As we settled into the car waiting for us on the runway, Albert turned toward me with a thoughtful look.

"Thalia, can you tell me your real name?"

"This is my real name. Liza should have sent all my documents to you, along with the test results..."

"Yes, she sent them, but they went to my secretary. Do the tests always get sent to the clients?"

"It's part of Liza's requirements. She insists all long-term clients see proof that we're healthy. And that we're using some kind of contraception. Just in case..."

"I get it. In case they want to have sex without a condom. It's required of the client as well, you know. I suppose Liza showed you my results."

He kept his voice calm, his eyes on me. The conversation made me nervous just by the way he talked so casually about sex.

"Actually, she sent them to my email. I didn't bother to check your results, since she said you weren't interested in sex..."

"And I don't want to have sex with you."

His words came out cold, and there was just a trace of wounded pride that left my cheeks burning, but this time it was from anger.

"I don't want to have sex with you either."

"Great, we understand each other," he said, showing no hint of emotion.

Just then, his phone rang, breaking the tension that had settled between us. I tried to ignore his conversation, drawing in a deep breath and turning my attention to the Portofino scenery outside the window.

My own phone started to ring again and again, refusing to be ignored. I tried to silence it, but for some reason, I couldn't end the call. I glanced at Albert, and he shot me a look that made his disapproval clear. Finally, after a struggle, I managed to hang up.

He kept speaking for another few moments before ending his call. Then he reached for a large box sitting between us and handed it to me.

"This is for you. And your phone should stay on silent from now on. Only answer if it's truly urgent. I'd prefer you not take calls from your clients when you're with me."

My hands trembled as I lifted the lid, bitterness rising in my throat. I'd endured worse humiliations since starting this line of work, but something about him made every judgment, every unspoken accusation, sting much more deeply.

What was going on with me? How did he manage to leave me so off balance, so quickly? After only a few hours, he was already getting under my skin in ways nobody else had managed.

I stared at the expensive phone nestled inside the box. I figured I'd have to give it back once our arrangement ended. But he seemed to know what I was thinking.

"Consider it a gift from me for agreeing to this contract."

"Sorry, Albert, I can't accept this."

"I don't like being contradicted, Thalia. Besides, we're not breaking any rules we set. And as my fiancee, you can't walk around in front of my investors or clients with just any cheap phone."

I took a deep breath and tried to settle my nerves. A week by his side would surely drive me mad. It felt almost certain.

"All right. Thank you, Albert."

He answered with a confident smile.

After I finished moving my data to the new phone, the car stopped in front of The Belmond hotel. Before I had a chance to gather my things and step out, he had already left the car and was holding the door open for me.

He reached out, took my hand, and led me through the hotel entrance. The staff welcomed us and guided us to the Dolce Vita Suite.

I tried to focus on my surroundings, soaking in the old-world luxury of the five-star hotel, but the feel of Albert's warm hand on mine made my skin prickle. While he spoke with the receptionist, I caught him watching me, his gaze lingering in a way that left me flustered. When we were finally alone in the suite, I realized how out of place I felt, almost lost. My eyes landed on the king-size bed draped in crisp white.

"Do you like our bed?"

His nearness made me take an instinctive step back. He just smiled, eyes narrowing as he watched me.

"I... I thought there would be two beds. The suite is huge, there are other rooms, but I didn't see another bed."

He moved toward me, slow and steady. This time, I stood my ground and kept my eyes on his.

"We're engaged, remember? We can't sleep apart, even if it's just us in here. People would find out pretty quickly if you slept somewhere else."

"Well, I noticed there's a large sofa in the room next door. I could always sleep there."

"I told you before, we wouldn't do anything more than kiss, and only when we're in public."

Of course, the contract spelled that out. I was expected to be affectionate with him in public and accept his gestures. I already worried about how convincing I could be. Every line of that contract replayed in my head.

My heart pounded as he came even closer. He reached up and smoothed his hand along my face, his gaze drifting down to my lips.

"We should try it now. We have to make it believable."

He stepped closer, and I found myself caught in his gaze. His lips brushed lightly over my cheek before he leaned back, smiling.

