Not so fake love

Part 1

If you haven't read the description read it, as it summarises the missing start of this story. Sorry it jumps in kinda halfway.
Colin downed his glass of whiskey, slamming it down on the table as he watched Penelope dance with the man. Closing his eyes he felt a hand slide along his shoulders like a snake. "Hey there sexy." Colin exhaled loudly and rolled his eyes. Of all the people to turn up now she had to appear.
"Not interested Lily. I told you that in London and then in Berlin and in Paris. Get the message in your head already." He shoved her hand off his neck which she had been scratching in what he presumed was a way she thought was alluring. She sniggered and pulled up a chair so near him her knees were sat in his lap.
"Oh come on. Don't be a tease! What are you seeing someone?" She cackled. That was it the perfect excuse to get rid off her.
"Yeah I am actually. So take the hint." He pushed her away. But she remained resolute. She giggled once more.
"As if the stubbornly single Mr Colin Bridgerton would be 'dating someone'." She used air quotes for the last bit. "Come on don't be a tease. Who would you be dating? The only person you've spoken to is that blonde you walked down the aisle with! What are you dating her? She's way too big for you!" That made Colin's blood boil. How dare she say that about Penelope! "Actually yes we are dating in fact she's just dancing with an old friend and I think they're finishing so I better go take up my girl." With that he marched over too Penelope and what he saw made his stomach fall out from in him.

Marco pressed himself against Penelope's chest while she desperately tried to pry him off. "Marco we've been broken up for a year. What the hell do you think you're doing?!" She cried as he began to lean in to press his lips to hers. He just laughed and held her tighter round the waist.
"Your single Penelope as I see it I'm the best you've got to pick between." He leaned in to kiss her again this time more forcefully.
"Marco! Get off!" She spat. But still he didn't listen his hands began to travel upwards from her waist. Desperately she tried to pull him off her. Why had she ever dated this maniac?! Just then a soft touch wrapped around her waist and she was pulled securely into someone's side.
"Actually she is seeing someone so get your slimy paws off of her. You alright babe?" Colin's voice was firm and commanding it made Penelope's heart flutter.
"Wha-" She stuttered.
"Play along." He hissed out the corner of his mouth. Looking down she saw Marcos hands releasing their grip. Suddenly she felt gratitude over flow within her and she leaned into his embrace. And sent Marco a glare.
"Alright now you're here babe." She stood on her tiptoes and pecked a kiss on his cheek, his stubble rubbed against her lips. She felt Colin inhale sharply. Was that too far? She had just been playing along. Colin then slipped his hand into hers and guided her to the dance floor.
"Now if you'll excuse us. I believe I owe my girlfriend a dance." He wrapped his arms around her waist and began to sway to the music. He watched as the man skulked off. Pen saw too and visibly relaxed.
"Thanks. He's... an ex. Unfortunately I gave him 7 months before I realised what a creep he is."  The music changed to a jive and the pair moved off the dance floor making their way to the drinks table. Colin hadn't let go off her waist and if anything seemed to be holding her tighter. "Colin it's ok. He's gone." But Colin wasn't looking at Marco but a leggy brunette who was sending her a death glare.

"And she is my ex. Keep playing along until she's distracted? Please?" Penelope smiled calmly and leant back into his embrace. He smiled at her as she pushed a stray lock of his hair behind his ear. Her fingers brushing his face sent shivers down his spine. Why was she causing him to feel like this? It was Pen. Admittedly an insanely hot and sexy Pen but still Pen. "She's gone." Her voice whispered in his ear. The shivers increased and his heart began to race. How did she set him alight so easily.

"Thanks too. Lily is... a lot. I met her at one of Eloise's work functions. She came with the rest of Els colleagues. I doubt that's the last we've seen of her and by the looks of that dick you were dancing with; him either." They moved out to the balcony area both placing their flutes of champagne on the stone ledge of the look out area viewing the gardens.
"So I guess we better keep this little dating charade up for the remainder of the night then. If you don't mind being stuck dancing with me for the rest of the evening." Colin smiles that charming smile that sets her whole world aflame.
"Pen it would be an honour."