Pretend You're Mine (Inked Hearts 3)

Perfect. Tell me where and when.

She looks to me. “Okay?”

No. This isn’t even close to okay.

But it’s necessary.

I nod.

She taps send.

A moment later, my cell buzzes with an address.

I’m gonna help my ex pick out her wedding cake.

Fan-fucking-tastic.

Chapter 10

Leighton

I step into my nicest dress. Pull the zipper. Check my reflection for panty lines.

None. Good.

This is good. I think.

What the hell do you wear to taste cakes with your fake boyfriend’s ex?

This fit and flare dress must be close. It’s a grey and black checkered print. It hugs my chest, but not in a look at my boobs way. In more of a I’ve got a waist and I’m not afraid to flaunt it way.

I take a seat at my desk. Fall into my makeup routine. Concealer. Foundation. Blush. Brow pencil. Eye shadow. Eyeliner. Mascara. Lipstick.

It’s not a vanity thing. Yeah, I want to look pretty. But, more than that, I want to cover all the cracks in my armor.

I learned this back in high school, the first time shit got bad with my mom.

If you look tired, people worry.

If you look alert and rested, people believe it when you say I’m fine.

If you look tough and untouchable, people don’t bother to ask questions.

There. Perfect. Pretty and don’t fuck with me. Enough to convince Ryan I’m fine with this. To convince his ex I’m… something.

I barely know Penny. I’m not sure what I want her to believe about me. Only that I want her a million miles away from Ryan.

The doorbell’s ring interrupts me.

It’s early. What is Ryan—

“Open up.” Iris’s voice flows through the door. “Or I’ll knock this door down.”

“You’re capable?”

“I’ve been working out.”

She’s here to talk me out of this.