Chapter 4
Sophie stretched, feeling better than she had in months. Peeling her eyes open, she smiled, at the brightly lit room. Then she remembered where she was. Sitting up straight, she clutched the fluffy white down comforter tightly to her chest. She looked around the pristine guest room and realized the full consequences of what was going on. She had agreed to marry a stranger, a sexy billionaire, so he could get an inheritance and she could get a new name. Her train of thought had been that with a new name, she would have a better chance at hiding from her step father. Which, she still wasn’t ready to tell anyone about. Maybe in years, after she knew she was safe, but with access to her money, he could do what he wanted, would she ever really be safe from him? A light knock on the door halted her sad thoughts. She pulled the blanket from her, checking to make sure her appearance was at least decent. Her mother had always taught her that a lady doesn’t allow herself to be seen before she has her face on. But those days were long gone, along with her mother.
Cracking the door, she was face to face with the blue eyed dream that haunted her dreams last night. She had tossed and turned so much, his touch imprinted on her skin.
“Good morning,” he said softly. She could smell his shampoo, the citrus scent warming her. Pulling the door open a little more, she watched as his gaze shifted down, checking out the shorts and tank top she was in. Nervously, she ran a hand over her hair, knowing it was a mess. He cleared his throat and returned his gaze to meet hers. “Maris will be here soon. I just, wanted to warn you.” He smiled at her and it would her already tense girly parts tighter.
“Thank you, I’m going to prepare.” As she turned to close the door, something stopped her. She looked back, and he still stood there, watching her. A grin spread over her face, and she final closed the door. When Bryce had first given her the offer, she felt cheap, like he was trying to hire a whore. But after he explained it all, she saw it for the golden opportunity it was. Sure, there was a lot of awkwardness, but after sleeping on it, she felt better than she had in months. Like a huge weight had been lifted off her shoulders.
Quickly sorting through her meager possession, Sophie sighed. She hadn’t grabbed much from home before leaving, and being on the run wasn’t exactly conducive to shopping for new outfits. She finally settled on a pair of plain black leggings, and the nicest sweater she had. It was a cream colored, form fitting cotton sweater. It had been her mom’s. The long sleeves and cowl neck were comfortable and it was the only nice thing she had left from her past life. Putting on the little makeup she owned, her heart raced. With her black ballet flats on, she felt as ready as she could be, to face the sister of a handsome billionaire. Her soon to be husband, that word sent a shiver down her spine. Husband, it was sinking in. Even if it were fake, it would still be legal, and real enough. With a shaky hand, she opened the door and slowly made her way downstairs. Having been the maid here for two weeks, she knew her way around pretty well. Although now, knowing she would be living here for a short time, everything looked different. She didn’t see things that needed to be cleaned. What she saw was a lifestyle she belonged in.
Sophie walked into the kitchen, just as a blonde bundle of energy burst through the garage door. The girl squealed and rushed to Sophie’s side. Arms wrapped tightly around her, and she froze.
“I’m so happy to meet you,” the girl bounced and finally backed up a step. “Oh, I’m sorry,” she giggled and extended a hand to Sophie. “I’m Marissa. I’m just so excited. Bryce has never introduced the family to a woman before.” This struck Sophie in the gut. Now the guilt was sinking in. They were lying to his mother and sister. She didn’t know any of them, but it seemed they were close, especially if he wanted them to think this was real. When this ended, they would hate her. But for now, she sucked it up and smiled. Thankfully, Marissa showed up in casual clothing. Grey linen pants, a long burgundy sweater, sort of like Sophie’s, but set off with a thin gold belt. She wore flats instead of heels, which put Sophie more at ease. She didn’t feel so out of place.
“I’m glad to meet you as well,” as she shook the girl’s hand. “Shopping?” trying to keep her voice cheerful, she just wanted to get this day over with. Marissa nodded and tugged her arm.
“I’ll talk to my brother later, he’s probably locked in his office,” she explained. Sophie finally realized he was nowhere to be seen. She allowed herself to be led out to a waiting town car, barely snatching her purse off the counter on the way.
The whole way to the shopping district, Marissa rambled on about their family, what stores they would go to, and herself. By the time they parked at the first store, Sophie felt like she knew the girl’s whole life story. She was sweet, with blue eyes that matched her brother, only lighter hair. Unlike other socialites Sophie had known, she came across as genuine, instead of fake. Glancing up, Sophie almost groaned. The brand name, upscale store would cost more for one dress than she had earned all these months of working meaningless jobs.
“So,” Marissa turned to Sophie over her shoulder, “I thought we would do Giovanni’s first, and then move down the block to hit Michael Kors, Mont Blanc, Louis Vuitton and then Nordstrom. Bryce said to make sure you have day to day clothes, but also something for dinner tonight, something for a charity event next week and a few nice dresses for going out. Plus, no woman can get new outfits without matching purses, shoes and accessories.” She squealed again and Sophie fought back the urge to roll her eyes. She hadn’t heard this much girly noise since her sorority days. That’s most likely why she felt so at ease with Marissa. She reminded her of the Zeta Alpha Phi sisters. Bouncing blondes, tan, and prettier than should be possible.
