False Pretences

  FALSE PRETENCES

  Acknowledgements

  This book is dedicated to all those loved ones who surround me: Venessa, my cheerleader and friend…Victoria, my best friend and main support…and Elyse, my shining star.

  Special dedication goes out to B.C. and N.F. for being my inspiration for the characters Alexander and Christian. You know who you are.

  Acknowledgements

  Prologue

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Epilogue

  Prologue

  Christian Masters had wanted the talented artist from the first moment he laid eyes upon her. Compared to the party girls and socialites he usually had on his arm, Lara Clayton was a breath of fresh air.

  They had a few things in common. Both were born and raised in Canada and were transplants to England. Lara was an Anglophile…an avid lover of everything British…and that was a feather in his cap as well.

  She was petite and had a luscious, curvy body that most women lacked. Her silky ebony mane of hair beckoned his fingers to comb through. The golden eyes she looked upon the world with were exotic and tiger-like.

  He introduced himself to her during a gala hosted by Liana Stone, a good friend in his circle. She was standing near the refreshments table alone, looking lost and uncertain…the perfect time for him to make his move and procure her.

  Unfortunately, Lara was a tough nut to crack. He showered her with gifts and got no reaction. He took her out for expensive dinners at the most exclusive of restaurants. After all that, Lara was still oblivious to the fact that he was smitten with her.

  As an ultimate act of adoration, he became her patron. In the cutthroat world of Art, an artist needed to know the right people and socialize in the right circles to get noticed. Through his patronage, he helped her go from a struggling, unknown artist to a promising rising star. It also helped that he was on the Board of Directors at the Barbican Museum and Art Gallery, one of the perks of being a major fixture in London’s High Society.

  Part of his work was now coming to fruition. After lobbying with his fellow board members and pointing Lara’s work out to the head curator of the Barbican Art Gallery, an exhibition and gala were being thrown to showcase Lara’s latest work.

  Sadly, the other desired result was far from positive. Lara had begun dating Andrew Carver, the latest British heartthrob who graced the silver screen. The worst part about it was that he was to blame for that union.

  When he first introduced Lara to Andrew, he had no inkling that Andrew would muscle in and sweep Lara off her feet. Now, nearly two years later, their relationship was still going strong and it made Christian sick to his stomach that it wasn’t him that Lara was with.

  After careful considerations and cunning planning, he decided to sabotage the happy couple by introducing a new player to his romantic game to be the catalyst that would result in a broken relationship.

  Enter Sarah Houle. The blonde bombshell was a predatory socialite who wanted nothing more than to sink her claws into Andrew Carver. She was well known for stealing taken men from wives, fiancées and girlfriends. Sarah enjoyed the fact that she was famous for being “The Other Woman” to so many wealthy men.

  Since she and Christian ran in the same circles, it was an easy enough matter to introduce her to the actor. All he had to do afterwards was watch and wait for Andrew and Lara’s relationship to implode. The paparazzi went gaga over affairs and broken relationships…it was all a matter of time.

  It took less time than he anticipated…in fact, all it took was a month before Andrew was caught cheating with Sarah. Heartbroken, Lara broke off the relationship and Christian was there to console her.

  Sadly, even that wasn’t enough to get her to fall for him. He was now out of ideas, but not out of hope. Time was the only thing not working against him. Lara was single and it looked like she would be for a while so he had ample time to plan and scheme to win her.

  As time passed, Christian swore to himself that someday, somehow, he would make Lara his wife.

  Chapter One

  “I can’t believe he is doing this to me!” Lara groused, slamming down the wedding invitation on the marble countertop. “Hasn’t he humiliated me enough?”

  “Apparently not” Venessa Lincoln replied sardonically, rolling her eyes “You’d think a man who strung you along for two years and cheated on you would just let you live your life after he shattered it…but hey, what do I know? He must be a new breed of asshole!”

  Lara Clayton let out a sigh and turned towards her balcony window. Gazing up at the darkening sky, she felt the sting of unwelcome emotion bubble up and quickly swallowed it down. Her ex Andrew Carver, an accomplished actor, hastily broke off their two-year relationship and quickly got engaged to a rich socialite. It had later been revealed that he had begun seeing the socialite when he was still committed to Lara.

  “It’s bad enough he humiliated me in front of the entire world!” Lara seethed, turning back to her best friend and publicist. “But inviting me to his wedding? What planet is he from?”

  “Sweetie, I don’t know what to tell you except that I never trusted him from the beginning!” Venessa replied, taking a sip of shiraz. “You’re better off without that creep. The only thing he did was bring you down.”

  Lara blinked back the tears pricking at the corners of her eyes before perching herself onto a stool at her kitchen island.

  “It’s been six months” she hissed, fighting the sharp ache in her heart as she reached for her glass of wine. “I’m still not over him…how can I move on?”

  “You’ve got more pressing matters to worry about” Venessa pointed out, reaching into her purse.

