The Con Artist

Sara's POV

The moment I spotted Trey Houston, I knew I'd struck gold. America's sugar daddy and fairy godfather to anyone with a sob story and a pretty face.

I glided past him, my perfume introducing myself and stealing his attention. I didn't pause nor glance his way. The best way to hook a man was to Ignore him.

Let him chase.

The charity dinner was in full swing, the hall buzzing with dignitaries and men whose egos matched their bank accounts. I settled into a chair, feigning indifference, my eyes fixed on Charles Baker's boring speech.

I had conned him once. That was two years ago, a quick steal he'd never trace to me. At least ,he had no proof. His face hadn't changed, but mine had, thanks to my wig.

"Do you mind if I sit?"

I turned to Trey, offering a polished smile. "Of course not."

He sank into the seat beside me, his cologne sharp and expensive. "Here for the charity dinner?"

Wasn't it obvious?

"I'm disappointed in myself," I said, sighing. "i flew in from Mexico for this, but my bank's acting up and I can't make a donation."

He nodded, eyes lingering on me. "Mexican?"

"Half. Mostly American. Evelyn Rodriguez." I extended a hand, letting my fingers brush his.

"Trey Houston."

I flicked my gaze back to Charles, playing distracted. "I grew up here, but you'd never guess it because of my surname. And yet again, I've got no Mexican accent because I was practically here most of the time while my father was building his billion dollar company. As a kid, I thought my mom was a famous actress." I chuckled, soft and wistful. "Then I realized we lived in Hollywood, but she never made it to a screen."

Trey laughed, warmth in his eyes. "The movie industry's brutal."

"Not as brutal as running a business," I said, leaning closer. "Especially as a woman."

His gaze roamed my face, my neckline. "You're beautiful, Evelyn."

"A compliment I hear daily." I tilted my head, playful. "Are you single, Trey? I could use company while I'm in town. I'm at the Milton's lounge. You could stop by if you like. We could... discuss business."

His smile turned naughty. "I'm as free as a bird. How about tonight? Show me that lounge, and who knows..."

"Who knows?" I echoed, matching his tone. "Are you a businessman?"

"Let's say I'm a jack-of-all-trades, master of all."

"Including pleasing a woman?"

He chuckled. "I could be your personal gigolo."

"Oh, I'm intrigued." I leaned in, voice low. "Since my bank's a mess and I can't make any donations, why don't we skip this and see how good you are? Get to know each other... better."

Trey didn't hesitate. His sleek Bentley whisked us to Milton, champagne flowing in the backseat as we traded talk of his businesses and my fictional empires. I spun tales of my father's company in Mexico and my plans to expand more branches to America once I claimed the CEO title.

"You must know my father," I said. "Antonio Rodriguez."

He shook his head. "Americans like to keep business in America."

"While Europeans build empires home and abroad," I countered, sipping my drink.

At the lounge, Sean was gone, back to his dingy apartment. I locked the door behind us, turning to Trey with a seductive smile. "Show me what you can do."

I let my gown slip to the floor, revealing curves shapened by gyming and nature. Trey's eyes devoured me, his shirt hitting the floor in seconds, hands reaching for my waist.

"Americans love to rush, don't they?" I teased, stepping back.

"We're the fastest economy for a reason," he growled, closing the gap between us.

His lips crashed into mine, hungry, and for a moment, I let myself sink into fantasy..Aweek in this lounge far from Sean's reeking apartment. But as Trey's hands roamed, my mind betrayed me, drifting to him. Thomas Grey. Seeing him today had upsetted me more than I'd admitted.

I remembered his touch. Gentle yet firm, holding me in a way that felt dangerous. His lips, soft but insistent, pulling me to the seventh heaven.

"Grey..." I whispered, the name slipping out.

Trey, lost in his haze, didn't notice.

What if Grey had recognized me today? Could I tell him the truth about that night? About what it left behind?

No. Six months under his watchful eye would be torture. One glance at my twins and he'd know they were his. Their green eyes, his eyes, would betray me.

This deal with Grey was like walking on a tightrope, and I was already slipping.

"Evelyn?" Trey's voice cut through, his hands pausing. "You seem distracted."

I traced his chest, forcing a smile. "Aren't all businesswomen?"

"You don't mix business with pleasure," he said, misquoting with a grin.

I laughed, letting him think he'd won me back. The night blurred into quick, practiced motions, but I kissed him awake in the early hours, right before a knock sounded at the door.

"We're here for payment, ma'am," a hotel staffer by the door said.

I raised my voice, loud enough for Trey to hear. "My bank's still a mess! Can't you wait until noon?"

Trey was at my side in an instant, pulling me close, his ego gleaming like a knight's armor. "I'll handle the bills."

His credit card swiped, securing seven days of luxury.

I kept my Evelyn smile in place. "Thanks for the save," I said, brushing a kiss across his cheek. "Next time I'm in the States, I'll repay you... any way you like. Or I could host you in Mexico."

He frowned, reluctant. "You're here for seven days, right?"

"Swamped with meetings, Trey." I kissed him again, deeper. "I've got to prove I'm worthy of my father's empire, remember?"

As I shut the door behind him, my smirk returned. No one was beyond my reach.