Faking It

By Kait Gamble

One last job...

The patrons of Totally Five Star Chamonix would be stunned to find out that beautiful, sophisticated and elegant Ana Meier is not there for the social event of the year. Once a thief, she has been forced back into the life for one final mission.

Unexpected...

When Rhys Stone lays eyes on Ana again, there's no doubt in his mind that the fire between them still smolders. He's willing to do just about anything to convince her that they're good together...except tell her the truth about what he's been doing during their time apart.

Inevitable...

Seeing the love of her life alive and being faced with all the lies between them aren't complications she anticipated, but Ana isn't going to let him get in her way. Not when the success of this job means saving the son Rhys knows nothing about.

Even loving Rhys isn't going to stop her from going through him if she must.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Totally Bound Publishing
• Release date: Dec 27, 2016
• ISBN: 9781786515018

Kait Gamble

Kait was born and raised in the wilderness of the Pacific Northwest and started writing to entertain herself during the long winters as a child. Insatiably curious with a love of learning new things, she’s picked up many random skills including three languages and two martial arts. After travelling three continents (the other four are on her bucket list), she settled in England with her family where she spends most of her time cultivating her daughter’s love of reading and writing, scribbling ideas on every available scrap of paper, and trying out dialogue on her cat.

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Faking It

ISBN # 978-1-78651-501-8

©Copyright Kait Gamble 2016

Cover Art by Posh Gosh ©Copyright November 2016

Edited by Faith Bicknell-Brown

Totally Bound Publishing

This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or places is purely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form, whether by printing, photocopying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher, Totally Bound Publishing.

Applications should be addressed in the first instance, in writing, to Totally Bound Publishing. Unauthorized or restricted acts in relation to this publication may result in civil proceedings and/or criminal prosecution.

The author and illustrator have asserted their respective rights under the Copyright Designs and Patents Acts 1988 (as amended) to be identified as the author of this book and illustrator of the artwork.

Published in 2016 by Totally Bound Publishing, Newland House, The Point, Weaver Road, Lincoln, LN6 3QN

Totally Bound Publishing is a subsidiary of Totally Entwined Group Limited.

Warning:

This book contains sexually explicit content which is only suitable for mature readers. This story has a heat rating of Totally Burning and a Sexometer of 1.

Totally Five Star: Chamonix

FAKING IT

Kait Gamble

Watch the Video

Of FAKING IT

One last job…

The patrons of Totally Five Star Chamonix would be stunned to find out that beautiful, sophisticated and elegant Ana Meier is not there for the social event of the year. Once a thief, she has been forced back into the life for one final mission.

Unexpected…

When Rhys Stone lays eyes on Ana again, there’s no doubt in his mind that the fire between them still smolders. He’s willing to do just about anything to convince her that they’re good together…except tell her the truth about what he’s been doing during their time apart.

Inevitable…

Seeing the love of her life alive and being faced with all the lies between them aren’t complications she anticipated, but Ana isn’t going to let him get in her way. Not when the success of this job means saving the son Rhys knows nothing about.

Even loving Rhys isn’t going to stop her from going through him if she must.

Dedication

For the Jane Bonds out there.

Trademarks Acknowledgement

The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction:

Valentino: Valentino S.p.A.

Louboutin: Christian Louboutin Ltd.

Bulgari: Bulgari S.p.A.

Balenciaga: Kering SA

The Snow Queen: Public Domain

Chapter One

With Valentino caressing her body, Louboutin gracing her feet and Bulgari glittering from her ears, neck and wrists, Ana strode into the grand ballroom of the Totally Five Star Chamonix. The envy and admiration in the eyes of all who turned to gaze at her were almost palpable, despite the other women wearing couture of the same caliber.

Under the arching intricately veneered wood ceiling, Ana waded through the throng, eyes sharp, head held high. The fine fabric of her deep-red gown swished decadently around her legs as she moved. Though it was nearing Christmas, she had chosen a dress that left her arms, shoulders and most of her back bare. The anxiety and excitement of simply being there were enough to blast any and all discomfort away.

It had been a long time since she’d been in any room dressed as she was. Even longer since she’d been in a room with people who exuded this much wealth. Ana could almost smell it in the air. But then she’d always had a good nose when it came to finding money.

