Chapter 5, Milo

Just when I thought my situation wouldn't get any worse, I have to actually meet with Esmeralda Hernandez to discuss of our "plan". Sometimes I hate being a celebrity.

My trail of thoughts is quickly stopped by a trail of golden hair and I straighten as Rita Hernandez frowns at me, looking me down with her green eyes. I haven't spoken with her in two whole years, and I wouldn't say I missed it that much. The oldest Hernandez has always been distant and mean towards me, especially after everything went down with her younger sister. She honestly terrifies me. Her fiancé is standing besides her, running a hand through is dark hair. He, on the other hand is a nice guy, even though I know he hates me, because Rita hates me, but my family does business with him sometimes, and he is someone we can rely on.

"Milo." She says in greeting, with a little nod.

"Rita. Hunter." I answer with the same tone and nod at the brown haired man.

She takes an annoyed breath.

"Listen, after what happened between the two of you, my sister locked us all out. I don't want this to happen again, so if you hurt her, I swear on my life that I will castrate you, then skin you alive."

Hunter cringes besides her. He must be used to her menacing people if this is his only reaction.

Like I said before, I am terrified of her, and something tells me she would not hesitate to put her threats to executions, but I obviously put my big boy pants on and pretend I am indifferent to what she just said.

"Babe-" Her fiancé starts.

She shrugs, then turns to him, with a little smile. She links her hand through his and says, "I am just making sure he knows who he is dealing with, honey."

With one last stare and a mouthed "sorry" from Hunter, the couple stride of, leaving me alone in one of the many salons of the house. Not many things have changed since the last time I came here, which would be two years ago, the day I saw- No, not going there right now, or I might explode when I see Esmeralda.

As if my mind summoned her, she appears in the doorway of the big room. I can't help but look her over.

God, she has lost so much weight, I didn't notice it yesterday because of the dress she was wearing, but now, in plain jeans and a white cropped top I can definitely see how skinny she has become. She still has those dreamy curves but they are not as noticeable as they were a few years ago. Her face has paled and even if she isn't wearing any makeup, she looks as beautiful as ever.

And that is the moment when I'm supposed to remember that I hate her, right ?

"Hi." She says sitting across from me in a red velvet lounge chair.

"Hello, Esmeralda."

She clears her throat, obviously nervous.

"So, um, we need to talk about the- situation."

"Right, the situation, which is, by the way your fault."

She furrows her eyebrows.

"My fault ? I don't know if you've forgotten, Milo, but we both made that deal. They brought it up and the only choice I had was to say that we would keep our promise."

I scold her then lean over in my chair so that we are closer. I see the flush that takes over her pale cheeks and grin.

"You would have done the same." She adds.

"So, since we've established that it's your fault, what is your idea."

She raises her brows, furious.

"We haven't established anything !"

I brush her off and roll my eyes.

She is already annoying me.

"Get straight to the goddamn point, Esmeralda. I have work do."

She mutters some very filthy words under her breath and sighs.

"I suggest we fake date."

Come again ?

"Are you fucking kidding me ?"

I lean back against my chair, incredulous.

"Well, what other choice do we have ? I don't think you would want to real date me so-"

"Yeah, no fucking shit."

I could have sworn that a flicker of hurt passes through her stormy grey eyes, but it is gone in a second.

"If you have a better idea, then get on with it, because I'm already exhausted." She says dryly.

"What does the "fake dating" include, then ?" I ask.

"Uh, showing up in public together, making sure that people see us kissing or holding hands, couple stuff, but we don't confirm anything. When a few months pass, we go back to not taking to each other and if anyone asks, we tried, but it didn't work."

Lord have mercy.

Not that the idea of kissing her is not that appealing to me, but I want her to get the hell away from me, but it certainly isn't possible. I try to think about other options that would not include being near the brunette, but i quickly accept the fact that it's the only way to get the attention off of us, and to preserve both our reputations.

I rise from my seat and reluctantly nod.

"I accept. But after it's over, we never contact each other again. I don't even want to hear about you, understood ?"

She nods, "There is a modeling event I am invited to in two weeks, I have to bring a date. It will be our first appearance together, so we have to make an impression.

I don't answer, but that means enough to her.

She gets on her feet as well and extends her and at me.

"So, do we have a deal ?" She asks, her eyes filled with mischief.

I roll my eyes and shake her surprisingly cold hand.

"We have a deal."

A few moments later, Esmeralda silently escorts me to the exit, even though I know exactly where it is.

Before I step out of the house, she grabs my arm and adds, with a sweet voice.

"Oh, and Milo ?"

I turn towards her and look into her grey eyes.

"Try not to call me a whore in front of the paparazzi, will you ?"

And at that, she closes the door in my face.

Fair enough.

As I reach my car, I hear Rita say to her sister, voice filled with worry and warning,

"You have made a deal with the devil, chica, and you're going to suffer the consequences."

I think I like the nickname a little bit too much.