Deception and Desire

ssa'

one, but you're on a whole other level," Cassie says, la

not like I planned it, Cass. I just..

ebrow arched. "So, what are you going to do no

n't know. The lies are piling up, and I'm terrified I'll get

n unreadable. Then she leans forward, curiosit

d scrambling for the rest

sh." She spins the laptop toward me, pointing at the screen. "He's huge! Richard McCarthy is the billionaire CEO of Ricotech. Like,

pan look. "Cassie,

s is your golden ticket. Do you have any idea what kind of life this man can give you? No mor

not?" I ask, guilt already gnawi

loser. "You can tell him the truth lat

ce. "Relationships built on lies

s at Richard's picture on her laptop, her expression softening. "G

hing in my mind. "Okay, I'll give you

s on the table. I glance at it, and my

I whisper,

he devil!" C

angel," I correct h

isses, scooting so close I c

pe to answer. "Hello?" I say,

Richard's deep, smooth voic

say, my lips curv

esterday. I appreciat

reply, feeling the he

ted to ask if you'd do me a favour. My sister is hosting a party tomorrow night

aught off g

so sincere it makes my heart ache.

rating next to me, mouthin

" Richard asked, his t

ice louder than I intended

his voice. "Thank you, Jane. I'll send my

s bubbling under the sur

beautiful," he say

ps off the couch, doing a little

, you don't understand. I have no ide

ug. "Relax! You've got this. We

he thinks I am. And even if I wanted to, I don't have anything to wear t

ht me these dresses, and they're perfect for you." She pulls out a glittering gown and tosses it

has always been my ride-or-die. "You're a

stress yourself into a coma. Now, let's get you r

I can't help but think about how strange lif

ears, "I guess it's true what they say-ever

y hand. "And, babe, this

ry face." I don't want to fal

do this for fun ", Cassie