"Breathe, Thalia. You almost had me believing you were desperate for a kiss from me."

"Provocative jerk!" I pondered, pressing my nails into my palm as I tried to keep my composure.

"We have to be convincing, remember? Those were your words."

His grin grew even wider.

"I like that!"

"Well, if you don't mind, I'll start arranging my things in the closet."

"I have a better idea. I'll call reception and have someone organize everything for us. We only need to put the suitcases on the side of the closet we want. Now, let's head down to the hotel restaurant. I want to spend some time with you—and, of course, show off my lovely fiancee."

"Alright, you're the boss."

His eyes narrowed, and a sly smile crossed his lips.

"Dangerous words, those. Anyway, we'll both shower and be ready to go in thirty minutes, okay?"

"That works for me. I'll gather my things now while you use the bathroom."

"Perfect. And Thalia, I want you to eat and drink whatever you want, whenever you want. If you don't see what you want in the minibar or the small kitchen, just call reception and order anything that makes you happy. Don't wait for me to order for you. If you want something, just ask for it. You're my fiancee, so remember that. I want you comfortable and satisfied. Do you understand?"

He seemed determined to keep pushing my buttons, but I decided I wouldn't rise to the bait.

"Yes, thank you."

He smiled again and carried his bag into the spacious bathroom. Once he closed the door behind him, I headed out onto the terrace, needing a breath of fresh air.

The view of the sea took my breath away. I knew I needed to call Maxwell, so I picked up my phone and dialed the school's number, silently relieved that I had remembered to use an international SIM card.

My heart pounded while I waited for the call to go through. After a moment, someone answered and transferred me to Maxwell's room. Soon enough, that sweet, familiar voice came through the line.

"Thalia..."

"Hi, Maxwell, sweetheart. I've missed you so much."

"Thalia, I'm so happy you called. I know you're traveling, but I really miss you."

My heart ached, knowing how difficult it must be for a ten-year-old boy to be away from the only family he had left. We lost our dad in an accident when Maxwell was just four. Two years ago, we lost our mom to a sudden illness. From that moment on, I took on every responsibility. At first, I managed to keep our home together and stay in school. But the bills kept stacking up, and eventually, desperation pushed me into the shadows of the life I was living now.

I hadn't taken many jobs, but ever since the first one, I always dreamed of leaving this life behind. I told Maxwell I worked as a flight attendant for private companies, and he believed me. After all, I really had worked in aviation before.

At least this contract with Albert would let me leave Scarlet Angels. I'd be able to visit Maxwell more often, and maybe even bring him home, hiring someone to help look after him.

"I'm so sorry, sweetheart. I miss you terribly, too. I promise I'll call more often, and I'll be back soon."

"I'm doing well. My grades are good. I really want to see you, Thalia. Can we do a video call on Skype one of these days?"

"We'll set something up. I'm very proud of you. What we're going through is just temporary—remember that. I love you so much. Don't ever forget it."

"I love you too, Thalia."

We talked for a little longer. A few minutes later, I ended the call and stepped back inside, noticing the door to the suite was already cracked open.

I was sure I had left it like that before heading to the terrace. I walked in quietly; the bedroom door stood open. Albert was lying on the bed in nothing but a towel, scrolling through his phone.

I couldn't help but wonder if he had heard my whole conversation.

He glanced up and spoke without emotion. "You have twenty minutes."

His tone was cool, and he went right back to his phone. I did my best to ignore his perfect physique stretched out on the bed in nothing but a towel. I also tried not to let myself worry over whether he'd overheard my call with Maxwell.

"All right, I'll be ready."

I scrambled to get everything together, snatching my carry-on and pulling out the dress I had set aside, leaving it on the sofa where I planned to sleep. I hurried into the bathroom, took a quick shower, did my makeup, and came out wearing the hotel robe.

As I crossed the room, I caught sight of Albert's bare torso and broad shoulders as he buttoned his dress shirt. He was already in his pants, and his eyes found mine in the mirror, a sly smile curling his lips.