She had to take a moment, however, to just take in the amazing ballroom. She didn’t know where to look first. From the gleaming floor to the vaulted ceiling, complicated designs were played out with inlaid wood. Plush red-velvet curtains tied back with braids of gold decorated the massive multi-paned windows. Three golden chandeliers lit the room from above while man-sized floor candelabras provided pools of light strategically around the room.

It was as if she’d walked into a fairy tale.

As calm and nonchalant as she might have appeared, Ana had already started scanning the gloriously opulent room the instant the doors parted, automatically appraising and separating the genuine from the fake. Even with the number of imitations she saw, there was enough real glitter to cause her knees to weaken a little.

Her pulse sped up to a gallop and her palms grew slick. It wasn’t fear. It wasn’t that she felt out of her depth. It was the adrenaline. The excitement coursed through her. Something that hadn’t happened in a very long time.

Ana clamped down on her impulse to liberate a few of the glittering beauties as she walked past.

Anastasia? Is that you?

The lilting Irish voice drew her attention. As did the use of the name of a long dormant identity.

Ana put on a big smile and turned on her heel to face the willowy brunette gaping at her in delighted amazement. Ciara, how lovely to see you.

"I’m astonished to see you. You haven’t been out and about in far too long. Ciara grasped Ana by the shoulders and air-kissed her, bringing with her a cloud of perfume that reminded Ana of exotic night-blooming flowers. We all thought you’d dropped off the earth."

In a way, she had. Not that she was about to share the reason with anyone. I’ve been busy. You know what it’s like when you’re on the charity circuit.

But I haven’t seen you at any of the events. We were really beginning to wonder. Curiosity and speculation were clear in her big blue eyes as she swept her gaze over Ana again. It was just like her to take in every detail in order to better relay the meeting later to the ‘we’ she’d mentioned. The close-knit group of women who used them as much to gather gossip as to help.

They were obviously very concerned about her disappearance since no one called or ever bothered to even email her. There hadn’t been so much as a text. Not that it mattered. If they had approached her, it would have only been to sate their curiosity more than any true concern about her well-being.

It made her glad that this world wasn’t the one she truly belonged in.

Ana shrugged. I’ve been working behind the scenes. As if that explained everything.

Ciara nodded sagely. I see. Tired of the limelight?

You could say that. Ana swept her gaze around the room. So who’s all here?

The tall brunette linked her arm with Ana’s and started a slow promenade into the crowd. Everyone who’s anyone, darling. It’s the Winter Ball, and no one misses it.

She vaguely wondered what the crowd thought of her having missed the last two. The extravagant affair happened every year, acting like a homing beacon for the rich and famous who had time and money to splash out from Christmas Eve to New Year’s Day.

It had also become a smorgasbord for the discerning singles looking for that special, very wealthy someone.

Ana made sure her smile was predatory as she took in the attendees. That, I gathered. Anyone new and noteworthy? Those would be the ones Ana needed to know about.

Ciara’s tinkling laugh drew gazes from around them. On the prowl?

I might be. Ana could only imagine her reaction if she knew the truth.

A knowing smile on her face, Ciara nodded. I should have known. You wouldn’t have shown up looking so fabulous in a dress like that without an ulterior motive. Unless it’s to make the old biddies choke on their tongues.

She turned Ana around and pointed into the crowd at a group that were listening avidly to a story being told by a rather animated man whose stomach rolled and bounced with every wave of his arms.

That’s JJ or AJ…or something. Ciara waved away his last name as if it meant nothing. Some upstart from Texas. More money than God, but less personality than a gnat. Says he’s going to revolutionize…something. To be honest, I stopped listening about three seconds into the conversation. The halitosis… She groaned. He’s no one’s type. Moving on…

Ciara scanned the room with her vivid blue eyes until they landed on her next target. She nodded at the tall, leggy blonde who could have passed for a supermodel. That’s Arabella Ignatius. She’s the daughter of Hendrik Ignatius, the Norwegian industrialist. She’s just come into her trust and is spending it as fast as she can. Rumor has it most of it is going up her nose while the rest is wasted on a string of men and trinkets for them. And when I say trinkets, I’m talking about cars, plastic surgery and holidays abroad.

