CLAUDIA

Of all the things, I imagine myself spending my Sunday morning with Papa this was certainly not it.

I sighed for the nth time while Papa was busy driving to the golf course where we decided to play today. So much for my optimism that my encounter with Alfonso Orsini would be forgotten memories and then this happened.

This is a pure nightmare, I concluded silently. That was the only thing I could describe my luck learning that that horrible womanizer was the same son of Papa's employer. I want to question fate right now. I want to demand an answer because there are so many rich families in Italy why does Papa need to work for the Orsini?

"Are you okay, Claudia?"

I slightly turned my head in Papa's direction. I tried to give him a reassuring smile I didn't want him to feel guilty about this thing even though I didn't like the idea of spending more time with that annoying Orsini heir. "I'm fine, Papa."

He gave me an apologetic smile. "Sorry about this. I know I promised you that this would be our bonding time but—"

"But you can't say no to the invitation because he's your client." I supplied for him. "I understand, Papa. Don't worry."

"Thank you, figlia."

We were silent for a moment while Papa focused on driving while I went back to stare outside the car's window. I just hope that those father and son will not decide to stick with me and Papa at the golf course later.

"So," Papa started, his tone was casual but there was underlying inquisition like the very seasoned lawyer that he is. "You and Alfonso Orsini are friends, huh?"

I mentally winced upon hearing it. I knew that Papa would not let this slide easily. Of course, it's understandable that every father would be curious upon learning his daughter's association with the likes of that playboy heir.

"How long do you know him?"

"Not that long." Less than twenty-four hours exactly.

I bit my lower lip as l felt my heart racing with Papa's way of questioning. It felt like I was being interrogated inside the courtroom.

"How did you meet him?" Atty. Romano fired the question one after the other.

I barged into their VIP room at the club. "We met at a certain party not so long ago."

Papa took off his eyes from the road for a moment to look me straight in the eye. There was an unmistakable warning in his eyes. "You do know his reputation with women, correct?"

I rolled my eyes. "I think I have an idea where this is heading, Attorney. Let me clear this to you once and for all. It's not what you think, my association with him is nothing more than acquaintance I assure you."

Papa looked at me with disbelief in his eyes. "He's not your suitor?"

"What?! No way!" I replied almost violently. I can't believe that Papa would even dare to think that. The thought was so repulsive it made the hair on my nape stand.

"Are you sure?"

"Of course, Papa," I replied crossly. "I don't even like that man. Besides, you are aware that I have feelings for Dante, right?"

Papa made a small sound similar to snort which was why I am not sure if I heard him correct. I am aware that he doesn't like Dante for me. That's one of the reasons I am not yet ready to become his girlfriend I want Papa's approval first. "I am just warning you about his reputation, Claudia. He's a ladies' man, after all."

"Do you think I let myself fall to such a man?" I scoffed. "His sweet-talking way with other ladies does not affect me. I am Claudia Romano, after all."

A proud smile fitted Papa's mouth. "That's my daughter. Besides, I will throw him in jail if he breaks your heart. I will not let anyone hurt my daughters and get away with it."

I was ridiculed at the thought. "I will stomp his heart with my feet and tear it apart with my hands like a confetti first before he can break my heart."

Papa nodded. "I will hold with that promise, figlia."

"You have my word, Papa."

It didn't take long before we arrived at the golf course Papa and I played here a couple of times. Once Papa parked the car in the parking lot Alfonso and his father did the same.

I eyed them in abhorrence, especially the younger Orsini. They lived in the same house and yet they arrived at the golf course driving separate cars. I shook my head, Alfonso Orsini likes to impress when driving his cherry red sports car. Men and women kept on glancing at his scene-stealing car.

He gave me a rakish smile when he caught me staring at him. I gave him a condescending look before standing next to Papa completely ignoring him.

I hate this man and his guts.

"Shall we?" His father asked jovially. "I am extra excited to play golf today. My son is here, my trusted lawyer and his pretty daughter are also here with me."