He was so self-assured— so impossibly confident. I nearly rolled my eyes at him as I moved into the other room. I dressed quickly and took a moment to check myself in the mirror. Satisfied, I returned to the bedroom just as he finished a glass of wine.

He looked me over with calm, measured eyes and spoke.

"Come over here."

His commanding tone grated on my nerves, but I remembered the contract and did as he asked.

I walked toward him, my steps slow and my heart pounding, all while his steady eyes followed me. He looked me up and down, saying nothing. Then he walked over to his suitcase and came back with something in his hand. Before I could see what it was, he distracted me by speaking again.

"Turn around."

I wanted to protest, maybe even snap back at him, but holding his gaze felt impossible. Instead, I turned and realized I was facing the same mirror where our eyes had met before.

He stepped close behind me, his fingers gently sweeping my hair over my shoulder. Only then did I notice the delicate necklace in his hands as he slipped it around my neck. He gently brushed my hair aside and fastened the clasp, his fingers gliding over my skin and sending an involuntary shiver down my spine. There was no way I could hide the way he made me feel now.

His gaze lingered on the place where his hands had been. He let his fingers follow the line of my neckline, and judging by the satisfied smile on his lips, he could tell exactly what he was doing to me.

"We should go. We're running late," he whispered.

"I thought you just wanted to have a drink and talk. I didn't know we were on a schedule."

"We'll save this for after dinner. One of my important clients is joining us. He called just a few minutes ago."

A flutter of nerves danced in my stomach. Pretending to be engaged to a man like him wouldn't be easy.

He walked to the door while I grabbed my purse. As we stepped into the corridor, he rested his hand gently on my back, guiding me closer.

"Everything alright, Thalia?"

"I'm just a little nervous. Honestly, I've never done anything like this before."

"Don't worry. Just stay close, be affectionate, and try not to say too much. Our story is simple: we met during one of my trips, fell for each other quickly, and got engaged on a trip to Greece."

"Alright, I'll keep that in mind. Stay calm."

"I know you'll do a wonderful job as my fiancee." He smiled and winked at me.

As we walked toward the restaurant, I kept wondering what the next week would bring. I would have to play the part of his fiancee, sharing affection with him and accepting it in return. My heart beat faster, certain that everything was about to feel real.

We entered the hotel restaurant together. Albert kept his hand pressed to my back, his grip tightening just a little at my waist. When we reached our table, a well-dressed man stood up and smiled, extending his hand to Albert before turning his attention to me.

"Good evening, Mr. Albert. I hope I'm not intruding on your evening." He greeted Albert while they shook hands.

"Mr. Jon Bentley, let me introduce you to my fiancee, Thalia."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Thalia." He smiled warmly and shook my hand.

"A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Jon."

"You're a lucky man, Albert. Your fiancee is stunning," Jon said as he sat down.

"I know, I was lucky to find her," Albert replied, lowering his voice as he kissed my hair and pulled out my chair for me.

After he took his seat, he placed his hand lightly on my thigh. His touch was gentle, not insistent, but the feel of his skin against mine left me slightly unsettled. The waiter arrived, and while Jon gave his order, Albert leaned toward me and spoke softly.

"Would you like to look at the menu? Do you speak Italian?"

"I know a little, but I'd be more comfortable if you chose for me."

He smiled at me and turned to the waiter, ordering in flawless Italian. He chose risotto with porcini mushrooms and beef tagliata, then selected a bottle of wine. When the waiter left, Albert and Jon dove into business talk. I sat quietly, soaking in the ambiance and the view of the sea. After a few minutes, I glanced around and spotted two couples seated at a table in the back. One of the women kept staring at us, her gaze lingering every time I looked her way.

A blonde woman, dressed to perfection and flawlessly made up, sat at that distant table. Instinct told me she might have a connection to Albert. I leaned in and gently brushed my hand along his cheek. He paused mid-sentence with his client and turned, pressing a kiss to my cheek as I whispered in his ear.

"Is your ex blonde?"

"Yes. How did you figure that out?"

I winked at him, and his expression shifted in understanding. He slid his hand along my back and gave me a soft kiss on the lips. Keeping his arm around me, he faced his client again.

