Page 63 of Ravaged For You

“Very funny, Axel.”

Here’s my chance.

“Lucas, I need to ask a favor from you, if that’s alright. A logistics thing. Got a chance to talk over it now?”

Lucas nods, but I can tell his mind is somewhere else. “Ask me later, but I’m sure I can do it. First, I have something to tell you. A little plan I’ve concocted that needs to be executed today.”

“What is it?”

Lucas smiles playfully.

“It’s time for you and Maddie to make your relationship public, and I’ve got just the idea.”

28

MADDIE

I frown as I stare at my reflection in the hotel’s bathroom mirror. I call out to Axel, who’s in the other room.

“So what should I wear to this charity thing again? I feel like I’m overdressed. Is everyone else going to be wearing heels? I don’t want to stand out. Ah, I’m freaking out.”

I wait a moment for Axel’s answer. “I doubt you’ll be overdressed, trust me.”

I check my lipstick in the mirror. Despite Axel’s flippant remark, I do feel overdressed. I never really get the chance to go out putting this much effort on. It’s been a lot of fun to get ready all afternoon, I have to admit, but now staring at myself in this elegant dress I worry I’ve gone too far.

Axel bought me this dress. My mouth dropped when I read it was Versace. I can’t guess as to how he got my measurements or anything. Or how he got the dress so quickly. I didn’t dare ask.

It’s certainly a step up from my red dress.

Okay, so there are some benefits to fake dating a multi-millionaire, that’s for sure.

“Well, who’s going to be there?” I ask around the bathroom door.

“You know,” comes Axel’s reply. “The glitterati of LA. Sports stars, celebrities, hot-shot politicians…”

“And me. Wow.”

I’m actually going to this event, and it isn’t for work or as a fan. I’m going as a guest. A big special formal occasion. It’s going to be like the Academy Awards or something, and I’m going to be right in the middle of it all next to Axel. He didn’t seem too bothered telling me about it earlier, about how this is where we’ll announce our relationship to the world in front of the world’s celebrities and press. I, on the other hand, felt like I was having a heart attack. A day-long drawn-out heart attack, culminating in this freak-out over what I should wear.

I hear voices talking in the room next door. Axel and… Lucas. Ravaged’s manager must’ve just come in. That means it’s probably time to actually stop hiding in this bathroom and leave for this charity function. I take in a deep breath and look back at my reflection. I force my frown into a smile.

Say yes to more opportunities. Stop being such a scared little introvert.

Okay. I can do this. I can do this.

I step out.

Axel shocks me. I didn’t know what he was going to be wearing until right now, but his appearance tonight takes my breath away.

Holy shit.

He looks… incredible.

My gaze trails up his tailored Tom Ford suit, made of the finest wool. He’s checking his super-expensive Rolex with the expression of an aloof playboy.

He looks every inch a million dollars of pure cool sex god. A billionaire bachelor.

“Hello, Maddie,” Lucas says. He’s standing right next to my fake boyfriend, but my eyes are not on him. “You look absolutely beautiful. Don’t you think, Axel?”