Fake dating my enemy, The playboy billionaire

YIREN

"What’s a pumpkin race?" I ask as soon as we’re alone, ignoring how Jun’s arms are still loosely wrapped around me. And, well, I’m not going to complain about that. If anything, the warmth of his hold is strangely comforting, even if I know I should probably step away.

Truthfully, when I saw Jianyu earlier, my first instinct was to run back home and hide. But for some reason, I didn’t. Maybe it was that smile and look of confidence on a certain someone’s face or maybe the fact he was scowling at his brother for me. Protective Jun is really cute.

He hasn’t answered my question yet, so I poke him in the chest, "Are they going to sacrifice you at this pumpkin race? Because you look like that’s exactly what’s about to happen."

Jun’s head turns to me, slowly, "You sound like you’d find it entertaining and would even bring a bucket of popcorn to watch."

"Maybe."

"I see you enjoy seeing me suffer."

"Correction," I say, turning to wrap up my equipment. "I only enjoy seeing you suffer at the hands of your brothers, sister-in-laws, kids or Z."

"And if it’s anyone else?" He’s beside me now, helping pack the VR setup, his eyes never leaving my face.

"Nothing."

"Try it again. If it’s anyone else?"

I roll my eyes, turning to him and is met by serious teasing expression I know so well. "Gosh, you’re insufferable. Just like your brother."

"Saying it shouldn’t be this hard, Yiren," He takes hold of my wrist, his thumb making slow circles over my skin, reminding me of our deal from last night—the one that keeps making my heart race.

"Okay, fine." I huff, feeling my resolve weaken. "Then I’m protecting what’s mine. Maybe by grabbing my knives and cutting the person into two."

"Oh, so I’m yours now."

I grab a crumpled piece of paper and chuck it at his face. "Only until this deal is over! As long as we’re together, no one messes with you. Because, yes, I bite."

His smile turns downright wicked. "You bite? Kinky."

Ugh, he’s impossible, always taking things in a different, suggestive direction and making me blush like a tomato. "Are you going to explain this pumpkin race or not?"

He sighs, finally giving in. "In the pumpkin race, couples team up. So Jianyu and Mei, Suyin and Shishi, and then... well, me and you. The kids get to pick which team they want to join, and we all compete in pumpkin carving, games, and a bunch of other activities."

"That actually sounds like fun," I admit, a little more excited than I probably should be.

"Yeah, sure. It’s refreshing. Especially for the kids, since they don’t get to go out like regular kids due to security reasons." His eyes darken slightly. "But remember, it’s open to all family and friends, so expect plenty of drama."

Oh. That’s when it clicks. Fei Hong and Zeng will likely be there, and judging by the storm cloud crossing Jun’s face, he’s not thrilled about it either.

"Ah," I say, piecing it together. "That kind of drama?"

He nods grimly, and I can’t help but grin. This could actually be pretty entertaining. Hong’s last soap-opera-worthy performance was comedy gold. And maybe, just maybe, I can scheme a little to get Zeng to see her true colors. He doesn’t strike me as malicious—just... misguided. But who knows?

"I just hope it doesn’t back fire and breaks the charming couple. If the couple break, there are chances Hong starts chasing Jun or vise versa. If that happened I’m going to be very jealous. The guy is a walking talking Greek god, a charmer at heart, a temptation hard to ignore. After living with him I have realised he is not what media portrays. And Hong might realise her mistake and—"

"Greek god, charmer at heart, and temptation hard to ignore huh? That’s one I’m never letting you live down!"

Wait.

Did I just say all that out loud instead of thinking in my head?

I groan my cheeks burning hotter than a furnace. Why did I have to let my thoughts spill out like that? I keep my head down, pretending that I’m laser-focused on wrapping up my equipment, but really, I’m just hoping the floor will open up and swallow me whole.

I side eyed him, and yep he’s leaning against the desk, arms crossed over his chest.

"How good is your memory? How much time will it take for you to forget this?"

"I’m sure Greek gods are blessed with a memory good enough to keep it stored forever."

I roll my eyes, feeling a smile tug at my lips despite myself. "Of course. Lucky me."

When the embarrassment becomes too much, I do the only thing I can think of: I turn and make a beeline for the door, determined to escape before I embarrass myself any further. But just as I’m about to step out, Jun’s voice calls after me.

"Hey, Yiren? Want to celebrate over lunch with this Greek god?"

"Nope. I have a meeting with my team."

"Ok. Then at least tell me what is your favourite fruit."

"Banana." I have no idea why he asked that but just for fun I give him the name I hate most.

A minute later, I push the door open just a crack and poke my head back in, catching sight of Jun laughing like a goofball.

Why?

What’s so funny?

*****

As I’m about to climb into my truck, I notice Bruce waiting beside it.

"Hey. What are you doing here?"

He flashes a smile. "Waiting for you. How did the presentation go?"

"I got the investment!" I can’t help the excitement bubbling in my voice. A good credit of that goes to him as well.

He nods, "I knew you would."

"I actually messaged you last night about today’s team meeting, but you haven’t checked it yet."

His smile fades a bit. "Lost my phone and number. There are some technical issue, so I couldn’t even retrieve the number back. Been locked out of all my friend and family because of that."

Ah, that explains it.

"Are you heading to the meeting?" He asks, hopeful. "Mind if I tag along?"

I don’t think twice about it; he’s part of the team after all. "Of course, hop in."

Bruce folds himself into the passenger seat of my truck, the space feeling slightly more cramped with him there. The man is a giant. "How’s the dog?"

"He was hurt. But now doing fine."

He places his large hand over mine. "I’m really sorry, Yiren. I never meant to hurt him. Please don’t be mad."

I pull my hand out from under his, he might not meant it in a bad way but I don’t like him touching me like that, It was off. "It’s okay," I say, giving him a small smile. "Let’s get to the meeting."

"Yeah, sure." He nods, "Oh by the way, I got a new number. Mind if I punch it into your phone while you drive?"

"Go for it."I unlock my phone and hand it over, noticing the calloused scars on his palm.