“Ok,” she responded, truly feeling happy. When was the last time she could let go, relax? “Looking forward to it, I’m so behind on this season.” Marissa’s smile almost broke her face in half, perfectly white teeth flashing.
Sophie smiled at the saleswoman inside, who gave her a look of disdain. No one in that store, no proper lady, dare wear jeans or simple leggings and flats. Heels and linen were signs of wealth. Ignoring the looks, she began to browse the racks. Truly, Bryce could afford to buy everything in the store, but she didn’t want to take advantage of the situation. She knew firsthand what is was like to be used for money, never knowing if someone really liked you for you or your bank account. She planned to be frugal. But Marissa blew those plans right out of the water. From the first store, they got a beautiful white linen suit, with a hunter green tank top to go with it, a goldenrod scarf, and simple black pumps. They also found two perfect little black dresses, silver stilettos, matching purses and a dark plum colored pea coat. Little by little, Sophie felt more like her old self. She immediately changed into the white outfit, preferring that to her leggings. She looked less like an outcast, and didn’t miss the approving glances from women in the next store they hit.
After four stores, and more bags and boxes than she could count, Sophie was exhausted. As she walked back towards the waiting car, their driver carrying the latest purchases, Marissa stopped dead in her tracks ahead of her. Had she not been paying attention, she would have collided into the back of Marissa. They had been walking so fast, they would have both landed on the ground.
“Maris,” Sophie scolded. She had quickly adapted to the nickname Bryce used for his sister. In the past few hours, they had talked so much, mostly Marissa, Sophie just listened. But she learned that Bryce had an affliction for lame eighties hair bands, pizza with mushrooms and beer. Unlike most men she knew, that grew up in a life of wealth privilege, who only drank the most expensive wine and scotch, wouldn’t listen to anything but Vivaldi and if their food wasn’t made by a five star chef, it was garbage. She had come to realize how good simple foods were, especially when you’re broke and facing starvation. Much like the chicken he made last night. It wasn’t actually healthy, there was more bacon and grease on there than she ate in a month, but it had melted in her mouth and tasted like heaven.
“Hair,” Marissa shouted, pulling Sophie from her thoughts, not for the first time that afternoon. She had constantly been distracted by thoughts of Bryce. For a man she just met, he filled many of her thoughts that day. From the blue eyes, to how his arms had felt around her, his hand cupping her face.
“I’m sorry, what?” She looked at the younger woman, wondering if she heard her right.
“Hair,” she stated again, pointing at the building next to them. As Sophie turned, she realized they were in front of a Salon and Spa.
“Oh, no, I,” she didn’t know what to say. Suddenly feeling self conscious, she ran a hand down her long black hair. She had left it down today, since while working, it always had to be up. But she knew it had been too much time since her last trim. Her ends were horrible. Shrugging, she decided that since Bryce needed her to look her best, why not. With decisive steps, she stalked to the door, Marissa rushing to catch up, giggling behind her.
“Welcome to Captivation. How may I help you?” Sophie eyed the woman behind the counter. She was overly tan, bleach blonde and definitely had some work done. Sophie just put her well-practiced fake smile on, and tilted her head condescendingly.
“Yes, we’d like a trim, some highlight, lowlights and deep condition,” she looked at the name tag, “Cookie,” a name as fake as the girl. Cookie typed into the computer as Sophie looked around. The place was glamorous and considering the stores surrounding it, must be upscale.
“Great,” Cookie stated exuberantly. “Oh,” she pouted, her too big lips looking awkward as she did. “We don’t have an opening until next Thursday.” Looking up, she waited for a response. Sophie glanced around the salon again, noticing four empty seats and employees standing around chatting.
“No, we’d like it now.” Marissa bounced excitedly next to her, probably enjoying the affirmative way she was handling the snooty secretary. Sophie pulled out Bryce’s black card and placed it on the counter. Cookie took one look at the card, which portrayed prestige.
“Oh,” she pretended to type into the computer again. “That’s right; I forgot we had a cancellation this afternoon. We can take you now,” she waved at the room. “Ginny, Sapphire, two trim and lights.” They were led to chairs and promptly primped and treated to champagne and more girl talk. Sophie was beginning to finally feel like her old self, like she could finally let down her guard. As Sapphire turned her chair, Sophie faced the window, and stiffened. Her heart raced with fear, blood rushing from her face.
“Are you alright, dear?” Marissa asked, leaning towards her with concern. She looked from her, to the window, trying to figure out what Sophie saw. Sophie blinked, forcing her gaze to move from the image she hoped she was imagining, and to Marissa.
“Yea,” she quickly popped a look back to the window. He was gone, maybe she imagined it. Maybe she didn’t. “I’m good, sorry, just a cramp, you know?” Marissa giggled and went back to her conversation with Ginny, starting up about girl problems. Had she really seen her step father staring at her? Or was it her imagination, warning her that she can’t relax and stop looking over her shoulder? Whatever it was didn’t matter. She just wanted to get back to Bryce’s where she would feel safer. To him where somehow, she felt that he would keep her safe, just as he promised.