Lovely. A blowhard and a girl who thought love could be bought. Ana had no interest in either of them. They weren’t who she was here for. I can’t say I’m looking forward to meeting them.

Then don’t. There are a few more. She pointed at a group of young men deep in conversation. Some new pups with even newer money. Then she steered her to look at another group swilling champagne. And the usual penniless aristos playacting as if they’ve still got a few coins left.

She paused in her sweep of the room and a smirk spread over her lips. There’s the mysterious Mr. Cabral who, between you and me, stinks of cartel money. She jerked her head toward a swarthy man with a roguish smile who had a veritable harem surrounding him. If you want to take a run at him, you’d better get a head start to get through that.

Ana definitely took note of him, not because of his looks, but because of the vibe she got from him. He was dangerous.

She averted her gaze before he could sense her attention on him.

Oh! And over there! Ciara turned Ana around and pointed into the crowd at a tall, broad and darkly handsome man. That’s Armand Cassells. He’s that famous chef from the Caribbean, if you remember. He’s taken over as director of dining and entertainment for the Totally Five Star. I think that’s the mighty Claudia Bauer with him now.

Everyone knew who Claudia Bauer was. The dragon guarding the gates to the CEO of Totally Five Star Hotels himself, James Conroy III. If anyone wanted to see him, they had to get through her first. Ana vaguely wondered if the CEO was making an appearance for the ball this year.

And I have to introduce you to my date. Ciara grinned as she searched the room. He’s gone off to get drinks. I think you’ll like him. You’re into the tall, dark and handsome types, aren’t you?

And there was the catty Ciara Ana remembered. The one who loved to gloat and lord her prizes over everyone else.

Ana shrugged. She might have been into the tall, dark and handsome type of man before, but she was no longer interested in wasting time with any. She had found the love of her life once and had lost him far too soon. No one would replace him.

Her heart throbbed as she thought back to the gorgeous, romantic man and the blissful few months they’d had together before tragedy struck. She hated to remember it, hated that it had happened, but she had to remember that it had all turned out okay.

Ciara’s voice tore through her morose thoughts.

Are you all right? Ciara’s smug expression turned into concern. You look as if you’re going to be ill.

I’m fine. Swallowing the emotions, Ana patted her friend’s arm. The pain that came from remembering had lessened over the past couple of years, but she doubted it would ever go away.

If you’re sure. She gave her one last look before returning her gaze to the crowd. He’s quite wealthy on top of being drop-dead gorgeous. Wickedly smart, as well.

Clenching her teeth, Ana mustered the strength to meet Ciara’s latest fling then she needed to get moving. A smile, a few pleasantries, then she was done. The sooner she could get away, the sooner she could get out of there and back to her quiet life.

Ciara, there you are.

The man who approached certainly was tall, dark and handsome but there was something about him that came across as less than refined. The smarmy glint in his eyes, as they lingered on her breasts and exposed skin, made Ana want to take a shower.

Estefan, I’d like to introduce you to Countess Anastasia Deveaux. Ana, this is my Estefan.

He took her hand and brushed his lips over her knuckles. Ana made a mental note to bathe it in hand sanitizer.

Estefan Rocha. It is always a pleasure to meet one of Ciara’s friends. Especially one so beautiful.

Ana nodded. Charmed. She couldn’t be less so. Ana didn’t recognize his name. He was more than likely the typical playboy type who showed up to occasions like this in hopes of landing a wealthy socialite like Ciara.

The kind of man she despised.

Unfortunately, Ciara seemed totally taken with him.

Ana smiled politely. It wasn’t any of her business.

He went on about something that Ana couldn’t have cared less about. Watching Ciara fawn over him like a lovesick puppy rolled her stomach so much that Ana was sure that her cheeks were beginning to tinge green.

She let her gaze wander every now and again, hoping the hint that she was losing interest would be picked up, but neither seemed to notice her inattention and continued to regale her with the tale of the time they were in Majorca and saw a turtle.

A goddamned turtle.

It was on the eighteenth or so time that she looked away that her gaze was snared by Cabral across the room. Even someone that made her skin crawl as he did was preferable to listening to Ciara simper and giggle any longer.

She gave him a coy half-smile that was enough to have him cleave a path across the room toward her.