I hope I can share his enthusiasm. It would be a lot better if he and his son were not here with us. But too late for that I need to play my part and be a nice daughter and companion however I want to bash the head of his son to the nearest wall.

We went straight to the course with our caddies. The older Orsini was in deep conversation with Papa and I was left alone with his loathsome son. I pretend to meticulously examine the golf club in my hand as practice my swing. I think Signore Orsini planned to monopolize Papa's attention so I would be forced to bond with his son.

Sorry to say that's not going to happen.

"Can we talk?"

I looked at him indignantly. "Go away."

He gave me a pleasant smile that belied all the naughtiness that his eyes were telling me. "That's not how you talk to your new friend, Claudia."

I threw a deathly glare in his direction before sliding a look at our fathers standing not far away from us. As usual, they were in a deep conversation as if forgetting us. "Go away before I swing this club on your head. I'm warning you, you don't want to be on the wrong side of me early this morning."

"Where's the sweet daughter of Atty. Romano moments ago?" He mocked, looking at me with his cynical eyes. "Why so vindictive with me?"

I felt my cheeks heat at his words. How dare he test patience? "Y-You..."

Because of his advanced height, he leaned down at me and I automatically stepped backward to create some distance between us.

"What are you doing?" I eyed him suspiciously. I don't want to get any closer to him, I don't trust him and his devious attitude.

It seems that he was surprised by my action as he smiled mockingly. "I have a proposition for you. Let's talk privately."

I shook my head immediately. "No, thank you. I am not interested."

He looked at me for a moment before sighing deeply. "It seems that I have not made myself clear with my proposition, sweetheart. I am not giving you an option to refuse my plan."

I raised an eyebrow in his direction. "Are you threatening a lawyer's daughter? Are you serious? Besides, I am not your sweetheart so keep your endearments to your women I am not one of them."

He shrugged indifferently, nodding at Papa's direction. "Suit yourself. Do you want your dear papa to learn that his sweet-natured daughter was at the club yesterday and start accusing an innocent man of dallying with her sister? I can sue you for that, you know."

"Is that a threat?" My eyes narrowed in his direction like daggers.

"No." He smiled angelically. "I am just telling you the possibility if you didn't hear me out."

"Are you blackmailing me then?"

He eyed our fathers who were still chatting. Signore Orsini was as devious as his son. "Not really. But if you want to think that way it's up to you. Do you want me to tell Atty. Romano about your escapades yesterday?"

"You arrogant son—" I started to curse him but he's not listening.

He was about to get the attention of Papa. "Uh...ex—"

"All right, fine." I paled as I threw him a foul look in his direction. Oh, how I want to swing this golf club in his head. But I realize that my time in jail because of him will not be worth it. "Say what you want so you will leave me alone after that."

"Let's talk somewhere private."

I blinked making sure I heard him right. "Are you crazy? What makes you think that I want to be alone with you even for a moment?"

"Do you want me to tell your father?"

I exhaled a deep breath. "Fine. Let's go." We walked a little further but not that far away from our father just enough so we could have enough privacy. "Speak. I don't have all day to have a staring contest with you. I want to play golf with my father now. You are wasting my time."

He laughed humorlessly, shaking his head. "Dio. That tongue of yours could slaughter. I must be mad to consider you with my quest."

From the corner of my eyes, I was aware of the discreet glance the two ladies threw in his direction. I rolled my eyes when they even shared a whispered conversation with matching girly giggles. "Are you going to have a monologue there or you're going to tell me about this blackmail of yours?"

"Okay," he said after a moment. "I want you to play as my pretend girlfriend."

I blinked several times. I think I didn't hear him right. "Can you repeat that one?"

"I want you to pretend as my girlfriend."

"What?!" I asked indecorously, laughing humorlessly. "Are you out of your mind? What makes you think I will agree with your madness?"

He shrugged. "You have no choice."

"No."

"What?"

"I said, my answer is no," I informed him flatly. There's no way in hell I would agree to pretend to be his girlfriend whatever the hell is the reason behind it.

