My Real Love Affair by Ali Parker

My reputation has always been a problem for my family.

I’m a loose cannon. A risk they can’t contain.

So when I show up at a high-society wedding with my future hanging by a thread, I’m not there to impress anyone.

It isn’t in my nature.

Then I see her standing alone while the room tears her apart with whispers and judgment.

And for reasons I don’t care to question, I decide she’s not leaving the party alone.

One impulsive kiss, and suddenly she’s in my arms, the entire world watching, and I’m claiming a woman I’ve never met like she’s already mine.

It should’ve ended there.

Instead, it turns into a deal.

A fake engagement to clean up both our reputations. A temporary arrangement with no risk.

At least, that’s what I tell myself.

Because the more time I spend with her, the harder it is to remember this was never supposed to be real.

She gets under my skin in a way no one ever has.

She’s soft where life has tried to harden her, strong in all the quiet ways that matter, and completely immune to my charm.

She doesn’t need me.

Which only makes me want her more.

And somewhere between the touches we pretend don’t mean anything and the way she looks at me like I could be enough…

I start wanting something that looks a lot like a future with her.

But the truth behind how this started is still there, waiting to tear everything apart.

And when it comes out, it won’t just be my reputation taking the hit.

For the first time in my life, I’ve got something to lose.

And I don’t plan on losing my only real love without a fight.