He was good-looking, but he had an aura of danger. Menace. The closer he got, the more Ana agreed with Ciara’s initial assessment. He held himself with smarmy self-confidence. That, coupled with the scar she detected on his neck that disappeared into the open collar of his shirt, told her this was a man who had known violence. Might have even incited it.

Ciara’s scandalized gasp when he swept in mid-sentence, took Ana’s hand and kissed it was loud enough to draw even more attention than he already had by abandoning his little circle of admirers.

Diego Cabral. He kissed her hand. I apologize for intruding, but I couldn’t help myself. I can’t recall ever seeing you around before. Surely, I would have remembered one as beautiful as you.

"This is Countess Anastasia Deveaux. Ciara had puffed up with indignation at his overfamiliarity with Ana. You will treat her with the proper respect."

The title sparked more interest in Cabral’s dark eyes. A countess. How fascinating. Come, you can tell me all about your undoubtedly exciting life over drinks.

Ana… Ciara’s whisper had a warning tone to it.

I’ll be fine. We must catch up again soon. Ana linked her arm through the one Cabral offered. Nice to meet you, Estefan.

They were well out of earshot when her new companion broke the silence. I hope you don’t mind me taking you away from your friends.

Ana had to chuckle. Not at all. I was losing interest in their inane travel stories. Anyway, I think I’ve found someone much more interesting. She almost gagged saying the words, but she knew he would be more than likely to lead her to what she sought.

He led her farther into the crowd and waved over a waiter carrying a tray glittering with champagne flutes. Retrieving a couple, he handed her one, tapping the rim of his with hers as he did. "Salud."

Ana kept the smile stiff on her lips as she took a tiny sip.

"So, a countess. I’m fascinated already."

I’m not that interesting, I assure you. Just your run-of-the-mill titled lady.

He chuckled as he let his gaze wander over her. Titled, perhaps, but run-of-the-mill? Never.

If he only knew…

Ana listened to his banal chitchat. Most of it was boastful. All of it was about himself. She couldn’t imagine having to spend more than a few minutes with someone like him.

She caught glimpses of what was going on around them while he talked. Ana did her best not to make it too obvious, but when he launched into a tale about how he had blown a tire and had changed it by himself, Ana had reached her limit.

So, Mr. Cabral, I can’t imagine I’m the most interesting person you’ve met at this party.

He studied her with a calculating gaze. Fishing for compliments, or are you truly interested?

Interested, of course. I’ve missed the past few events and am curious to see who’s popped up on the radar.

Cabral nodded. Keeping tabs on any upstarts—I love it. Very wise. He swept his gaze around the room contemplatively. You wouldn’t be worried by any of the young ones, I’m sure. None have any of your charm.

Ana took a long, slow breath, wanting him to just get on with it. She disguised it with a sip from her drink.

There are a couple of new faces I met earlier. The man was forgettable enough, but the woman… Beautiful, yes, but far too intellectual for my liking.

Because, presumably, he preferred his women large-breasted and only smart enough to draw air regularly.

Ana forced a smile. She sounds intriguing.

She’s duller than dust. Cabral gazed at her critically. You’re not seriously interested in talking to the woman.

Why wouldn’t I be? Ana smirked when his face fell. It had finally dawned on him that she wasn’t as dim-witted as he’d hoped and he had little chance of bedding a countess that night. Ana smiled charmingly and placed a hand on his arm. Please, introduce us?

Muttering something under his breath, he led her through the crowd. It didn’t take long before it was clear that they were headed for a voluptuous redhead in a skin-tight golden gown.

She turned to smile in recognition at Cabral, nearly dislodging her barely captured breasts at the same time.

Mr. Cabral! How nice to see you again. She shook his hand before turning her gaze to Ana. I don’t think we’ve met.

Christine Nowak, I’d like you to meet Countess Anastasia Deveaux.

Her honey-colored eyes widened at the title. A countess! How exciting! Should I bow or something?

Ana shook her head. It’s a pleasure.

She toyed with a tendril of her fiery hair. I’m just really excited to be here, you know? I’ve already met more millionaires and billionaires tonight than I thought existed on the planet. And so many models and heiresses. Whew! Christine fanned her cheeks as