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—"

I scoffed. "Not for me. What could I possibly get from this? Nothing. And then, there's my suitor Dante. I love him, you know."

He thought for a moment before smiling brightly in my direction. "To sweeten the deal how about if you agree with my plan I will help you avenge your sister with my cousin." He raised an eyebrow. "How about that?"

I eyed him guardedly. "You will do that? He's your cousin."

"Yes. I also want to get even with him for using my name while flirting with your sister."

I bit the insides of my cheek. I have to admit that his offer was quite tempting there's nothing in this world that I want to settle the score with his cousin for hurting Gianna like that but what will Dante say about this? I don't want to lose him because of this sham.

"Humor me," I said, looking straight at his dark eyes. "Why do you want me to pretend as your girlfriend? Can't you find someone else for the job? I am sure other ladies would want even your 'real' girlfriend. The woman in your lap yesterday was a good example."

He winced at that. "To tell you the truth. I am only looking for a pretend girlfriend because I don't want to be in a relationship right now."

"Is it because of your dad?"

"Partly," he stated, fishing out something in his trousers pocket. "But I have another reason."

I raised an eyebrow. Now I am getting curious about his reason. Isn't he proud of his reputation as a womanizer so why does he's looking for a pretend girlfriend all of a sudden? "What's your other reason?"

He eyed me for a moment before shaking his head. He placed a cigarette between his teeth. "You see, I need a pretend girlfriend so the paparazzi will not suspect anything between me and Violetta Ricci. We don't want to sabotage her career."

Oh, so he's dating that famous actress.

"So you're Violetta Ricci's dirty little laundry?"

I couldn't miss the way he cringed when I hit the nerve. "It's not like that. We just want to hide our relationship to avoid media circus."

I shrugged. "Why me and not someone else?"

He was about to light the cigarette when he stopped and looked at me. "Because I know I will not fall in love with you. You know the real score I think you fit into that role very much."

I barked a laugh. "You think highly of yourself, do you? What makes you think you will not fall in love with me? I am smart, beautiful, and girlfriend material, after all."

"You're not my type."

Ouch. I would make you pay by saying that right back at my face. I am already planning my revenge inside my head right this moment. "What about my Dante?"

Alfonso scoffed, lighting his cigarette and puffing the smoke after. "Your Dante? Need I remind you that he's not officially yours yet? Don't assume."

I glared at him. I wonder why I still have this ridiculous conversation with him. "Why so bitter? And stop bursting my bubble, will you? Need I remind you that you need my help not the other way around?"

"Truth hurts, my dear."

"Says by the man who is a woman's dirty little laundry."

He took a deep breath, puffing his cigarette the smoke he makes made him look like a damn chimney. "I told you—"

"Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Whatever." I waved my hand dismissively. I hate the smell of nicotine it makes my nose irritate.

"So you agree to my plan?"

Oh, yes. This sham was starting to appeal to me with the sole reason to prove him wrong. I want to use this opportunity to make him fall in love with me and then stomp his heart on the dirt for telling me that 'I am not his type'.

Cursed him to hell. I will make him suffer and more. I will make sure that he will regret saying such a horrible thing to me.

"I want to tweak your plan slightly and then I will consider it," I informed him with a sweet demeanor.

He looked at me with guarded expression. Good. Now he's starting to look worried. It's time for him to realize that I am not some sort of woman who he riled up and get away with it. I want him to know that I can be as devious as him if I want to. No one can outwit Claudia Romano. "What do you mean?"

With this, it was like killing two birds in one stone. I will get the revenge I want for my sister and then I will make this arrogant man pay for insulting my beauty. Oh, yes. I will make him fall in love with my charm and then cast him aside. Revenge will be sweet.

I smiled at him prettily. "I don't want to be your girlfriend straight away. I don't want people to think that I am cheap since no one ever heard of you courting me so I suggest let's not skip the steps of courtship."

He frowned at me. "What are you saying?"

"Simple," I beamed at him fetchingly. "Instead of announcing that I am now your 'girlfriend' we'll tell people that you're now courting me so I will not lose Dante because of this sham."

