Filthy Liar

By Janica Cade

Everyone kisses the ground Alec Grayson walks on. I mean, literally. Girls kneel on the dirty sidewalk to kiss his lack-luster Hollywood star.

But not me.

I detest the swagger and million-watt smile that makes every other woman melt. In fact, I've made it my call of duty to loathe the guy whenever he walks into my office building.

He's my worst nemesis, and everyone knows it. Including him.

But then he puts a stupid proposition on the table.

He needs a monogamous relationship with a pretend girlfriend so he can get the best film role of his life—the one that will get him an Oscar.

And all we have to do is lie to the entire world.

Can we pull it off?

Maybe. If we can tolerate each other long enough.

But then this crazy thing happens one night…

He plants a single fervent kiss on my reluctant lips.

The kiss is fake, no doubt. After all, he's an excellent actor.

Problem is…

It turns my world upside down and makes me reconsider everything.

BWWM Romance (black women white men) Interracial Romance.

**This is one of those steamy romance novels that will keep you up all night. It is hot and it's a page-turner. If you don't like that… don't get this book.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Janica Cade
• Release date: Aug 23, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393351702

Book preview

Chapter 1

Alec strolled into the modern offices of Grayson Star Enterprises talent agency like he owned it. He gave me the once-over before heading into the CEO’s office to recline in the corner tweed armchair.

Pain seared my temples. There were two things I hated most in this world… not getting a decent night’s sleep, and...

Alec Grayson.

This morning, I had to deal with both. I positioned myself in the doorway and mustered my reluctant lips into a smile. Good morning, Alec.

He curled his upper lip and looked away. Is she just going to stand there, or is she getting the coffee?

I didn’t understand why he hated me, but the feeling was mutual.

As a billionaire, actor, playboy, and over six feet of assholishness and pure arrogance, he went everywhere acting like he was the most special being that roamed the planet.

Everyone kissed the ground he walked on. I mean, literally. There were girls kneeling on the dirty sidewalk to kiss his lack-luster Hollywood star.

But not me. I detested the swagger and million-watt smile that made every other woman melt. In fact, I’d made it my call of duty to loathe him.

Whenever I saw Alec, my blood pressure spiked, and I had the urge to browse the grocery aisle for rat poison to slip into his cup. Of all talent agencies in Los Angeles, he just had to work with this one, didn’t he?

I couldn’t stand him. Period.

Broderick Grayson, my boss and the CEO of Grayson Star Enterprises, smiled and nodded when he saw his younger brother. Hey, bro. Good to see you.

Broderick was the better of the two brothers, by a landslide.

Alec moved his autumn eyes toward his brother and softened his jaw. Likewise, bro.

I. Hate. Him.

Broderick glanced my way and chuckled. As always, he didn't see that the relationship between his brother and me wasn’t only simple teasing. He rubbed his eyes and lifted his square chin toward me. Gabrielle, will you bring us coffee please?

Sure, I’ll bring the damn coffee. And then I’ll accidently dump it into Alec Grayson’s lap. Sigh. Or maybe not. I drew in a breath and gritted my teeth into a smile. Of course.

Ugh, I hate that cocky bastard. I slammed two empty mugs on the kitchen counter, loud enough for him to hear.

Yes, he was well built. He was tall and sculpted to perfection. I won’t deny that. Plus, the package came with dark, silken hair and stark hazel eyes that could make your heart beat faster.

Women pined for him. Men wanted to be him.

But I saw beneath that alluring exterior.

He was shallow and arrogant, and he had a new flavor in his bed every week. He didn’t care about anyone but himself, and I’d never change my opinion of him. Ever.

I leaned next to Alec to put his cup of coffee on the desk. His fresh aquatic fragrance hit my nostrils. I froze. Why did he smell so damn good?

He sighed under his breath. Please tell me you didn’t add too much sugar.

The last time I served him coffee, I had doused it with sugar, hoping to ruin those pearly teeth of his.

I flashed my most winning smile. Don’t worry, I began in a sweet, high-pitched voice. I placed a pinch of salt in it this time.

Alec gave a short, mirthless laugh and shot a glance at his brother. What the hell is wrong with her? He tightened his lips and arched a scathing eyebrow toward me. You do that, and I’ll make sure it’s your last day working here.

Now, now. Stop it, you two, Broderick intervened. Gabrielle is the best assistant I ever had. Tone down your temper, bro.

My chest opened. Thank god a man with sense has spoken. I drew in a deep breath and focused all my attention on my charming boss.

I’d had a crush on Broderick Grayson since day one. He was kind and patient, and he had the cutest dimples ever. Broderick had taken me under his wing after I graduated. He mentored me and gave me a position as his assistant. The man was the best boss a girl could ever have.

I love my job. Without Alec there, that is.

Alec Grayson was… Over. The. Top.

Nausea permeated my gut. Why was he always trying to ruin my day, as if it was his sole purpose in life? He must be adopted. There’s no way that jackass is the CEO’s brother.

