Faking It With a Billionaire || MaAn

Chapter 18 | Anuj

Rollin' in today with an update 'cause it's my birthday! <333

Hugo shoots me an enigmatic look as he wraps up loading the last of Anupama's stuff into the trunk of our city car. It was a close call; those bags near didn't make it, and we can thank the stars that some of the items she splurged on today are scheduled for later delivery.

Anupama and I went on a shopping spree that essentially gave her an entirely new wardrobe. She's standing right next to me, fiddling nervously with the sleeve of her sweatshirt, an odd choice given she's now decked out in tens of thousands of dollars' worth of brand-new threads I just hooked her up with.

"I'll never be able to repay you for all this," she mutters softly, her regret hanging in the air as she eyes the mound of bags and boxes taking over the trunk.

I slyly shift my body closer to hers, my fingers itching to reach out and touch her. Ever since that fiery moment in the dressing room, where I got to taste and feel her, she's been all I can think about. But damn, public displays of affection ain't an option right now, especially not with Hugo likely having questions about Anupama's sudden entry into my life. It ain't the right move, even if we tried to put on a show; it's essential that people believe we had some sort of professional relationship before we spill the beans about getting serious.

"I'd be damn pissed if you even tried to pay me back for this," I assert firmly. She nibbles on her lower lip, seemingly unfazed by my words.

"It just feels strange for you to be buying me all this. Some of it cost a small fortune," she admits.

I shake my head in response. "The price tag don't mean a damn thing. I've got deep pockets, believe me." She slides her hands into the oversized pocket on the front of her sweatshirt, and I can't help but respect her even more for her humility.

"Well, I did try to go for the less extravagant stuff, but it's a real challenge when half the items don't even bother showing their price tags. Seriously, what's the point of that?" I question, slightly exasperated. I watch Hugo shut the trunk with a nod, signaling that we're good to hit the road. He moves around us to open the rear passenger door, even though neither of us has made a move to get in.

"Most folks shopping there don't exactly have 'price' at the top of their checklist," I admit, though it feels a tad strange coming out of my mouth. Anupama does have a point.

I pivot to slide into the backseat of the car, but Anupama stops me in my tracks by tugging on my sleeve. I turn my head, curious about what she wants to add. She takes a deep breath, her gaze shifting to Hugo as he settles into the car, then focuses back on me.

"I just wanted to say thank you. Really, truly," she emphasizes, her sincerity shining through. "Nobody's ever done anything like this for me, and I get that it's mostly because you don't want to be seen with me in those embarrassing clothes at work. But it means a lot. I would've been perfectly fine shopping at Target or someplace like that."

A small, amused smile tugs at my lips. "Yeah, but do Target dressing rooms provide quite the same... experience?" I tease, causing her eyes to widen. It's not the chill in the air that's making her cheeks flush, that's for damn sure.

I leave her with that smile, secretly hoping she's replaying our kiss in her head as much as I have been all morning. Sliding my body onto the plush leather seat, I settle into the back of the city car. It takes a few moments before Anupama follows suit, her expression still a bit dazed.

The rest of the car ride is silent, though I wouldn't have had much time to talk anyway. My phone has been blowing up with constant calls, and people have been needing my attention nonstop.