Double Dare

The blond shook his head, amusement dancing in his eyes.

“Naw honey, that’s not how it is. You and Mason have been dating in secret for a while now, and he visited you at the coffee shop the way he always does. It’s just that now you’re pregnant and so you guys are going public.”

“I’m not pregnant!” I sputtered again. “I’m absolutely not pregnant!”

Derek shrugged again, those broad shoulders rising and falling.

“Maybe not yet, but you will be soon,” he said casually. “It’s just a matter of time. We had you scoped remember? Your proportions baby, that sweet fertile body. It’s only a matter of time before you’re preggo.”

That made me fly off the handle, but before I could begin screaming, Mason cut in.

“Listen,” he said shortly. “We’re wasting time right now. Katie, you’re my fiancée,” he said, fixing me with a hard look. “You’re having my baby, so we’re going public now, whether or not you like it. You’re going to put a smile on your face and nod for the cameras. Don’t say a word,” he threatened. “If you do, it’s your life.”

I sputtered again, outraged.

“Oh really?” I said sarcastically, hands on my hips. “It’s my life? How so? If I scream what do I have to lose?”

Derek and Mason shared another glance.

“A lot more,” drawled Derek. “We could kick you out of art school, and that would be all the tuition you’ve paid down the drain.”

My mouth dropped.

“You wouldn’t,” I gasped. “You wouldn’t. I didn’t ask for this, I don’t deserve it.”

But Mason just nodded in agreement.

“Not just that, but Mrs. Patterson won’t act as a reference. You think you can get another job without a reference? Try little girl, the market’s pretty tight,” he growled.

And I stared between the two men, disbelieving and helpless. How could this be happening? How could these two alphas have all the power, and I have none? But before I could say anything, Mason grunted once more.

“Like I said, you’re my fiancée and you’re having my kid,” he rumbled, fixing me with deep blue eyes. “That’s the story, no ifs and and buts. But I promise,” he said with a meaningful look, “that we’ll make it worthwhile.”

“Absolutely,” added Derek from his side of the room, that big, golden form relaxed on a couch, like we weren’t having the most important conversation of my life. “Just play along and it’ll be fine,” he shrugged.

I gawped at them. This wasn’t some small thing, a favor that could be done in five minutes. This was my life, living out a farce that I couldn’t understand. Clearly I wasn’t getting anywhere by being the sassy spitfire, so I changed tactics, spinning on a dime.

“Please,” I said softly. “My art is important to me. My work is important to me, even if it’s just working in a coffee shop right now. I can’t afford to lose both, I can’t afford to go on a hiatus without understanding better what’s going on. Please,” I begged from the heart.

And that seemed to soften the two alphas somewhat.

“Listen, baby girl,” began Mason slowly, his voice deep, voice penetrating. “This isn’t my idea of fun either,” he said.

But Derek interrupted.

“What my buddy’s saying,” he said, getting up and taking Mason’s hand. The gesture made me start. Since when do adult males hold each other’s hands? But I shook my head, confused. Everything was happening so fast and unexpected that if a barrel of clowns jumped out of the elevator next, I wouldn’t be surprised.

“Like what I was saying,” Derek continued. “Mason needs a fiancee to access some funds that grandpappy put away for a rainy day. And unfortunately,” he said, shooting the CEO a long look, “this is the only way. We’ve explored multiple options, but grandpappy’s will is set in stone, ironclad with no way out. So we’ve decided to go for it, and you’re the girl we want,” he said simply. “You’re gonna be Mason’s fiancée for the time being.”

I gasped.

“I really don’t get it,” I said slowly, almost unable to breathe. “I really don’t get it.”

Mason frowned.

“There’s nothing to get,” he said. “It’s our way or the highway baby girl, and you have everything to lose if you don’t play along.”

I shook my head.

“But it’s so crazy!” I cried out. “No way anyone’s going to believe this farce. Why would a guy like you want someone like me?” I tried to reason futilely. “You’re a powerful businessman and I’m a no one.”

That made both men frown.

“You’re not a no one,” ground out Derek.

“You’re gorgeous, sassy and intelligent,” said Mason just as quickly. “Who wouldn’t want a ripe female who looks the way you do in that dress? Naw, baby girl, you’re not no one, we want you.”

And with finality, he stood, that dark form looming over me.

“Come on,” he said shortly, fixing me with those deep blue eyes. “Come on, Katie, it’s time,” he rumbled, holding out a square palm.