False Pretences Read online

  No matter what anyone else said, Alex knew he wanted to spend more time with her, in the public eye and in private. He felt very comfortable around her and knew the feeling was mutual, even though Lara was sometimes scared of their closeness.

  He knew that time was all it took to make things better….and he had all the time in the world to give her, as well as patience. He wasn’t about to let her slip through his fingers due to impatience.

  He vowed then to do whatever it took for Lara to take to him completely. No matter what it took, he would be by her side until the very end.

  Lara sat in the town car with Alex the following night, wondering how this public date would go. She had become incredibly nervous because of the new dynamic in their relationship and hoped that everything would go well for them.

  Venessa, knowing Lara’s predilection for William Shakespeare’s plays, had booked them front row seats to the Saturday night performance of Henry IV at the Donmar Warehouse.

  While Lara was excited to go, she wasn’t really sure on how to approach her dating in public since they changed the parameters. She knew she had to act natural and affectionate with Alex, but she worried about laying it on too thick. What if they saw through their feigned relationship? What would happen if Venessa saw through their “act”?

  Alex looked over and saw Lara’s troubled expression. Almost immediately, he took her hand and squeezed it gently to reassure her. He knew she was nervous…what about exactly, he did not know.

  “It’ll be okay.” He murmured to her, hoping she would become more comfortable. “Tonight will go more smoothly than pancake batter through a colander.”

  Lara giggled at Alex’s choice of words. He had a knack for saying slightly odd things to break her out of her bubble. It must have been the writer in him.

  “I heard this performance will be amazing!” Lara found herself saying with ease. “Although I am quite partial to the Hollow Crown series, I always enjoy seeing a live performance.”

  Alex smiled at Lara’s enthusiasm. He loved the works of Shakespeare just as much as Lara did. There was something about the Bard that made his day.

  “Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown” Alex quoted effortlessly, making Lara’s smile widen.

  “Many good morrows to you Majesty!” Lara replied, stunning him with her knowledge.

  “Is it good morrow, lords?”

  “’Tis one a’ clock, and past.”

  “Why then good morrow to you all, my lords. Have you read o’er the letters that I sent you?”

  “We have, my liege.”

  “Then you perceive the body of our kingdom. How foul it is, what rank diseases grow. And with what danger, near the heart of it.”

  “It is but as a body yet distempered, which to his former strength may be restored with good advice and little medicine. My Lord Northumberland will soon be cool’d.”

  “That was amazing, Lara!” Alex exclaimed, smiling over their little exchange. “I daresay we should be the ones putting on the show!”

  Lara smiled as the town car stopped.

  “And take away the jobs of the cast?” She quipped, letting him help her out. “I think not!”

  Alex laughed as they stood at the entrance together, hand-in-hand.

  “Ah, time goes on crutches till love hath all his rites!” Alex quipped, leading her inside.

  “Not till Monday, my dear son, which is hence a just sevennight, and a time too brief too…to have all things answer my mind!” Lara replied, surprising him again.

  “You’re just full of quotes tonight, aren’t you?” Alex marveled, as they walked through the front lobby together.

  “What can I say?” Lara quipped, winking at him “I love the works of Shakespeare. I’ve read and memorized every single one of his plays and sonnets.”

  “I think this is the start of a beautiful relationship!” Alex quipped, kissing her hand as they approached the entrance to the stage. “Shall we?”

  With that, they entered the stage area and sat in their seats.

  Lara sat in her studio on Monday morning, trying in vain to mix a shade of blue…the blue of Alexander’s azure eyes. No matter how many times she added in color, she could not achieve that elusive shade of blue for her painting. She wanted it to be just right.

  Sighing, she set her palette down and decided to take a break. She had been mixing the blue for a couple of hours already and her hands were beginning to cramp.

  “Why is it so hard to perfect this color?” she groused, rubbing her hands as she glanced at the partially done painting of Alexander.

  Above all things, Lara was a perfectionist with her work. She was loathe to stop creating until everything was perfect. When she couldn’t get things just right, she would work feverishly to make sure it would end up that way.

  As she glanced at the mixed shades of blue and green on her palette, she heard the ringing of her phone. Happy for the momentary distraction, she answered.

  “Hello?”

  “Hello, darling!” came Alex’s familiar voice.

  Lara glanced at her painting and smiled.

  “Hello yourself…what’s up?”

  “I just got a call from Venessa. It looks like we have a dinner date tomorrow night!”

  Lara frowned. Why hadn’t Venessa phoned her?

  “Where are we going?” Lara asked curiously, wondering absently what Venessa had up her sleeve this time.

  “We will be going to Dans Le Noir” he explained, causing butterflies to flutter in the pit of her stomach. “I’ll be picking you up at 7:00.”

  “Sounds good!” Lara said eagerly, looking out of the window. “Can’t wait to see you!”

  “Can’t wait to see you either, darling!” he replied tenderly. “See you tomorrow!”

  Lara set down her phone and pursed her lips in confusion. Why hadn’t Venessa called to tell her this? Was she onto them?

  ‘No’ she thought to herself. ‘We haven’t given her any reason to be suspicious. As far as she knows, we’re still putting on the ruse.’

