The Moment I Stepped Into His World as the Fake Girlfriend, I Became the Real Prize novel Chapter 39

"This test didn't work. We're done here."

Just before entering the classroom, Sterling stopped in his tracks and lowered his voice.

He knew she was right behind him, hanging onto his every word.

"What makes you think it didn't work?"

Elena shot back, reaching out to grab him.

Sterling tried to yank his hand away, but she expertly laced her fingers through his, locking them tightly together.

"Master Sterling, the test has only just begun."

She took a step forward, sliding right in front of him as she offered her professional assessment.

"Look at yourself. You're handsome, you're sweet, you're filthy rich, and you're hopelessly devoted... Trust me, very few girls wouldn't fall for you."

"And I can guarantee you that your precious Lydia isn't one of those exceptions! Even if you don't trust my judgment, you should at least trust your buddy's. Didn't he literally just tell you I was doing a good job?"

As her words hung in the air, he looked down, fixing those intense puppy-dog eyes firmly on her face.

"So Jasper gave you his approval, and that makes you happy, does it?"

Elena was completely baffled by the accusation. "Master Sterling, is that really the takeaway here?"

"Elena, I don't care if your line of work makes you used to entertaining everyone who looks your way, but keep your hands off my friends."

Sterling couldn't shake the memory of what just happened—Leon practically undressing her with his eyes, and Jasper offering her his uncharacteristic praise.

The former, Leon, was understandable. He was a notorious playboy, and Elena was an absolute stunner. It was normal for him to have dirty thoughts.

With Sterling around, Leon's little fantasies would be shut down soon enough anyway.

But the latter, Jasper, was a different story. He was a lot like Tristan—completely disinterested in women.

While Sterling was busy chasing Lydia, Jasper had repeatedly told him to just drop it.

Because of that, the fact that Jasper so easily approved of Elena—knowing full well she was just a hired escort—was incredibly unsettling!

"Huh? What on earth are you talking about?"

For once, Elena was genuinely thrown off. She was pretty sure she hadn't exchanged a single word with his friends.

"Elena, don't play dumb. You know exactly what I mean. I refuse to let an escort drive a wedge between me and my boys."

Sterling bit out every word. It was a stark reminder and a grim warning. "The elite circles in this city are more ruthless than you can possibly imagine. You might have a pretty face, but you belong at the absolute bottom of the food chain. Don't even dream of climbing the social ladder..."

"Get off—"

Sterling couldn't pry her loose, and he immediately noticed her skirt riding up again.

If anyone walked by downstairs, they'd get a front-row view right up her skirt!

This reckless woman. How many men had she been with that she never bothered to check if she was exposing herself?

She was nothing like Lydia, who was always so careful and guarded.

"I'm not letting go unless... you promise me something."

Elena desperately needed a guarantee, locking her legs tightly around his lean waist.

To keep her from completely exposing herself, Sterling had no choice but to reach back and clamp his hands down over the hem of her skirt.

But doing so meant his palms were now cupping the backs of her thighs, supporting most of her weight as he practically carried her against him.

His fingers even slipped past the fabric, brushing against the bare skin of her upper thigh.

Her skin was luminous, soft, and flawlessly smooth. The pressure of his grip sank into her flesh, leaving a faint blush of red behind.

"Elena, I swear to God... I will throw you over this railing."