The Mafia Boss Brought His Secretary as His Fake Date—Then Got Jealous When Every Man Wanted Her
Chapter 2
The following evening, Elena stood in front of her bedroom mirror for nearly twenty minutes.
She hated the dress.
Not because it was ugly.
Because it made her look nothing like the woman Adrian Blackwell had employed three years ago.
The black evening dress was elegant and simple, falling just below her knees with a fitted waist and open shoulders. Her brown hair had been loosely curled. She wore small diamond earrings she had borrowed from a friend.
She looked into the mirror.
“It’s just acting,” she whispered.
Fake date.
Nothing more.
She grabbed her purse.
A black sedan was waiting downstairs.
One of Adrian’s drivers opened the door.
“Mr. Blackwell is already inside.”
Of course he was.
Elena slid into the back seat.
The partition was closed.
Five minutes later, the vehicle stopped outside the Grand Sterling Hotel.
Cameras flashed.
Politicians, CEOs, celebrities, and several people Elena had only seen in financial reports were entering the building.
When Elena stepped out of the car, she immediately felt every eye turn toward her.
Then Adrian appeared.
His black tuxedo looked effortless.
He walked toward her.
For one brief second, he stopped.
He simply stared.
Elena suddenly became very aware of her dress.
“What?”
“Nothing.”
“You’re staring.”
“I noticed.”
“Noticed what?”
“That you followed instructions.”
She narrowed her eyes.
“You told me to make people look twice.”
“I didn’t expect it to work this well.”
Her cheeks warmed.
Before she could answer, Adrian extended his hand.
She hesitated.
Then placed hers in his.
His fingers closed around hers.
Warm.
Firm.
Protective.
They walked inside together.
Whispers followed.
“That’s Blackwell.”
“Who’s the woman?”
“His secretary?”
“No chance.”
“She must be more than that.”
Adrian heard every word.
He didn’t react.
But Elena felt his hand tighten slightly around hers.
At the ballroom entrance, an older businessman approached.
“Adrian.”
“Richard.”
Richard looked at Elena.
“And who is this?”
Adrian answered without hesitation.
“My date.”
Elena almost choked.
Richard smiled.
“Your date?”
“Yes.”
He looked between them.
“Well, you certainly kept her hidden.”
Elena smiled politely.
“I’m Elena.”
Richard shook her hand.
“A pleasure.”
Another man appeared almost immediately.
Then another.
Elena quickly realized what Adrian had meant.
Every man wanted to know who she was.
Some asked about her work.
Others asked where she lived.
One charming young investor named Lucas Harrington even offered to get her a drink.
Before Elena could answer, Adrian stepped between them.
“She already has one.”
Lucas looked at Adrian.
“I’m sure she can decide for herself.”
Adrian’s eyes became colder.
Elena touched his arm.
“I’m fine.”
Lucas smiled at her.
“I was only asking.”
“I know.”
He gave her a card.
“Call me.”
Adrian looked at the card.
Then at Lucas.
Then back at her.
“You won’t need that.”
Elena stared at him.
Lucas laughed awkwardly.
“I didn’t realize you were that serious.”
Adrian said nothing.
Lucas walked away.
Elena pulled the card from her fingers.
“What was that?”
“What?”
“You practically threatened him.”
“He was interested in you.”
“So?”
Adrian’s jaw tightened.
“So he shouldn’t be.”
She stared at him.
“Remember the reason I’m here.”
“I remember.”
“This is a fake relationship.”
His eyes stayed on hers.
“For everyone else.”
The words sent an unexpected chill through her.
Before she could ask what he meant, the ballroom lights dimmed slightly.
An orchestra began playing.
Adrian leaned closer.
“Dance with me.”
“I don’t dance.”
“You do tonight.”
He placed one hand around her waist.
Elena rested her hand on his shoulder.
They moved onto the floor.
For several seconds, neither spoke.
Then Elena felt Adrian’s gaze settle on her.
“What?” she whispered.
“I don’t like this.”
“The dancing?”
“The way they’re looking at you.”
She almost smiled.
“Are you jealous?”
Adrian’s expression hardened.
“No.”
“You are.”
“No.”
“You absolutely are.”
He looked down at her.
“I’m not jealous, Elena.”
“Then why are you holding me like you’re afraid someone is going to steal me?”
His fingers tightened around her waist.
“Because someone might.”
And for the first time that night, Elena wasn’t sure whether Adrian was still pretending.