  Lara straightened up, remembering Venessa had come over with other news.

  “What’s this news you were telling me about over the phone?”

  “Remember how you’ve always dreamed of having your work showcased at the Barbican Art Gallery?” Venessa hinted, unable to hide a small smile as she took a card out of her purse.

  Lara’s molten amber eyes widened incredulously.

  “Are you trying to tell me that the Barbican has approached you to have my exhibition there?” Lara asked excitedly, her hand clasped to her heart.

  “Not only do they want an exhibition of your latest work…” Venessa explained “But they also want to throw a huge gala in your honor. Your dream is finally coming true!”

  Lara looked upon her friend in shock. She never anticipated that she would encounter this much success when she moved to London from Canada. Since she was a little girl, Lara had always wanted to live in London. The culture fascinated her and London’s rich history dazzled her. She had scrimped and saved for a few years…working two jobs and working on her paintings to achieve her dream of being an artist. Now, she was living in the city she loved and her future was looking brighter than ever. Not bad for a small town girl.

  “So I am finally going to be recognized for my hard work and talent!” Lara said wondrously, allowing the news to sink in. “I feel so thrilled!”

  Venessa handed her the card and she looked it over. It was the most beautiful and welcome sight she could ever hope for.

  “Dear Miss. Clayton,

  We at the B
arbican Art Gallery are excited to host an exhibition of your latest collection, “Dark Angels of Twilight”. On November 12, 2015, a gala will be held in honor of your immense talent and patrons will be able to purchase your paintings. Congratulations and we look forward to working with you!

  Management”

  “You do realize that the gala means that image is everything, right?” Venessa prodded her, a knowing look upon her face.

  “Meaning…”

  “You had a very embarrassing public split from Andrew.” Venessa clarified, finishing the last sip of her wine before getting into business mode. “The media will all be asking about that, especially in the wake of his upcoming wedding. I can’t have you looking heartbroken and forlorn on your big night. Might I suggest an alternative?”

  Lara looked at Venessa curiously, waiting for her to continue.

  “Hire a male escort or someone to accompany you.” She continued, not batting a single eyelash. “Make it look like you’ve moved on from the debacle named Andrew Carver.”

  “I refuse to be seen with a gigolo!” Lara huffed, insulted. “Do I really look that desperate for a man?”

  “I highly doubt you will find a boyfriend in time.” Venessa countered, giving Lara a look. “It’s a media-friendly way of showing the world that you don’t need to be associated with Andrew’s name in any way.”

  “Are you implying that Andrew’s been telling people I used him for his name?”

  Venessa nodded slowly, a pained expression on her face.

  “That bastard!” she hissed, slamming her fist upon the table. “I wanted nothing to do with his career or his money! He told me it was endearing to him!”

  “At least tell me you will consider my idea.” Venessa pleaded, knowing her friend would listen to her advice.

  Lara thought about it…and the more she thought about it, the more she was inclined to agree with Venessa. Part of her still vehemently refused to hire a male escort.

  “Can we at least find an unknown, out-of-work actor?” Lara suggested, thinking deeply. “I don’t think they would believe I would be with another polished, sophisticated man like the male escorts appear to be. I want someone who can pull off being a real man…someone who isn’t full of himself.”

  Venessa mulled over Lara’s request. She had a good point.

  “I’ll put some feelers out, then.” Venessa promised, nodding. “Someone will turn up soon…I’m sure of it!”

  The next day, Lara spent the afternoon working on her latest piece, one she called “Islington’s Citadel”. As a teenager, she’d heard about the legendary angel in myth and even enjoyed the way he was portrayed in “Neverwhere”. In fact, he was the inspiration for “Dark Angels of Twilight”.

  Islington stood out on the canvas, his great wings spread and his iridescent eyes catching the candlelight she’d painted. He was a vision of heavenly beauty trapped in the darkened citadel housed in Lower London. From memory, she painted Islington in his own realm, surrounded by dozens of candles. Her interpretation was so lifelike that she felt she was in the citadel with him, sharing his store of Atlantean wine and watching him spread his wings.

  As she completed the final brush stroke, she put down her palette and smiled.

  “Well, Islington…fortune finally smiles down upon us.” She sighed, mulling over everything she had discussed with Venessa the previous night. “I hope you will inspire a buyer the way you inspired me to paint!”

  Islington stood there, the stoic expression remaining upon his face. Lara sighed and wiped the paint from her hands before putting her signature on the bottom corner. Her collection was now complete and everything else was to be left to chance.

  She had no idea what was in store for her and it scared her a little. She hoped against hope that Venessa would find a proper date for the gala. She was tired of artifice and narcissism in men. She wanted something fresh and real.

  Looking out upon the sunset through the large windows of her studio, she decided to pack up and go home. She put a cloth over Islington and gathered her coat and purse. The lights were turned off and the darkened studio was absent of life as soon as Lara stepped outside into the twilight.

  Lara locked the door to her studio and put the key into her purse when she felt someone approaching her from behind.

