Kara's POV
For a moment, the world tilted. Kara stared at Alessandro, her mind racing to process what he'd just said. Fiancée? Was this man completely insane?
Her voice came out in a hiss, barely above a whisper. "What are you doing?"
"Saving the evening," he replied smoothly, the infuriating grin never leaving his face.
Kara clenched her fists, torn between stomping out of the ballroom and causing a scene-or staying to avoid further embarrassment. Around her, people were already beginning to take notice. She could feel their curious stares, hear the murmurs.
The older woman, whom Kara guessed was a relative, clasped her hands to her chest. "Oh, Alessandro, I knew it! I always told you that when you finally fell in love, it would be with someone extraordinary."
"Extraordinary," Kara muttered under her breath, glaring at Alessandro. "Is this a joke to you?"
But before she could press him further, Alessandro placed a warm hand on her arm, steering her away from the crowd with surprising gentleness.
"Walk with me," he said.
She yanked her arm free as soon as they were out of earshot. "You've got five seconds to explain before I-"
"Relax," he interrupted, his tone calm but firm. "I needed a quick fix, and you were the perfect solution."
Kara gaped at him, struggling to find the words. "A quick fix? Do I look like a bandage to you?"
"Not at all," he replied, his expression softening just enough to disarm her. "You look like someone who knows how to keep a secret."
Her pulse quickened, but she refused to let him see how unnerved she was. "What exactly do you want from me?"
"I need you to play along," Alessandro said, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Just for tonight. My aunt is... persistent when it comes to matchmaking, and I'd rather not have her introduce me to every eligible woman in Italy."
"Then maybe you shouldn't have lied," Kara snapped.
"True," he admitted, his lips twitching as though suppressing a laugh. "But you were so convincing during our argument, I thought, why not?"
"Convincing?" Kara's jaw tightened. "I was telling you off."
"Precisely." His grin returned, full of mischief. "You're not like the others. That's why it works."
She exhaled sharply, weighing her options. Walking out now would mean making a scene, which could jeopardize her relationship with Dr. Moretti and her internship. But staying meant indulging this arrogant man's ridiculous scheme.
"Fine," she said through gritted teeth. "But only for tonight. And if you pull this stunt again, I'm going to-"
"Dance with me," he interrupted, holding out his hand.
"What?"
"Dance," he repeated, his tone leaving no room for argument. "People are watching."
Her fingers curled into his reluctantly, and as they moved onto the dance floor, she realized two things: he was a surprisingly good dancer, and she was in way over her head.
---
Alessandro's POV
From the moment he'd spotted her by the paintings, Alessandro had been intrigued. She wasn't like the others-those women who fluttered around him, all false smiles and practiced charm. This one was... fiery. Real.
But he hadn't planned on dragging her into his personal chaos. The lie had slipped out before he could stop himself, spurred on by his aunt's unrelenting pressure and the sheer frustration of the evening.
Now, as he guided her across the dance floor, he was keenly aware of how perfectly she fit against him. Her hand in his was smaller but firm, her touch light yet steady.
"You're quiet," he remarked, breaking the silence.
"Because I'm busy thinking of ways to kill you," she replied without missing a beat.
He chuckled, genuinely amused. "I like you, Kara McAllister."
She scowled up at him, her green eyes flashing. "You don't know me."
"Not yet," he said, his voice low and teasing. "But I'd like to."
Her steps faltered for a fraction of a second, and he felt a pang of guilt. He hadn't meant to pull her into this mess. But now that she was here, he couldn't help but feel... intrigued.
As the music swelled around them, Alessandro glanced toward his aunt, who was watching them with barely contained glee. It was clear she believed his little charade. But convincing his family wasn't the hard part.
Convincing Kara to stay in his life, even for a short while, was the real challenge.
---
Kara's POV (continued)
The dance felt endless. Alessandro moved with practiced ease, his every step smooth and deliberate. Kara, on the other hand, was hyper-aware of every eye in the room. The whispers hadn't stopped, and she could almost feel the weight of their curiosity pressing down on her.
"I hope you're enjoying this," she muttered, keeping her voice low.
"Immensely," Alessandro replied, his lips quirking in a way that made her blood boil.
She clenched her teeth, determined not to give him the satisfaction of seeing her flustered. But as the dance came to an end and Alessandro led her off the floor, his grip on her hand lingered for a moment too long.
"Kara," he said, his tone uncharacteristically serious. "Thank you."
She blinked, caught off guard. "For what?"
"For trusting me. Even if it's only for tonight."
The sincerity in his voice unnerved her. Alessandro De Luca was supposed to be a spoiled, arrogant billionaire. So why did he suddenly seem... genuine?
Kara shook off the thought as quickly as it came. This wasn't real. None of it was. And the sooner she could get out of this ridiculous situation, the better.
---