False Pretences Read online

  “Alex was always our third wheel!” Adam explained to Lara, who listened with fascination. “He always seemed awkward and out of place with us. But I can see that he is taking to couple-hood like a duck to water!”

  “Alex is amazing!” Lara sighed happily, leaning into him affectionately. “He makes even the most boring things in life more interesting!”

  “Now, now…” Alex cut in modestly, silencing them “It’s really nothing…I just like seeing you happy.”

  “Awww” Charlotte exclaimed, grinning wistfully. “Lara, you are incredibly lucky to have Alex. He is the biggest gentleman in the world. You will never have to worry about him, ever!”

  The waitress came by and took their orders.

  “So, Lara” Adam began, taking a sip of his pint of Guinness “How is the gala coming along?”

  Lara groaned inwardly at the thought of all the boring preparations.

  “The people at the Barbican are boring me to death with all of their planning.” Lara groused, sighing “I’m starting to want everything to be over with. I don’t care how they plan it as long as it happens. Thank God Venessa is taking care of all the details for me. I haven’t a clue on the first thing about party planning.”

  “So, how exactly is the gala going to be?” Charlotte asked, looking at Lara with a curious expression. “What will be in store for us?”

  “From what I understand, my paintings will be showcased in an intricate exhibit modeled after Islington’s citadel from “Neverwhere”. The guests will be able to purchase my work if they so choose.” Lara explained, recalling what Venessa had told her. “The exhibition is basically a huge gathering to celebrate my work…a huge party if you will. After a while, I will be introduced and I will give a speech to the guests. There will be dinner, dancing and basically a meet and greet with me while I work the room with Venessa.”

  “And amidst all that, “ Alex interjected proudly, “I will have the most beautiful, talented artist on my arm.”

  Lara blushed at Alex’s pride.

  “The both of you will be on the guest list.” Lara added, after taking a sip of her zinfandel. “I told Venessa to make sure your names were on there since you’re Alex’s closest friends.”

  Charlotte and Adam looked at her in surprise.

  “We will be honored to be there!” Adam replied, recovering from his shock first. “Thank you for inviting us!”

  “Thank you for being so kind to me!” Lara said, smiling at them.

  Their food then arrived and they eagerly dug in.

  Lara and Alex spent the next two days together, free of any obligations and happy to be with each other. There was a public date two nights after they revealed their true feelings for each other…an appearance together at the Barbican Member’s lounge for tapas and a couple of drinks.

  The paparazzi snapped image after image of the two of them coming out of the town car and entering the building. Whatever intimacy they had shared the previous night was displayed as they held hands and nuzzled at the bar.

  In fact, so much activity swirled around them and rumors flew about. Christian took notice immediately. They had gotten too close too soon. He hadn’t thought the relationship would progress so quickly. It was time for him to make his move or he would never have a chance at having Lara.

  Initially he had seen Alexander as a very minor threat…a passing fancy that she would grow tired with. However, with each public appearance and each tabloid photo, Christian felt more and more threatened by Lara’s new squeeze. They were inseparable and looked very much in love.

  He couldn’t have that happen…not when he could have her all to himself. Christian was a man who was used to getting what he wanted…no polished riffraff would stand in his way to getting the ultimate prize…Lara Clayton.

  Christian decided that he would take matters into his own hands and change the direction of the game. He would invite the happy couple over for an intimate dinner…and then he would spring an attack.

  He laughed to himself, picturing the heartbroken expression on Alexander’s face when he moved in for the kill. He would go right for the jugular and steal Lara away from under his very nose.

  Picking up the phone, he dialed Lara’s number.

  Lara set down her phone with mild disbelief on her face. She received a call from Christian…and what a call it was.

  Christian had obviously seen the images of her and Alexander…or perhaps heard about it from Venessa. Either way, nothing escaped his notice.

  However, she was unprepared for his request for them to join him for dinner in a couple of nights. Throughout her relationship with Andrew, Christian never insisted on meeting him, nor did he invite the both of them anywhere. Did he see somehow see through their ruse? Or was he genuinely interested in meeting Alexander out of a patron’s professional interest?

  Lara felt uneasy. Christian was so insistent that she couldn’t refuse him. Was it a good idea for her to accept his invitation?

  Christian was her patron, nothing more. She had never thought of him beyond that.

  So why did she feel so uneasy?

  “What did your patron want?” Alexander asked, handing her a cup of tea. Lara forced a smile to her face as she accepted the cup.

  “He wants us to join him for dinner on Friday night.” Lara replied, staring down into the steaming liquid. “I told him we would be there.”

  “Should be interesting.” Alexander mused, taking a sip of his own tea. “I’ve heard about him through the grapevine, but never thought I would ever meet the man himself. Now he wants us to join him for dinner?”

  “Christian is a good man.” Lara said, still looking into her tea before taking a sip. “His help has been invaluable since I came here. I am sure he likes you.”

  “Anyone who is important to you is important to me, Lara” Alexander said earnestly, reaching over to take her hand as she sipped her tea. “I want to see and experience every part of your world.”

  Lara smiled as she set her cup down. Alexander always seemed to know how to calm her when she needed it most. She could feel her uneasiness melting away with his words and his touch.

