment. Was it my looks? My personality? My IQ?

I became consumed by the need to understand why Tyler had chosen another woman over me, endlessly comparing myself to her, convinced that she possessed some intangible quality that I lacked. I was obsessed with identifying her flaws, believing that by doing so, I could somehow justify Tyler's decision.

But this man...this rude and arrogant man...

I couldn't explain it, but his attention, even if it was laced with condescension, made me feel strangely empowered. His gaze, though piercing and often dismissive, ignited a spark of confidence within me.

"Rina, this is Serena Harper, my fiancée." His voice resonated beside me, a subtle touch grazing my back. "And Serena, meet Rina. She'll be capturing our moments for her magazine."

"Nice to meet you, darling." She smiled warmly extending her arm, which I promptly took. We chatted for few more minutes before she excused herself to prepare for the photoshoot.

"Don't be fooled by her warm and cheerful smile." Roman spoke as soon as she left, "She carries a carefully crafted façade to conceal her determination for hunt of a good story." His words struck a chord as I realized her profession gave her the power to unearth secrets. "Be careful around her." After all, she's a journalist.

"Don't worry. I'm mute." I said, motioning to zip my mouth shut.

"That will be good for both of us." he replied, slipping one hand into his pocket.

Rina returned, accompanied by a man carrying a camera and large white sheets. She instructed us to assume various poses, and we complied with her directions. It felt a bit strange getting close, but I couldn't ignore the heat radiating from his body. Every touch sent a sudden jolt through me.

"Serena, sit on his lap." Rina instructed casually. I realised Roman tensed beside me. I didn't want to give her a spicy story by saying a straight 'no'. So I did what she said.

With a deep breath and a resolute heart, I complied with her request, and sat on Roman's lap. The instant our bodies made contact, a surge of heat erupted between us, igniting a trail of sparks that sent shivers down my spine.

His body, initially stiff and unyielding, gradually relaxed beneath me, the warmth of his presence enveloping me like a comforting embrace. His scent, a blend of wood and musk, filled my senses, an intoxicating fragrance.

"Good. Now kiss."

What the hell ? Kiss? In front of everyone? Even if it's just for the show, it's still awkward and uncomfortable doing it in front of strangers.