I filed out of Broderick’s office before Alec could sling another insult my way and headed down the hall to seek a calm voice of reason…

My best friend, Eve. She worked in our posh zoo of a building as secretary to a pushy booking agent.

I braced my elbow on the top of her gray cubby wall and tried to control my heaving. Do you have a sec?

Her green eyes turned to peer at me over the rim of her glasses, her hands still glued to her keyboard. "I will in five minutes."

My jaw loosened, my face feeling much lighter. Eve was my saving grace. I smiled to show my undying appreciation. Great. Meet me at our spot.

She shifted back toward her laptop and buried herself into the screen. Okay. See ya.

A sudden chill surrounded my shoulders. I grabbed a sweater from my chair and headed to our secluded space under the staircase.

Eve appeared. She glanced over her shoulder, and then peered into me closer with concerned eyes. What’s up?

Sweat prodded at my underarms. Time to vent. I drew in a breath and bellowed out his name on the exhale. "It’s Alec. He drives me insane. I can’t handle him today."

One corner of her mouth formed a smiled as she studied me. Eve was a stunning 5’ 9" with honey blond hair. She was drop-dead gorgeous, but she had no idea. Hell, she should be in the movies instead of trying to find roles for others.

And she was the only person beside me that didn’t try and butter up Alec. All the more reason I loved her.

She dropped her shoulders. Tell me something I don’t know.

The space under the staircase grew hot. I shrunk out of my stuffy knit sweater and let it fall onto the floor. "I’ll seriously lose it one of these days. Sometimes, I get the burning need to push that ass down the stairs and… I see myself smile as I do it."

Eve stared off into the distance and then brought her gaze back to me. She straightened her posture. I know, Gab, she uttered, picking at her nails. Ignore him.

She was smart, but she always gave oversimplified advice. She didn’t get how much the man ground away at my nerves. It was as if he only showed up there to whittle down my last ounce of tranquility. I needed to get through to Eve. She wasn’t understanding me.

I braced myself against the incline and breathed. "It’s impossible to ignore him. He’s always provoking me, and you know me. I can’t keep my mouth shut."

She interlaced her fingers and leaned up against the light blue wall. Yes, but maybe that’s exactly what he wants. A reaction. She paused. And you’re giving it to him.

My chest tightened. I had to admit… she made sense. Alec loved to see my feathers ruffled. It’s a game that only a womanizing jackass would play. I rubbed my tormented cheeks to relax my face. Why would someone go out of his way to destroy the lives of others?

Boredom. Amusement, she answered. You’re the only one who doesn’t trip over herself to talk to him.

Well, I’m not having it, I asserted, picking up my sweater from the dirty floor. From now on… he’s getting zero reaction from me.

Good. Calm and collected, Eve stated. That’s where your head should be.

"I wish I could calm down. And you know what irritates me? Broderick, who’s such a great guy, doesn’t see how awful Alec is. Whenever I mention it, Broderick defends him and says he means no harm, I rambled. No harm, my ass. If only I didn’t need money for my family, I’d give Broderick an ultimatum. Consequences be damned."

Would you? A deep voice boomed behind me.

A tiny shrill burst from my throat before I could control it. It was the devil himself. I froze. How long had he been standing there?

What ultimatum would you give my brother? I’m very curious, Gabrielle, Alec interrogated. His masculine build towered over me and his slick dark brown hair reflected light from the stairway window. His stark eyes glared at me. Enlighten me.

My leg muscles grew weak. I should have known he’d be within an arm’s reach, trying his best to agitate every nerve in my poor, whittled-down body. I lifted my chin and faced him. This is a private conversation between me and Eve. I asserted, supplying a brisk smile. A flat-out lie could work here. "And you need to get your hearing checked because the word ultimatum never came from my mouth."

One corner of his male lips lifted to a smile, and his authoritative eyes pierced mine. He said nothing.

The silent tension in the air grew thicker.

Uh… we’re sorry, sir, Eve stammered. Our break was just ending, so —

You can go, he responded without even looking at her. "I need to talk to Gabrielle."

My heartbeat grew faster. Why did he say my name like that? Like it was venomous. I regained my composure and swallowed the lump in my throat. "How can I help you, Mr. Grayson?"

Eve didn’t move. She just stood there, frozen into the concrete under the stairs.

Please don’t leave me alone with this man.

Alec cocked an eyebrow at Eve.

She flinched and her narrow shoulders rose to her ears. Sorry, she mumbled, and bolted away.

His eyes focused back on me. "You’re here to work, Gabrielle. You can do whatever you want in your private time, but when you’re here, you need to stick to your duties."

A sour tang covered my tongue. Ass. I looked him square in the eye. "When I’m on my break… it is my private time."

Vacation’s over, he announced. I have a task for you.

My breath hitched. I didn’t like the sound of this. Yet my curious ears sharpened to listen. What task?

I’m sure you know the perception people have about me, he began.

