STERLING'S POV
The confidential folder sat heavy in my lap as the city lights streaked past the tinted window of my car.
CONFIDENTIAL.
I huffed a humorless breath. What a joke.
I opened it again, even though I already knew what I'd find inside.
Photographs. Grainy but unmistakable images pulled from security archives Curtis had obtained discreetly.
The manager of the hotel hadn't asked questions. Money had a way of keeping mouths shut.
The photographs belonged to the woman from the hotel lounge.
The same woman who had sat across from me at dinner, pretending—very badly—to be Evie Sawyer.
My jaw tightened as I flipped through the pictures again, slower this time.
My hand clenched without warning, and I slammed my fist against the window.
"Fuck."
The sound echoed sharply inside the car.
"How did I miss it?" I growled, staring down at the final photo. A close shot this time.
Her face angled just enough to reveal her features clearly. The same lips. The same eyes. The same woman who had been burned into my senses since that night.
Silence stretched between us before Curtis spoke carefully. "How do you want to deal with this?"
I didn't answer.
My mind was too busy replaying moments with a clarity that made my teeth grind.
Curtis cleared his throat. "I can take care of it, if you want. Quietly."
That got my attention.
I turned sharply, my glare cutting. "No."
Curtis blinked. "Sterling—"
"I said no." My voice was low, final. "I'll take care of it myself."
He studied me for a second longer than usual, then nodded. "Understood."
The car rolled forward smoothly again.
Curtis exhaled. "I'll admit… Her behavior at dinner was strange. I was watching from the corner like you asked, and even then, something felt off. But impersonation?" He shook his head. "That was bold."
A bitter smile tugged at my mouth. "That's exactly why I had you look into her. I knew something wasn't right."
I hadn't expected this, though.
My gaze dropped back to the folder, to the image in my hand. My chest tightened despite myself.
That night hadn't left me.
No matter how many meetings I sat through, how many deals I closed, she lingered.
It wasn't just the sex.
It was the way she'd looked at me—like she didn't expect to be wanted, yet needed it all the same.
But more than that—she'd been beautiful.
Soft curves. Pale skin. Hair like spun gold spilling across my pillow.
I stared harder at the picture now.
She had brown hair.
My fingers twitched. "Goddamn it."
Curtis frowned. "What?"
"The hair," I muttered. "It was a wig."
How hadn't I noticed?
I leaned back, staring at the ceiling of the car. "Why would she go to such lengths just to scare me off?" I asked, more to myself than Curtis.
Curtis didn't answer.
Could it be that she hadn't recognized me?
The thought irritated me instantly. I hadn't recognized her either, but still—
Or maybe…
I turned suddenly. "Curtis."
"Yes?"
"Am I attractive?"
He stared at me like I'd lost my mind. "...What?"
"Answer the question."
"Yes…" he said slowly. ".... You are."
I frowned. "Handsome enough?"
"Sir, with respect, you're objectively handsome. That's… not in question."
I leaned back again, scowling. So that wasn't it.
An absurd thought slipped in uninvited—that maybe I hadn't been good enough that night.
That she'd walked away unimpressed.
I crushed it immediately.
Impossible.
I knew myself. I knew my effect. This wasn't about my looks or my ability to satisfy a woman.
So what was it?
I ran a hand through my hair, frustration burning hot beneath my skin.
They thought they could fool me. FOOL ME.
A low laugh slipped out, dark and humorless.
"They won't get away with this," I muttered.
FAYE'S POV
Breathe, breathe, Faye. Everything's gonna be just fine. I tried to assure myself, but who the hell was I kidding?
Everything was going out of control.
I inhaled deeply, staring at my reflection in the mirror. My heart raced as the reality of meeting Sterling again settled in.
I thought the date with Sterling had been a success but the very next day Evie called and said he wanted to meet up.
I grabbed my purse and slipped quietly out of the house.
Twenty minutes later…. I arrived at the cafe Evie texted me about.
I was barely two steps away from the entrance when a shadow fell over me.
"Miss."
I turned.
The man standing there was tall, dark-skinned, and immaculately dressed,
"Are you Evie Sawyer?" he asked.