  “Miss Clayton?”

  She held her breath and slowly turned around. There stood a tall, casually dressed man holding a notepad with one hand and the other hand extended to her. His cerulean eyes sparkled with excitement as they pounced on her and swept over her entire body.

  “Yes? And you are?”

  “I am Will Garrison” he replied, proffering his hand. Lara slowly shook it.

  “How may I help you?”

  “I am a writer for the Daily Mail and would like to have an exclusive interview with you in light of your upcoming gala!” he replied, smiling wolfishly.

  Lara examined the man, suspicions creeping all through her subconscious. While he was very handsome, something about the way he was looking at her made her nervous…she felt like she was being mentally undressed.

  “I appreciate your offer and am flattered but you will have to contact my publicist, Venessa Lincoln regarding all interviews and publicity.” Lara replied quickly, backing away from her guest.

  “At least let me give you my business card!” Will pleaded, reaching into his breast pocket and producing a card. He immediately handed it to Lara who held it gingerly.

  “I shall pass this onto Venessa and she will contact you within a few days or so” Lara murmured, hoping he would take the hint and leave her alone.

  “Thank you for your time, Miss Clayton!” he thanked her, turning on his heel and walking away.

  Lara breathed a sigh of relief and headed in a different direction. A private person by nature, she hated any attention called to herself in any way shape or form. Now that she was already approached by one nosy reporter, she knew she would soon be swarmed by dozens of journalists and paparazzi waiting for the latest scoop.

  Groaning inwardly at the thought of her private life intruded on by news hungry strangers, she almost dreaded the gala. Crossing the street, she shoved her hands in the pockets of her coat and sighed.

  Earlier that morning, she had finished the last few pages of the latest novel she’d been reading and was now in need of new books to read. She had decided that she was going to stop by the bookstore by her Soho studio.

  A bookworm at heart, Lara always frequented this particular shop. She had gotten to know the owner over the few years she’d lived in London and it had become the safe haven she’d needed when life got too hectic for her.

  She stepped inside and immediately greeted the girl at the front counter before heading to the Romance section. A great lover of novels of the Romance, Mystery, Historical, Biographical and Horror genres, Lara had read several period pieces, some supernatural pieces, and even some modern pieces. Her absolute favourite books so far were “Parade’s End”, “The Dark Highlander”, and “Lolita”.

  Lara walked up and down the aisles and selected a couple of books to tide her over. One was the latest from the “Highlander” series and another was “Cryptonomicon.” She was considering selecting a third novel but decided to remain with the two until something new and exciting came along.

  As she headed towards the checkout counter, she mused sardonically about her absence of a love life. In fact, she was so lost in thought that she failed to see the man in her path. Soon, she collided with his solid form and landed squarely on her rear end.

  “I’m so sorry” apologized an accented male voice as a large hand was extended to her. “Allow me to help you!”

  Lara accepted his hand and allowed him to help her up. As she stood to her full height, she realized he towered over her. Slowly tipping her head up, she noticed his twinkling cerulean eyes and devastating smile.

  “I should be the one to apologize” she replied sheepishly, blushing as his smile deepened. “I w
asn’t paying attention.”

  They stood there, staring at each other…frozen in time as everything else around them resumed a normal pace.

  “Nonsense” he whispered, letting out a little nervous laugh. “It’s a pleasure to collide with such a beautiful girl!”

  Lara stood there, tongue tied as she blushed. She then looked down at her discarded books before looking back up at him.

  “Oh I am sorry” he apologized, bending down and picking the books up before handing them to her. “I should have picked up your books sooner.”

  “It’s okay” she murmured, smiling shyly at him. “They’re just books…they will get over it.”

  “Allow me to introduce myself” he murmured, extending his hand again “My name is Alexander Collins.”

  “My name is Lara” she replied, shifting the two books to her left hand before shaking his. “It’s nice to meet you, Alexander”

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you as well, Lara” Alexander replied, bending to kiss her hand. “Is there anything else I can help you look for?”

  “Oh, you’re an employee here?” she asked, looking for his nametag.

  Alexander laughed.

  “Yes, I am employed here!” he replied, touching his neck nervously. “I am an Assistant Manager here and was on my way to oversee the display of the latest James Patterson novel when I bumped into you.”

  ‘That explains the lack of a name tag’ she thought, smiling at him.

  “I think I’ve found everything I needed for today.” She stated, looking briefly at her books before focusing on him again. “Thank you for your help though!”

  “It’s my pleasure!” he replied, a slight blush creeping up his cheeks. “Allow me to escort you to the counter!”

  With that, he took her arm. Lara felt a pleasant shiver reverberate up and down her spine at his touch.

  There was nobody at the counter as they made their approach. Lara put her books down and waited for the girl at the register to scan them in.

  “I will leave you to it then!” Alexander said awkwardly, lingering next to her. “Please do come back again! I will be very happy to recommend some of my favorites to you.”