  Still, Lara was worried that Venessa would find out that they were truly together. She had a sharp eye and always noticed changes in behavior no matter how hard one tried to hide it.

  She was having fun with Alexander and she didn’t want it to be ruined by Venessa’s judgment.

  “What’s a girl to do?” she murmured to herself, sighing.

  “This is getting more challenging, Alex!” Lara declared, taking a nervous sip of her wine as they sat in the darkened restaurant, “Dans le Noir”.

  Venessa had heard about it from someone in her professional circle and she immediately reserved a table for them that night. Although Lara was getting annoyed with Venessa’s little interventions, she had to admit that the girl knew her way around the public eye.

  So there they were, enjoying a nice, intimate dinner…although it was truly as a real couple…not the charade Venessa thought it was.

  “I know it’s tough on both of us.” Alex replied, taking her hand and kissing it “But it will be worth it in the end, will it not? Venessa is none the wiser and the public still gets to see a real relationship…albeit they don’t really know how real this relationship really is.

  Lara looked at Alex with a troubled expression…soon, it melted away when she saw the reassuring smile crossing his features. There was something about this man that made any negativity surrounding her dwindle away to nothing. When he smiled, she wanted to smile…and often did as a result.

  “There’s that beautiful smile” he murmured, his own smile broadening to reveal his even, white teeth. “You really ought to smile more often. The sight always takes my breath away!”

  “You flatter me!” Lara retorted, a blush creeping across her cheeks.

  “You are absolutely silly, my darling!” he said, as their entrees arrived.

  As they began to eat, Lara studied Alex. She found that every time she looked at him, he revealed a new facet to himself that made him even m
ore unique and even more endearing to her. He was like a Christmas present that kept on giving.

  He never bored her like Christian sometimes did. In addition, he was always interested in anything she had to say.

  “Eat up, darling!” his voice broke into her subconscious. “I want to take you somewhere special after this!”

  Lara focused on her prime rib, eagerly anticipating the latest surprise Alexander had in store for her.

  “Well, here it is!” Alex announced, gesturing towards the skyline. “Isn’t this lovely?”

  Lara shook her head, in awe of the view of the city she’d come to love. Only Alex would think of taking her to “Aqua Shard” at The Shard for a unique glimpse of the nightlife.

  “The view is spectacular!” she murmured, gazing upon the lighted buildings against the midnight blue sky. “I didn’t even know that this place existed!”

  “You’ve been hanging around the wrong people, darling!” Alex quipped, taking her by the hand as they inched closer to the ledge. “I know of a lot of unique places in the city that have excellent vantage points. I would love to take you to all my old haunts!”

  “I’d like that too!” Lara breathed, enjoying her closeness to him…it was utterly intoxicating. “I really hope that you can show me more of the city…just like this…I love how spontaneous you are!”

  Alex encircled Lara in his arms. If he’d said later on that he didn’t enjoy the way they stood at that moment, he’d be the worst liar. Everything felt so right.

  “Are you cold?” he asked, dropping his chin to rest upon the top of her head.

  “Not really” Lara replied, leaning into him further. “This is just perfect!”

  Chuckling, Alex turned Lara in his arms until they were face to face.

  “May I kiss you?” he asked gently, waiting for her permission.

  Lara couldn’t believe how gallant he was. Alex was the first and only man to ask her permission for a kiss…and Lara was perfectly inclined to let him kiss her without any hesitation on her part.

  “Of course, Alex” she whispered, looking into his eyes as she bit her lip.

  Alex’s face descended upon hers until their lips met in the softest way imaginable. It was like her lips were fragile rose petals and he was the butterfly who wanted to sample her nectar. No pressure…no guile…just a gem of a man sampling the lips of the lady he’d waited a lifetime for.

  The kiss deepened briefly, before Alex pulled away, smiling. There was no reason to rush things and ruin the progress they’d made with each other. He was perfectly satisfied with the quick taste for the time being.

  Lara felt a strange satisfaction as well. Although his kiss left her wanting more, she was perfectly happy in letting things remain at their slow pace. There was plenty of time to learn about one another. After all, Alex was patient enough to let their relationship progress in its natural course instead of being hasty.

  “What are you thinking?” Alex whispered, noticing that his companion was lost in thought.

  “I’m thinking that I’d like to spend even more time with you.” Lara replied shyly, biting her lower lip.

  “I’m thinking that I’d like that too” he whispered again. “Come, let’s take you home!”

  Chapter Seven

  “Seriously, Venessa!” Lara complained as they entered the Barbican building. “This better be worth it! What do they need to discuss with me now?”

  “There’s a lot of details that need finalizing.” Venessa replied, letting out a long-suffering sigh. “They want to know how you want the room to be arranged…when you will give your speech…and all that jazz.”

  “Can’t we figure out all that crap over the phone?” Lara whined, dragging her feet as they walked towards the administrative offices near the gallery. “Do they really need me to hold their hands and tell them what to do?”

  “Is there something you’d rather be doing tonight?” Venessa asked, suddenly on point like a shark smelling blood in the water. “You used to be eager to plan your own gala. Why the change in attitude?”