"Yes," I said, the lie slipping out too easily.
"Please come with me."
He didn't wait for my response, already turning toward a sleek black sedan parked by the curb.
The car window rolled down with a soft whine.
Sterling Brooks looked out at me.
My breath caught.
He opened the door himself. "Get in."
I slid into the cool leather seat, my heart pounding so hard I was sure he could hear it.
The door shut, sealing us in.
"So," I said lightly, forcing a smile, "you didn't want to meet inside?"
"Drop the act." Sterling said coolly.
I blinked. "I don't know what you mean."
He turned fully toward me then, his gaze cutting straight through my defenses. "You're not Evie Sawyer."
A chill swept through me. "I don't know why you keep saying that."
He studied me, slow and deliberate, like he was peeling layers off me one by one. "What's your name?"
The question caught me off guard.
"…Faye," I answered before I could stop myself.
His lips curved slightly. "Faye," he repeated. Then his eyes darkened. "The woman I spent the night with."
My chest constricted.
I opened my mouth, but nothing came out. I couldn't even pretend anymore.
"Curtis, give us a minute."
Curtis hesitated, then stepped out and shut the door behind him.
The silence that followed was suffocating.
Sterling exhaled sharply, anger flashing in his eyes. "You and Evie lied to me."
"I—"
"And don't insult my intelligence by pretending otherwise."
I swallowed hard.
"And you thought I wouldn't notice?" His gaze flicked upward, narrowing. "Is that a wig?"
My hand flew to my head instinctively.
His brows rose, disbelief flickering across his face. "You're even wearing a wig. Seriously?"
Heat rushed to my face. The humiliation was unbearable.
I looked away, my throat burning, tears threatening to fall despite my best efforts. I felt exposed, so completely it hurt.
Sterling cursed under his breath and leaned back, running a hand through his hair. "Damn it."
"I'm sorry," I blurted, forcing the words out before I lost my nerve. "I never planned for any of this. I was… trying to help my friend. That's all."
He was quiet for a moment.
The air between us shifted, tightening under his gaze like something being claimed.
I sensed it at once, but he reacted before my body could catch up.
His mouth was on mine, sudden and demanding.
His hand slid to my waist, pulling me closer as his mouth moved against mine with intent, with heat.
His tongue brushed my lips, urging them apart.
For a split second, my body betrayed me.
Then reality snapped back.
I pushed against his chest. "Stop!"
He pulled back immediately, eyes searching my face.
"Why would you do that?" I demanded, my heart was racing.
"I needed to confirm something," he said calmly.
"Confirm what?" I snapped. "What does kissing me prove?"
He laughed softly, shaking his head.
I stared at him. "You're insane."
Instead of replying, he rolled down his window. "Curtis. Come back."
"Drive," he said when Curtis returned.
I swallowed. "What are you going to do now?"
Curtis glanced between us in the mirror, clearly confused.
Sterling turned to me. "Where do you live?"
"I'll take a cab," I said quickly.
He looked at me with a deadly smile. "Your address."
A shiver ran down my spine.
I gave it to him.
********************
The car finally stopped in front of my family's restaurant.
Curtis stepped out and opened my door. I climbed down, immediately aware of the attention Sterling drew when he followed.
He looked entirely too pleased.
I rolled my eyes and hurried inside.
"Faye…"
I spun around. "W—Why are you still here? You should leave."
I was ushering him toward the door when my parents appeared from the back.
"Faye?" my mum called. "Who's that handsome young man?"
Before I could open my mouth, Sterling's lips curved into a slow, mischievous smile.
He turned fully toward her, polite charm sliding into place as easily as his tailored suit. "I'm sorry," he said smoothly. "Are you Faye's mum?"
My heart leapt straight into my throat.
"Yes," my mother replied, her curious gaze shifting between Sterling and me. "I am."
"No— Mum, wait—" I started, but it was already too late.
Sterling extended his hand, confidence radiating off him. "It's a pleasure to meet you, ma'am."
Then his arm slipped around my waist, casual and possessive, sending a jolt through me.
"I'm her boyfriend."