A few days after our engagement announcement at the Tech Conference, James and I were now facing a sea of journalists sitting for the press conference. I noticed the cameras and eager faces as we sat at the table.

My heart pounded frantically, threatening to burst from my chest. I'd faced countless boardrooms and tough negotiations, but nothing could have prepared me for this circus of public interest in our relationship.

Clara, our newly hired publicist, stood confidently to the side. Her crisp white blazer and sleek ponytail exuded the exact polished image we were aiming for. As she began speaking, I tried to focus on her words rather than the sea of hungry sharks before us.

"Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you for joining us today," Clara's voice rang out, clear and authoritative. "As you know, Ms. Noreen Hunter, CEO of Hunter Enterprises, and Mr. James Maeers, CEO of NexusWave Technologies, are engaged."

A barrage of camera flashes erupted. I felt James's hand slip into mine, a gesture meant to look loving but also one that soothed my nerves. His thumb traced delicate circles on my skin. I hated how much I needed that comfort right now.

"Noreen and James are here to share their joy with you and answer a few questions," Clara continued smoothly. "But first, let's hear from the happy couple."

She stepped aside, gesturing for us to approach the microphones before us. James started, his media training evident in his easy smile and relaxed posture. I followed, willing my face into what I hoped was a convincing expression of romantic bliss.

"We're overjoyed to share our news with all of you," James began, his voice warm and intimate. "Noreen has made me the happiest man alive by agreeing to be my wife."

He turned to me, blue eyes twinkling with an emotion I couldn't reasonably interpret. James, you deserve an Oscar... I was stunned by his flawless performance.

"James took me completely by surprise," I added, infusing my voice with breathless excitement. "But when you know, you know. I couldn't imagine spending my life with anyone else."

The practised speech tasted sickening on my tongue. I leaned into James, playing up our connection for the cameras. His arm snaked around my waist, pulling me close. The solid warmth of his body against mine, his woodsy scent—it all made it hard to breathe as my body reacted to him.

Clara rose again, ready to lead the conversation. "We'll now take a few questions. Please, keep them respectful and remember that Noreen and James's private life is still their own."

A forest of hands shot up. Clara pointed to a woman in the front row. "Sarah Chen, Business Insider. How do you balance your relationship with running two major competing companies?"

I tensed, but James smoothly fielded the question. "While our companies may compete in some areas, Noreen and I have always maintained a mutual respect for each other's work. We're exploring ways to collaborate to benefit both our businesses and clients."

His corporate discourse impressed me. Another hand was selected from the crowd, a smirking man I recognised from a gossip website.

"Any truth to the rumours that this is a strategic union rather than a love match?"

My blood ran cold. Before I could formulate a response, Clara intervened.

"I'm sorry, but we won't dignify baseless rumours with a response. Next question, please."

The questions continued, a mix of genuine curiosity about our "relationship" and thinly veiled attempts to dig up dirt. James and I danced through them, sticking to our rehearsed story and deflecting anything too probing.

By the time Clara wrapped up the conference, I was exhausted. James linked his hand with mine, exiting the room and walking to the car waiting outside. The first step of our carefully constructed lie was completed.

✦﹒✦﹒✦

I slumped into the plush leather of the car seat, exhaling a shaky breath as James slid in beside me. The door closed with a resounding thud, cocooning us in blissful silence. Away from the prying eyes and incessant cameras, we could finally drop the act.

James loosened his tie, his usually immaculate appearance giving way to a more relaxed demeanour. He glanced over at me, a cocky grin spreading across his face.

"Well, looks like we've got the media eating out of the palm of our hands."

I rolled my eyes, trying to ignore how his self-assured attitude irritated and drew me in. "Don't let it go to your head, James. We still have a long way to go."

He chuckled, the sound low and seductive in the intimate space of the car. "Oh, come on, Noreen. You have to admit, we sizzled up there. The chemistry was palpable."

I felt a traitorous blush heating my cheeks at his words. Damn him and his ability to get under my skin. "It's called acting, James. Don't read too much into it."

His blue eyes sparkled with mischief as he leaned closer, invading my personal space. "Is that so? Then why are you blushing right now?"

My breath caught in my throat at his proximity, at the memories it evoked. I could feel the heat radiating off his body, the now familiar woodsy scent of his cologne filling my senses. Steeling myself, I met his gaze head-on, my tone icy.

"You're imagining things."

James's grin only widened at my defiance. "Am I? Care to put that theory to the test?"

Before I could respond, he abruptly pulled back, breaking the tension. "As much as I'd love to continue this riveting conversation, I'm starving. How about we grab some dinner and debrief about the press conference?"

I blinked, thrown off balance by his sudden change in mood. "I... sure. Dinner sounds good." I internally cursed myself for sounding so flustered.

"Perfect. I know just the place." James winked at me before turning his attention to his phone, presumably to make a reservation.

I couldn't help but steal glances at him as we rode silently. James Maeers was an enigma - cocky and infuriating one moment, charming and thoughtful the next. I hated how my body had reacted to him since my drunken mishap after the charity gala.

