To Trap a Billionaire

Nine.

I purposely wore my orange pencil skirt that ended right above my knees with my cream, long-sleeved, v-necked blouse because I knew Mr. Shpil was fond of my figure. I also played up my eyes with my makeup and left my hair down in soft curls. I tried to cover my cheek with my hair as best as I could just in case it was still red. Mark was waiting with his hands in his pockets in front of Maxine's desk. I walked over to him with my award-winning smile.

"Thanks Maxine," I greeted her. "Mr. Shpil, so nice to see you again," I said as I shook his hand firmly. He took his time to give me a good look over.

"Please, call me Mark," he said with his own cocky smirk. I could tell it was an act though. He was nervous as all hell. "And this is my consultant, Aston Graves," he added. The man next to him had jet black hair and strong facial features. He was quiet but observant.

"Mr. Mason is waiting for you Mark. I'll take you to him," I said. I turned and headed towards the elevator knowing he would follow. I led them up and took them to the conference room where Arlo was waiting. He smiled a little when he saw me.

"Thank you Lyra," he said before looking at his guests. "Gentlemen, please take a seat," he offered.

"Mr. Shpil's guest is Aston Graves, his consultant," I said to Arlo. I purposefully stayed standing as Arlo took a seat as well. I stood off to his right side to where I had a good vantage point over his shoulder. I poured a few glasses of water for everyone when the talking began and pretended to look like the busy, quiet assistant, but really I was listening in. Arlo eased into the subject and didn't push until he was comfortable. Just like we planned, he didn't mention his failing company, simply said that he would like to invest in his company for partnership. Mark was a little shocked at the offer, but after consulting with his consultant, he took it. The guys all stood as Arlo shook Mark's hand.

"It's a deal then. I'll draw up the paperwork and send it to your office," Arlo said. Even though the steps were simple, the meeting took hours. I eventually sat, but tried not to if I could help it. Mark strolled over to me with a cocky smile.

"I guess we'll be seeing a lot more of each other," he said. I knew he expected me to swoon or be embarrassed so instead I kept the professional smile plastered on my face.

"Have a good day, Mr. Shpil," I said, dismissing him. He gave me another once over before leaving the conference room. Arlo was trying his best to hold back his irritation behind me. I could hear him pacing.

"You were right to hold it in," I said before I turned to him. He was fuming.

"I don't like the way he looks at you," he said. I glanced around before I sighed.

"Your office," I said before I left the conference room. It was a moment before Arlo was right behind me. I went into his office and waited for him before closing the door behind him. Arlo sighed and went to sit in his desk chair.

"He likes the way I look, so let him... at least until he signs the contract. That was half of the persuasion anyway. People trust pretty faces," I explained as I moved to sit on the edge of his desk, facing him. "Plus... I can't be with you," I said. His eyes snapped to mine in confusion and shock.

"What? What are you talking about?" he asked. I sighed and looked away from him.

"I tried but I can't ignore the fact that I work for you. It's just... it doesn't feel right. It feels like cheating," I said.

"I told you not to worry about that," he said as he moved to stand in front of me. I shrugged.

"Gwen's reaction was warranted. It stung but she was right to do it. What we're doing... It makes both of us look bad," I explained. He shook his head and held my stung cheek. I hissed in a breath and moved away from his hold. He pushed my hair back and sighed when he saw it.

"It's bruising," he sighed, changing the subject before he stepped away from me.

"Maybe it's best we don't see each other romantically," I said, getting him back on track.

"That's not the only option," he said moving to look out of the window.

"Of course it is," I baited, knowing he would take it as I moved closer to him. If I got away from him for a week, he would see how much he actually relied on me.

"You could not work for me anymore," he suggested. I turned him to look at me as fake tears brimmed my eyes.

"Arlo, I need this job," I said pleadingly. "I can't keep living off the coattails of my brother," I explained. His hands rested on my waist as he kissed my head in an attempt to calm me down.

"You won't have to," he said.

"What are you talking about? This is the best job I've ever had. There's no way I'll be able to top this," I argued. He wasn't supposed to do it this early.

"I'll take care of you, don't worry," he said. I scrunched my eyebrows together as I looked at him in confusion.

"How is that supposed to even work?" I asked, baiting him. It was too late to turn back now. I expected him to take time to think it over, but he was already stuck on me.

"Come live with me," he blurted. I took a step back. I was expecting... something, but I wasn't expecting that.

"We've been on one date," I said quietly. He sighed and ran his hand through his hair and tugged it lightly.

"Yeah, I know, but I really like you, and I feel like I've known you forever. I don't care if we haven't known each other for very long. I know this is going to work between us," he said. And I instantly felt horrible. I was planning to just work for him in silence for a week or so before he eventually wanted me back. He was really falling for me... and I was just playing him. He wouldn't say it out loud yet, but I knew it only took a month for him to fall in love with me. And I wanted so badly to love him back genuinely.

"I-I need time to think about it," I whispered as I looked away from him. I needed to think about whether I would follow through with Kristen's plan. I wanted to be there for Arlo, I did, but I didn't know how to do that and finish the con without hurting him. And I didn't want to hurt Arlo anymore. Because despite my best efforts, I actually cared about him.