"Forgive me, my fiancee is a bit of a distraction."

"Well, if I were you, I'd be distracted, too. I can see the passion between you."

Albert gave my waist a gentle squeeze. Instinctively, I leaned into him, and he looked down at me with a contented smile.

The waiter brought our food, and throughout the meal, Albert kept finding small ways to touch me. Sometimes he would feed me a bite from his fork or let his fingers linger on my hand. Every gesture was subtle but impossibly intimate, at least to me. He finished his business with the client, and as soon as dinner ended, he took my hand and led me out to the terrace.

We chose a quiet table with a breathtaking view of the sea below. The lights of the coast glittered in the night.

"You really do have a sharp eye. That was my ex, Florence Ward."

His fingers brushed softly over my hand as he spoke.

"She kept staring, obviously bothered by what she saw."

"I figured she'd be upset to see me with someone else, especially since she doesn't know about our engagement yet. I have no doubt she'll be furious and want me back."

"Sorry if this sounds strange, but wouldn't it be easier to just tell her how you feel?"

He grew serious, his eyes settling on me. I realized I might have overstepped my role, but the question hung between us.

"Forgive me, Albert, I shouldn't have said that. You know what's best for you."

"It's alright. The situation is more complicated than it looks. Anyway, let's change the subject. Tell me about yourself, if you don't mind. Unless that breaks your own rules."

A quiet sigh slipped from me, relieved to see the tension dissolve. Still, he was treading into sensitive ground. I decided to trust him, at least a little.

"I can answer a few of your questions. What do you want to know?"

"Anyone special in your life? A boyfriend?"

That question caught me off guard.

The waiter arrived just then with a chilled bottle of prosecco, poured us each a glass, and slipped away. All the while, Albert's eyes stayed locked on mine.

"I don't have anyone."

"Interesting. I heard you're studying business administration for your degree, right?"

"Yes."

He raised his glass, and we toasted. He took a slow sip, then caught me off guard with his next question.

"Why did you become a high-class escort?"

A rush of heat flooded my cheeks, and I knew I must have turned red. I never advertised what I did, and even with clients, I had never felt as exposed as I did with Albert.

"I didn't have better options, I..." My voice wavered, and tears prickled at the corners of my eyes.

He noticed right away and reached for my hand, his other hand softly brushing my arm.

"I'm sorry. That was thoughtless of me. I shouldn't have asked."

Before I could answer, a voice cut through the evening.

"Good evening, Albert. I'm surprised to see you here."

The woman stepped closer, stopping right at my side. I glanced at Albert, searching his face for any sign of what to do. He smiled reassuringly at me. It was the same blonde woman who had been watching us during dinner.

"Well, here I am. Does Florence want to sit down?"

She let her gaze travel over me, taking her time.

"No, thank you. I need to go— my fiance is waiting for me. I only wanted to say good evening. I was expecting your brother to handle these meetings. Aren't you going to introduce me to your friend?"

"Of course. This is Thalia, my fiancee. Thalia, this is Florence, an old friend."

The anger and disappointment in Florence's eyes were impossible to miss, but I kept up my act.

"Hello, it's a pleasure to meet a friend of my Albert," I remarked, my tone steady as I shook her hand.

I noticed a faint smile touch his lips as he slipped an arm around me, pulling me close right after Florence released my hand.

"Fiancee?"

"Yes. I proposed to her in Greece."

"It was wonderful, darling. You were so thoughtful—just thinking about it still gives me goosebumps." I smiled sweetly and stroked his forearm, playing my part to perfection.

Florence's eyes burned with anger, though she kept a cold smile plastered on her face.

"Albert, romantic? Well, I wish you both all the best. I should go, but I hope you two enjoy your evening."

"Thank you. We'll see you tomorrow at the lunch meeting. Good night to you and Eaton Harper."

I returned her smile, wishing her a good night as she turned and walked away. After she left, Albert reached out and gently cupped my face, making me look at him.

"Thank you. And I'm sorry for earlier— I'll find a way to make it up to you."

"It's alright."

"Shall we head to bed?"