That you’re a pompous ass? Yes, I know. Now tell me the assignment, I pressed.

He grimaced and moved closer. Come on, Gabrielle. Grow the fuck up and stop with the insults for a sec.

My gut clenched. Everything in me wanted to knock him down to size so he could become tiny and helpless like he made me feel. I crossed my arms over my chest and willed myself to stay still.

A look of honesty flashed through his hazel eyes. Hollywood knows me as this untamed bachelor who can’t settle down with any woman, and so far, this has benefited me. But… He tilted his head to the side and gazed out of the window. I can’t get the role of my life—the one that can earn me an Oscar—because the director refuses to work with me. He wants me to clean up my act and show him I’ve matured and then he’ll cast me as the lead.

You poor abused thing I consoled, expressing a look of sorrow and pity. I pouted my mouth and furrowed my eyebrows to mock him. Oh, wait. Am I supposed to care?

His eyes grew colder. The director wants me to improve my image, and that means I need a steady girlfriend.

Butterflies fluttered through my stomach. Was he serious? I let out a brief laugh. "You have girls crawling all over you. Pick one, stick with the decision, and get the role of your life."

He released a sharp sigh. I can’t. I need someone who won’t be clingy and trap me into marriage with a baby or some craziness.

So, what you’re asking for is… I paused as a chill took over my body. "A fake monogamous relationship. You want an idiot to pretend to be your girlfriend. And you want that dummy to be me."

He stood with his strong, masculine hands on his broad hips and bowed his head. I need someone who doesn’t look at me with stars in her eyes. A woman who’d rather be a million miles away. He lowered his brawny, rugged shoulders and glared at me. Somebody like you.

Nausea permeated my gut. No way. I lifted my chin. "I think I just vomited in my mouth. While it’s true that I can’t stand to even be in this cramped stairwell with you, there’s no chance in hell I’d ever agree to date you. Not even fakely."

The small staircase space grew constrictive and hot.

Beads of sweat prodded at my upper lip. Is fakely a word? I needed to be clear so he’d give up and realize it would never happen. I pinned my two feet to the ground and looked him dead-on. I’d rather eat glass.

He curled his hands into taut fists and then straightened them. "Not even for a ton of cold, hard cash?"

My ribs tightened. I couldn’t think of a response, so I said nothing.

I heard what you told your friend. You need money badly and I can help. It’d be more than you’d earn in months. Hell, in years.

Damn him and his billions.

If only I wasn’t stuck. After my worthless father left, my mama struggled to make an income for years. We were poor, but she did all she could to help me through college.

Money’s tight, and the latest bout she had with asthma hasn’t helped. Doctor’s bills are sky high. And every time she landed a new job, the symptoms only got worse. I told her to stay home and I’d pull a decent living for us both.

He tilted his head to the side and pursed his masculine lips. What do you say?

How… I cleared my throat while I considered his ridiculous proposal. Unbelievable. How long would this disgusting arrangement last?

The director has to decide by winter, so only a few months.

I leaned on one leg. And what happens if you don’t get that role?

Nothing, he answered. I’ll release you from the contract, and you’ll be free to go.

"And will I receive the money?"

He rolled his eyes. Of course. Next stupid question?

I drew blank. Being Alec Grayson’s pretend girlfriend was outlandish. Do you seriously think people will believe this made-up crap?

He smiled a slow, playful grin. Only one way to find out, Gabrielle.

My shoulders tensed at the sound of my name on his tongue. How long would I have to listen to him? "Somebody shoot me now. Please."

He tightened his jaw. Don’t be so dramatic. If you’re down with this, I need you to agree to a few things.

I swallowed a lump in my throat. There’s more?

Since I’m a high-profile person, our relationship—

Fake relationship, I pointed out at once.

One corner of his mouth dragged downward. "Our fake relationship will be watched. We’ll be under public scrutiny every moment of the day, so you’ll need to be careful with what you say and do."

A strangled sigh escaped my lips. I’m not a public person.

I don’t expect you to be. Just be on your best behavior, especially when we’re attending events. Let me be honest…

Oh. Glad honesty is kicking in.

Once we do this, you will have little to no privacy, he began. And you’ll have to live with that.

The agreement sucked and it was only getting worse. Everything in me screamed at me to run from this charade, but what about Mama? I had to do this for her. If only I had details. Better information would help me decide. I cleared my throat. How much money is it?

One corner of his masculine lips rose to a half-smile. "Take whatever you’re making right now with my brother and triple it."

My shoulders relaxed. The money sounded too amazing. What am I missing?

A cold tightness clamped my ribs. What about sex? Did he expect that? After all, that’s what a girlfriend would deliver. If you’re expecting long kisses or sex… you can forget it.

Of course not. I want you to act like a woman in love. Holding hands, kisses on the cheek… the usual crap. His eyes darkened as his jaw tensed. And don’t worry. I have no desire to kiss you either.

My vision of him blurred. His words stung.

One more thing.

Now what?

"We have to keep our