  ‘Oh shit’ Lara thought to herself as Venessa eyed her suspiciously. ‘I walked into that one…better work my magic.’

  “Do you want to know how long it’s been since I have been able to relax and breathe since they sent the invitation?” Lara groused, as they stood near the elevator that would take them up to the boardroom on the 15th floor. “It’s been nothing but demands and requests and the swarming of these vultures around me. Forgive me if I want one peaceful night!”

  “This is your life now, such as it is, chickie!” Venessa snorted, rolling her eyes. “You will now be the latest flavor of the month…maybe even of the year. This is what success in the art world brings. Be thankful it’s finally happening.”

  With that, she pressed the Up button.

  Christian sat in his office, looking over the dossier that the private investigator had assembled for him. Apparently Alexander was a common retail worker at a bookstore in Soho. University of Manchester educated with a double major in Literature and Dramatic Arts. Wannabe writer.

  Christian smiled to himself. This was going to be easier than he thought. Lara’s date was a mere commoner…a struggling artist. He was nothing more than an insect to be squashed underneath the heel of his Louis Vuitton oxfords.

  This Alexander was a cheap wine…Christian was an expensive merlot. Lara would have to be an idiot to align herself with such an inferior specimen of a man. If she knew what was good for her and her career, she would cease slumming with men who didn’t deserve her and be where she belonged…by his side.

  He was going to continue his role as the concerned, generous, patron…he would meet and befriend the boyfriend to give him a false sense of security. Then, when his defenses were low…or even nonexistent…he would steal Lara away from him before he could even blink.

  Christian reached into his suit pocket and retrieved a small velvet box. He opened it to reveal the 1.2 million pound, custom made, diamond engagement ring he had procured a couple of months ago for Lara.

  As the diamonds glittered and shone in the sunlight filtering through his office window, a diabolical fire erupted in Christian’s eyes. One way, or another, Lara Clayton would be his bride…Alexander beware.

  His eyes narrowed and a ruthless smile crossed his face as he shut the velvet box and replaced it in his pocket.

  Lara let out a bored sigh as Venessa shook hands with the curators. Two and a half bloody hours had passed…and as far as she was concerned, all they accomplished was the layout of her exhibition – no formalities, no schedules, and no guidelines.

  The head curator handed Venessa a couple of passes and then, the ladies finally trudged along the hallway.

  “That was nothing short of tedious!” Lara groused, rolling her eyes.

  “Totally!” Venessa agreed, grinning. “But, we ended up getting V.I.P. passes to the new Mayan exhibit opening for tonight!”

  “I guess that’s something.” Lara replied, wishing she could have spent the time they’d wasted watching “The Shining” with Alexander.

  “Let’s go!” Venessa declared, tugging on her arm.

  Lara had a fleeting thought of Alexander, wondering what he was up to, when a voice broke through her thoughts.

  “Lara!”

  She looked up to see Christian heading towards them.

  “Hello ladies!” he greeted them as soon as they approached him.

  “Hello, Christian.” Lara said coolly, as he took her hand and kissed it.

  Venessa studied the both of them, noticing the look of devotion in the playboy’s eyes. It was plain as day that he only had eyes for Lara…how could Lara be so oblivious to it?

  “I had a meeting with the board of directors earlier and they asked me to oversee the opening tonight!” he explained, putting an arm around the shoulders of both ladies.

  Although Lara didn’t seem bothered by his forward behavior, Venessa swore she saw a flicker of irritation in La
ra’s eyes.

  “So.” Christian drawled, not batting a single eyelash. “Allow me to give you ladies a personal tour!”

  Alexander stood in a room not far away from where Lara was heading from. Young men and women traipsed around in traditional Mayan costumes of brilliant plumage and hues. In a matter of moments, he was to be chief among them.

  He was nominated by his friend Julian, an assistant curator in the Barbican Museum – the man who was to wear the traditional costume of the Jaguar god came down with the flu.

  When Alexander received Julian’s frantic call, he quickly jumped to action. He was spending a night alone, thinking of Lara and wanting to see her. So, when Julian called, he saw it as an opportunity to see her…maybe even surprise her.

  There he was, waiting for the makeup artist and her assistant to apply the traditional paint to his nearly nude body. He felt rather silly wearing the loincloth and torque, but it was for his friend.

  “We’re ready for you!” the makeup artist chirped, summoning him over to her station.

  She immediately began painting the black jaguar pattern upon the left side of his chest and arm. Her assistant set to work, painting his left leg turquoise and his right leg black.

  Then, the makeup artist painted the jaguar pattern on the left side of his face while her assistant applied the black and turquoise to the right.

  Soon, they finally finished and Alexander glanced in the mirror. He was amazed at how he had been transformed from a mere man into a god.

  “Yes, I know you look handsome!” Julian joked, suddenly materializing by his side with the headpiece.

  “Always the charmer!” Alexander quipped, slipping on the headpiece.

  “All you have to do is prowl around the exhibit, Alex!” Julian explained, helping him adjust the headpiece. “Let people take pictures of you and such. Kati here will escort you to your area!”

  “Great!”

  “I really appreciate this, mate!”