Filthy Love: A Billionaire Romantic Comedy (A Filthy Duet #2) - Matilda Martel Page 0,3

believe in it. It was for suckers. Until he met the woman of his dreams and she turned him down. The heroine, Sophia Rinaldi, refused to have anything to do with him. And the more she dismissed him, the more it drove him nuts. He fell madly in love. It was beautiful. I swear to God, I cried my eyes out the last three chapters and then I read it again.”

“And that’s your plan? To turn him down? What if he doesn’t hit on you? What if he does and then never asks you out again?” She teases and fluffs.

I close my eyes while she sprays me down. “I gave your man instructions to warn Jude from hitting on me. He’s supposed to insinuate that I’m off-limits. A good girl. Bad boys love good girls. They can’t help themselves. Declan’s warning coupled with Jude’s desire to do the exact opposite of whatever Declan wants might light a small fire.” I glance at the mirror and hold my breath. A masterpiece. She even took out the frizz. Ava never fails me.

“That sounds complicated. Guard your heart, Bella. I’ve seen photos. My Declan is perfect for me, but Jude is...” She stops mid-sentence and censors her enthusiasm.

“He’s gorgeous, right? You can say it. You’ve got the good one. He’s the responsible, dependable one who tackled you like an overzealous linebacker bearing flowers. And Declan is fucking hot. But Jude. Dear Lord.” I take a deep breath and smile to myself.

How in the world am I going to get through a whole interview and pretend to be Sophia Rinaldi? That girl had her shit together. She made Marcus beg and plead before she gave him the smallest glimmer of hope. I’m no Sophie. I’m not sure I can hold out that long.

Am I setting myself up for failure? Jude is way hotter than that dude on the cover.

“Bella! Your interview’s in forty minutes. You need to get going. Midtown is far. Declan sent a car and the driver just text that he’s a mile away.” Ava grabs my resume copies, slides them into a folder and hands me my purse. “You can do it! You’re the best! And I’ll give you one hint that might help.”

“What?” I’m suddenly confused.

“Channel Molly Ringwald. The pout, the eye roll, the resting bitch face. It won’t be difficult. These are your calling cards. Channel Molly and blow him off. But remember what I said. If he hurts you, I’ll kill him.” She gives me a kiss on the cheek and pushes me out the door.

Molly Ringwald?

Three

Jude

“Miss Hamilton, this is the third time you’ve tried to end this interview by suggesting I take you to meet Mr. Anders. Even now you’re sitting on the edge of your seat. Move back. Now.” I knit my brow and gesture with my hand. While I wait, she stares cock-eyed, hesitates and then wiggles a few inches back. That’s as much as she’ll give me.

I’ve known her for less than an hour and Isabella Hamilton is already an itch I can’t scratch.

“I’m sorry. Mr. McCormick. The other Mr. McCormick, the one in charge, told me most of the interview would take place with a Mr. Seth Anders. He said you hate these things and would try to push me out quickly.” She wrings her hands and straightens her skirt. My eyes drift helplessly down the length of her legs before I quickly catch myself. This girl is terrible. The last thing I want to do is store mental images of her for later use.

“My brother isn’t in charge of the Marketing Department. I am.” I struggle to mask my growing arousal as her perfume drifts into my face. Flowers and candy. Sweet and fresh. My taste buds sting with the urge to lick the long line of her neck to find out more. But it’s not just the way she smells, it’s the tiny insolent girl in all her glory that’s driving me up the wall. It’s her dark eyes, her shiny lips, the freckles, wavy hair, and the mouth-watering curve of her full breasts. I’m monumentally annoyed and yet as hard as a steel pipe.

It’s baffling. I must be a glutton for punishment. In what universe does someone this rude get me harder than I’ve been in years? She’s a nuisance. Condescending and immune to my charm. But something about sending her to Seth makes me want to choke the life out of him.

She sits quietly and I watch her inch