✦﹒✦﹒✦

The restaurant was a hidden gem, tucked away from the bustle of the city. Soft jazz music and the clink of glasses filled the air, creating a soothing ambience. James and I were seated in a private booth, the intimate setting both a relief and a new source of tension.

James leaned back in the booth, his signature smirk firmly in place as he appraised me over the rim of his wine glass. "I have to say, we certainly held firmly out there today. Who knew we had such a flair for performance?"

I rolled my eyes. "Please, I was a nervous wreck. Did you see how my hands were shaking?"

He chuckled, the sound low and rumbling in the restaurant's intimate space. "Could've fooled me. You played the part of the blushing bride-to-be beautifully."

I arched a brow and scoffed, taking a sip of my own wine. "You were the one deserving an Oscar...laying it on a bit thick with the adoring fiancé act, no?"

James clutched his chest in mock offence. "Moi? I'll let you know that my devotion to you is genuine, my dear."

I nearly choked on my drink, his brazen flirtation catching me off guard. "Right, because our marriage is every woman's dream."

"Ah, but you forget, Noreen," he leaned in, his blue eyes sparkling with mirth, "I'm not just any man. I'm James Maeers, corporate bad boy extraordinaire. Marrying me is the stuff of fantasies."

I couldn't help but laugh genuinely at his outrageous statement. "In your dreams, Maeers! I think your ego might be even bigger than your bank account."

James waggled his eyebrows suggestively. "Stick around long enough, and you might just find out."

I felt a blush creeping up my neck at his insinuation, but I refused to let him fluster me. Steering the conversation back to safer ground, I again brought up the press conference.

"Did you hear that question about our engagement being a sham? My heart nearly stopped."

James's playful expression sobered slightly. "Yeah, that was a dirty one. Clara certainly earned her paycheck today."

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "I know we signed up for this, but I don't think I was fully prepared for the level of scrutiny we're under. It's like every aspect of our lives is suddenly fair game."

He reached across the table, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze, surprising me at the tenderness. "It's all part of the play. We knew what we were getting into. And if anyone can handle the pressure, it's us."

I met his gaze, finding an unexpected comfort in his confidence. "I guess you're right. Oh, and one thing..." I slowly removed my hand from his, bothered by the contact.

"Anything for you, my dear fiancée."

I rolled my eyes at his cheekiness but continued. "No more surprise public displays of affection. I nearly jumped when you grabbed my hand."

James's grin turned wicked. "Aw, but how are we to play the loving couple, then? Besides, I thought you enjoyed my touch, Noreen." His words clearly hinted at the night we spent together.

I took a swig of my wine, trying to ignore how my skin tingled at the memory. "Watch it, Maeers. Just because we're playing a couple doesn't mean you get to take liberties."

He held his hands up in surrender, but the mischievous glint never left his eyes. "As you wish. But just remember, darling, we must keep it convincing for the public."

James locked his gaze with mine, his index finger tracing his lower lip. "And I know you're still aching for more, thinking about that night tangled up in your bed." His eyes darkened at the memory as he asked, "Still eager for seconds?"

I bit my lip, remembering the messages we'd exchanged. That had been the exact question James had asked me. I finished my wine, my breath hitching at his audacity to bring the topic up again.

Trying to sound composed and indifferent, apart from the faint blush colouring my cheeks, I levelled my teal eyes with his. "With the amount of times you've brought it up, I'd dare say you're the one hungry...desperate, even, for more."

James chuckled darkly, swirling the wine in his glass. "You got me there, Hunter. That night was unforgettable. The way your body moved against mine, the sounds you made... I can't seem to get it out of my head." He leaned forward, his voice dropping to a low purr. "But can you blame me? You're intoxicating."

I swallowed hard, trying to ignore the heat pooling low in my belly at his words. I crossed my legs tightly, desperate to relieve some of the growing want.

Taking a deep breath, I met his heated gaze head-on. "Careful, James. One could almost mistake your words for a compliment."

"Oh, it was," he smirked, eyes drifting down to my lips before snapping back up. "You're a mystery to me, Noreen. And I intend to explore until I know it by heart."

The promise in his words set me ablaze. Major Red Flag, Noreen! Back away, FAST!.

Thankfully, the waiter chose that moment to arrive with our food, breaking the charged moment. We ate silently for a few minutes; the only sound was the soft clink of cutlery on plates.

Finally, I spoke, needing to steer us back to safer ground. "So, what's our next task on the agenda? The press conference was just the beginning."

James's expression turned thoughtful as he chewed. Swallowing, he replied, "Well, I'm sure Clara will fill it up with public outings - dinners, events, that sort of thing. We need to be seen playing the happy couple."

I groaned internally at the thought. More forced closeness, but James was right. Appearances needed to be maintained.

"Okay," I agreed grudgingly. "But let's keep the PDA to a minimum, okay? Hand holding, a hug, maybe a peck on the cheek. That's it."

"As you wish, my lady," he drawled, the corner of his mouth ticking up. "But I think a little heat would only make it more convincing."

I glared at him over the rim of my wine glass before taking a fortifying sip. This man was going to be the death of me.