  “I’m glad that I followed my heart to you” she murmured, looking at him fondly. “These past few weeks have meant the world to me and I don’t want this to end.”

  “Lara, it will never end!” he replied, squeezing her hand lovingly “You’re very special to me and I couldn’t imagine being with anyone else.”

  Lara sauntered up to Alexander and pressed a kiss upon his cheek as he put his arm around her.

  “I couldn’t imagine being with anyone else either.” She sighed, resting her head against his shoulder. “I feel like I can take over the world when I’m with you!”

  “Then let’s take it on!”

  Chapter Fifteen

  The Town Car arrived for the both of them promptly at 7:00 that Friday night. Lara had brought over one of her impeccable outfits and Alexander decided to put on the dressiest ensemble Venessa had selected for him.

  During the car ride to Christian’s mansion in Virginia Water, Surrey, Lara could tell that Alexander was nervous. Like her, Alexander didn’t come from money like Christian had. And, the immense wealth Christian possessed was intimidating, even to Lara…she was still daunted by the expensive lunches and gifts he had showered her with.

  “Don’t be nervous.” Lara said gently, taking his hand and squeezing it gently. “Christian is all bark and no bite. He doesn’t flaunt his money around like most billionaires do.”

  Alexander smiled gently, his thumb stroking her knuckles.

  “As long as I have you by my side, all the rich bastards of the world can go jump in the Thames.” He replied, planting a kiss upon her hand.

  “I will never abandon you, Alexander.” She vowed, returning the smile. “I only want you. No rich man can tear me away, no matter what he offered me.”

  With that, she planted a tiny kiss upon the tip of his nose. Alexander sighed and plant
ed his lips upon hers in a loving kiss. Lara fell into him and returned the kiss. Moments passed and they were still in rapturous liplock and neither dared to move away until the car stopped suddenly.

  Giggling, the lovers pulled away from their rapturous embrace and allowed Christian’s driver to open the door. Alexander climbed out first and extended his hand, which Lara promptly took. He gently helped her out of the car, kissing the top of her knuckles as he did so.

  Christian stood looking out the upper foyer window at Lara and her blasted lover. He couldn’t believe how Lara was taken in by a few, cheap amorous gestures. He was nauseated at how Alexander was pathetically attentive to Lara…how he tripped over himself to be with her.

  The puppy eagerness upon his opponent’s face was beginning to grate upon the playboy as they walked into the foyer. Christian uttered a silent curse before regaining his composure and turning to descend the staircase…

  ”This is a very posh place!” Alexander uttered in amazement as he and Lara walked through the foyer.

  Lara nodded, equally in wonder. She had never been to Christian’s mansion before and the décor was nothing short of dazzling. Her eyes pounced on everything they passed on their way to the great room.

  “Good evening!” a male voice called out, causing them to turn and look at the ornate staircase they’d passed.

  With a smooth, suave smile, Christian glided down the stairs and immediately went to greet Lara.

  “Hello, Christian.” Lara greeted him, allowing him to take her hand.

  As Christian planted the inevitable kiss upon her knuckles, she felt Alexander tense beside her. She turned to see a sour expression upon his face. She could tell that he didn’t like Christian’s attention towards her one bit.

  “Welcome to my house, you lovebirds!” Christian announced, letting go of Lara and leading them towards the Great Room. “Dinner will be served in a while. Please, make yourself at home!”

  Alexander narrowed his eyes as he put a possessive arm around Lara, who took his hand and gave it an affectionate squeeze. The light touch of her hand placated him as they entered the Great Room and his good humor reappeared.

  “I was thrilled when you agreed to come for dinner.” Christian declared, pouring himself a glass of scotch. “Would either of you like some scotch?”

  Lara declined immediately, as she was not a fan of hard liquor.

  “Please” Alexander replied, trying to play nice for Lara’s sake.

  He was well aware that he had to be on his best behavior or it could ruin things for Lara since Christian was her patron. Accepting a drink was the perfect way to begin the evening.

  Christian poured the amber liquid into two crystal tumblers and handed one to Alexander, who thanked him and took a small sip. He and Lara sat down on the ornate leather loveseat.

  “You have a lovely place, Christian!” Lara commented as her patron sat down on the matching leather chair opposite them. “It’s very tasteful.”

  “I will give the both of you a tour after dinner!” Christian replied, a mysterious smirk appearing on his face.

  Alexander failed to see what was so amusing and assumed that Christian was like the typical rich boy…the kind of man who liked to preen and rub people’s noses in his wealth. He refused to let Christian bait him.

  “So, Lara tells me you made your fortune in web design and networking.” Alexander said conversationally before taking a sip of the fine single malt scotch.

  Christian nodded his ascent.

  “Yes, that is correct. I started out with one small web design company with a friend of mine and then branched out over the years. It’s amazing to me how backwards web design was here. Their ideas were so archaic and overused that I quickly amassed a lot of money. Companies clamored for the unique designs my friend and I created.”

  “I take it that you applied what you learned from that success when you branched out and began acquiring companies.” Alexander commented, taking another sip of scotch.