Disbelief is shown in his eyes. "Are you crazy? Need I remind you that we're just going to pretend? Why do I need to court you?"

"Pretend courtship," I emphasized to him. "So the media will not get wind of your relationship with your actress if everyone knows you're courting me and then Dante might feel some competition because of your presence and pursue me even harder. Win-win situation."

Alfonso was eyeing me as if I was a devious little creature from hell. "What do I need to do with this pretend courtship?"

I rolled my eyes. Oh, God. This man is hopeless. "Of course, everyone expects you to pay me a visit with flowers and a little gift once in a while and then take me to the theater for movie night or Night at the Opera."

He grimaced in my direction. "I don't do such a thing. It makes me nauseous."

"Do you think spending time with you doesn't make me feel nauseous too?" I raised an eyebrow. "I need to endure your company too when we are together for the sake of avenging your cousin."

"Excuse me?" He asked rudely. "I think you hit the jackpot when you spend time with me. In case, you didn't notice I am the most eligible bachelor in Italy."

"Not in my opinion."

"Oh, wow." He chuckled tediously. "I feel slightly irritated while chatting with you."

"Ditto."

He was busy glaring at me but I glared back at him. I am not the sort of woman who will be cowed by his dark look. I think I wounded his ego by insulting him like that, too bad he seems to be a sissy beneath that alpha demeanor.

"What do you say?" I broke off the staring contest. I don't want to spend more time looking at his emphatic dark eyes. "Do you agree with my plan?"

"Do I have a choice?" He grumbled under his breath.

"Of course," I told him delightfully. "You can always be Violetta Ricci's dirty little laundry. Your choice."

He let out a soft curse while glowering me. "I think you're mocking me."

Of course, I am, Mr. Dirty Little Laundry. I pretend to look scandalized. "Me? I will never do such a thing."

He exhaled a deep breath. "Fine. Just remember that we're just pretending with this courtship and don't get too attached to it. I love Violet and I don't want to hurt you because you fell for me."

I gave him a goading look. "I should be the one telling you that, Signore. You might be the one who is going to fall for my infamous charm. Let me give an early warning."

He chortled softly. "I don't think so."

I looked at him with a hidden smirk. Oh, you don't know what hit you, Alfonso Orsini. Before your actress's next movie is released you already forget that woman's existence, I assure you.

"A shake hands to seal the deal, Claudia." He extended his hands in my direction. "To our pretend courtship."

"To our pretend courtship." I echoed with a smile as I took the offered hand reluctantly. May you fall harder for me.

The feel of his large hand in my palm sent a jot of reaction in my body. But I ignored it as I snatched away my hand.

The corner of his mouth twitched slightly. "Let's go and play golf with the old folks."

I nodded absently as I followed him to where are fathers still chatting. Part of me kind of regretting my impulsive decision and being part of this sham but too late to back out now. I just need to continue with my plan and have these Orsini cousins' ultimate downfall in the hands of Claudia Romano.

Once we reach Papa and the older Orsini. Alfonso cleared his throat to get their attention. "I want to tell you something."

My heart jumped on my ribcage as I stared at him questioningly. Papa looked curious while his father grinned ear-to-ear for whatever reason.

Alfonso looked down at me for a moment. I couldn't miss the devious smile playing on his lips as he faced both of our dads. "Father. Attorney Romano. I wish to inform you that Claudia here already permitted me."

No. He wouldn't dare...

We never agree to tell Papa and his father about this now. I thought we were going to wait for a few more days before telling them about this. I guess he didn't get the memo.

He threw a provoking glance in my direction before dropping his bomb. "I want to formally court your daughter, Atty. Romano."

His announcement met different reactions. I gripped the golf club in my hand tightly wishing it was his neck. Papa gaped at him openly losing grip on his gold club and fell on the meticulously trimmed grass while Signore Salvatore's face felt like Christmas morning.

Suddenly, I am so sure about this whole thing.

Can I survive this fake courtship without losing my sanity?

But most importantly can I keep up with this devil?