Chapter 3
The next morning, I woke up sprawled across my giant king–size bed.
Sunlight poured in through the windows.
Birds were chirping. The air smelled weirdly like… steak?
I blinked.
Steak?
Wait.
Where the hell was I?
Last I remembered, I was at a bar. Now I’m home?
And why does it smell like someone’s cooking French steak?
I sat up slowly, dread curling in my stomach.
Maybe Amanda brought me home and made me breakfast?
No way.
Amanda can’t cook for shit. She once blew up a toaster trying to make Pop–Tarts.
I grabbed my phone–already on speed dial with 911–and picked up my old baseball bat from under the bed.
Don’t ask why it was there.
Then I heard it.
Clattering in the kitchen.
Someone was in my kitchen.
I crept closer, bat raised, ready to swing.
And then I saw it–a guy.
A tall one, with broad shoulders and a perfect back, cooking like he belonged there.
I gripped the baseball bat, heart pounding, ready to whack the guy if he made a move.
But he must’ve sensed it–he turned around, smiling right at me.
“You’re up? Want some steak? Just grilled it.”
“Uh… who are you, exactly?”
I quickly hid the bat behind me, but obviously, he’d already seen it. Real smooth.
As soon as I got a good look at his face, the memories hit me–I actually did bring home a hot college guy last night!
Well, technically he brought me home.
“And what’s the bat for?”
“Ahem. Thought I’d, uh… get some cardio in.”
“I’ll take a steak, thanks.”
I tossed the bat onto the couch like it was no big deal.
Then plopped down at the table, shamelessly waiting for my steak.
I mean, I already paid for the boy, didn’t I? Might as well enjoy the meal.
And damn, kid’s got skills–this steak was worth every dollar.
It’s been two months since I “sponsored” my college boytoy.
Thanks to our new partnership with Veridian Tech, my family’s financial crisis is finally over.
The $3 million my dad had borrowed from my ex’s mom and his wannabe fiancée? He gave it all back to me.
I wanted to turn it down, but… well, with mouths to feed and bills to pay, I took it.
And I handed that $3 million straight to my sweet little puppy.
He looked at me like I was handing him the moon.
Guess he’d never seen that much cash before–can’t blame him.
Not everyone’s lucky enough to have a sugar mama like me.
Now that the family company’s bounced back, I’m back in the spotlight as the classic rich–and–beautiful Elara Vaughn.
And thanks to the Veridian Tech collab, my clout’s only grown.
Everybody wants to cozy up to me just to get near Veridian.
Chapter 3
Joke’s on them–I don’t even know anyone at Veridian Tech.
And just when the suitors started lining up like it’s The Bachelor, guess who pops back up?
Declan.
Tonight’s a gala hosted by Veridian Tech, and I’m here repping the Vaughn family.
I barely get through the door before Lucian Graves pulls me aside with a plate of food.
Right–forgot to mention.
Lucian is the college kid I “sponsored.”
Before I can even get a bite of cake, my phone buzzes with an anonymous text.
“Take my money and stay away from Declan. Don’t embarrass yourself.”
Excuse me?
“I didn’t take your damn money. Don’t spread lies.”
I look up and catch this sweet little blond thing giving me a death glare from across the room.
Takes talent to throw shade from that far away.
That’s when I realize what “money” she’s talking about.
And now that I’m paying attention, a lot of people seem to recognize me.
Soon I’m swarmed–everyone wants to talk, network, whatever.
“Elara, may I have the honor of your first dance tonight?”
“Nope.”
Before I can even say no, Lucian shuts it down with a roll of his eyes.
“Might want to wait your turn. As her date, I get the first dance.”
He turns to me, offering his hand.
“May I?”
With his hand already there, it’d be rude to say no… and honestly, I didn’t want to.
Lucian lit up when I said yes, then turned to the poor guy like he just won the lottery.
“Sorry, pal. If you’re not needed, you can see yourself out.”
Smug little bastard looked downright adorable doing it.
Of course, the other guy didn’t think so–he shot Lucian a glare.
“You’ve got some nerve, punk. Not sure how long you can keep this act up.”
“And you? You’re just a damn escort.”
That pissed me off.
Yeah, okay, when we first met, I did joke about “sponsoring” him. But all we’ve done is hold hands.
There’s no contract. It’s just dating… with flair.
We’re basically a couple.
We just happen to have met under slightly… unconventional terms.
And who the hell gave this loser the right to judge?
I yanked Lucian behind me and let the guy have it.
“Is that how your mom taught you to talk to women?”
“Get rejected and suddenly it’s open season on character assassination?”
“For your information, we’re in a serious relationship.”
I could hear Lucian chuckling behind me.
Laughing? Seriously? The guy just called you a hooker and you’re giggling?
Now I’m starting to wonder… who even started this “sugar mama” rumor?
Because I sure as hell didn’t tell anyone.
Wait.
Oh my god. That dumbass Declan better not have actually believed that crap.
“Who told you we were in a sugar arrangement? Declan?”
“No one had to tell me. If you’re doing it, don’t act all shy when people call it out.”
But the guy looked away when he said it. Bingo.
Now I remember where I’ve seen him–he’s one of Declan’s little cronies.
Figures. Typical insecure man–can’t win, so he lies.
But before things could get messier, a rep from Veridian Tech arrived.
“Elara Vaughn?”
It was Nathaniel, their Director of Strategy–greeting me personally.
In full formal tone, no less.
This kind of recognition doesn’t come cheap.
I kept it classy.
“Director Nathaniel, it’s a pleasure.”
“And who’s this gentleman with you?”
“This is my boyfriend, Lucian.”
I said it loud and proud.
Everyone nearby turned their heads. That line got attention.