  Christian laughed at Alexander’s attempts to sound clever. Most of his wealth acquisition was public knowledge…Alexander could have saved himself the agony of making conversation.

  “You’ve certainly done your homework, Mr. Collins.” Christian replied, enjoying the way Alexander squirmed in his seat. “Lara, he is a very astute man. Wherever did you find him?”

  Lara and Alexander exchanged amused glances.

  “We met at the bookstore I frequent once a week.” Lara replied, giggling as she put her hand on Alexander’s knee affectionately.

  “I literally swept her off her feet.” Alexander added, setting down his scotch and putting an arm around Lara. “Which is to say that I bumped into her…she landed on the floor unceremoniously.”

  “How romantic.” Christian commented dryly, finishing his drink.

  Alexander narrowed his eyes at Christian’s rude reaction to their story. Who did the jerk think he was?

  As Lara continued on with the story, Alexander watched Christian like a hawk for his reactions.

  “One thing led to another, and then we went for coffee the next day.” Lara gushed, resting her head upon Alexander’s shoulder.

  Alexander noticed the sour expression on Christian’s face and then saw something in the older man’s eyes. Christian was jealous of their relationship.

  The more he pondered, the more he realized that Christian wanted Lara all to himself. As he looked at the rich playboy, their eyes met and Alexander smiled, enjoying the jealousy. After all, Lara was unquestionably his. There was no way that she would be attracted to his immense wealth and arrogance.

  A servant suddenly appeared in the doorway, attracting the attention of everyone in the room.

  “Dinner is served.” He announced blandly before leading them to the immense dining room.

  The three of them enjoyed a scrumptious three course dinner, courtesy of Christian’s master chef. They started off with a baby kale and baby spinach Caesar salad, followed by seared scallops sprinkled with chorizo sausage and flat leaf parsley. The main course consisted of thinly sliced roast beef, Yorkshire pudding, mashed fingerling potatoes and honey braised carrots.

  Christian retained his good humor throughout the meal, although he was reaching the point of wanting to smash Alexander’s smug face into his mashed potatoes. He had every inkling that Alexander saw through him and was unabashedly doing his best to taunt him. Every time their eyes met, Alexander’s eyes shone smugly and he kept smirking as he leaned into Lara to plant a kiss behind her ear.

  As they enjoyed a delicious dessert of petit fours and coffee, Christian stood up with a flourish.

  “How about I give you that tour now?”

  Alexander and Lara followed Christian upstairs, where he led them to the immense master suite, and then the Games room.

  Lara tried her best to hang onto everything their gracious host was saying, but Alexander ignored every syllable. He wasn’t impressed by the grandeur of the mansion and thoroughly enjoyed the way he was putting the rich bastard in his place. Did he think that a few large would sweep Lara off her feet? Either Christian was delusional, or he truly believed that he would get what he wanted.

  Alexander laughed to himself as they approached the Sitting Room. Feeling the need to relieve himself, he waited for Christian to pause before excusing himself.

  “Please excuse me.” Alexander murmured, giving Lara an affectionate squeeze as Christian watched with fury. “I just need to find the bathroom. I won’t be long.”

  “We will be in the sitting room.” Lara murmured, squeezing his hand. “You can join us in there!”

  With that, Alexander sauntered away, smiling to himself.

  Christian watched the toerag make his exit before advancing upon Lara. He knew it was now or never and he had to act fast if he was going to make his move.

  “Lara…” he said, taking her hand and leading her away from the Sitting Room. “I would like to have a private conversation with you in my office. Wo
uld you please come with me?”

  “But of course, Christian!” she replied quickly, allowing him to lead her away. “I hope it’s nothing unpleasant.”

  “On the contrary, Lara.” Christian murmured, flashing her a disarming smile as they walked into the office. “I think this will be worth your while.”

  He led her to a plush leather chair and motioned for her to sit down while he walked towards the door and close it three quarters of the way.

  “What would you like to discuss with me, Christian?” Lara asked, suddenly curious about Christian’s need to speak with her.

  Christian smiled evilly before advancing upon her.

  “Lara, do you know why I invited you here tonight?” Christian asked, circling the chair she sat on.

  “I assume that you want to continue our viable working relationship” Lara replied, wondering when Alexander was going to return from the washroom.

  “Yes and no” was Christian’s vague reply as he stood in front of her, his hand in his pocket as he reached for something. “I want to ask you something important and I would like your answer.”

  With a flourish, he pulled a velvet box out of his pocket and got down on bended knee.

  Alexander had just finished in the bathroom and was making his return to the sitting room when he heard voices coming from the office. Curious, he headed towards the partially open office door and peeked inside.

  What he discovered made his blood run cold. The rich bastard was on bended knee and asking Lara to marry him. As far as he knew, Christian was just a benefactor…a patron…Lara rarely spoke about him. But as he watched the scene take place, his heart sank and he suddenly felt sick to his stomach.

  “Lara Clayton…will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?” Christian asked, taking Lara’s hand as she gaped at him.

  Lara was too surprised to speak, or so it seemed. Alexander had never seen her so speechless and the sick feeling become worse with every passing second.