An MM Hurt/Comfort, Fake Relationship
by
A fake relationship with real consequences—will love be enough to heal the wounds of the past?
Creed
I’ve hit rock bottom.
Dishonorably discharged, haunted by my time in the military, and freezing my ass off sleeping in the backseat of my car, I’m barely surviving.
Then a chance encounter with enigmatic billionaire Avery Branson results in an unbelievable offer I can't refuse—pose as his boyfriend for his high-society family, and in return, I’ll get the money I desperately need.
It sounds simple enough, but there’s one problem: I’ve spent my whole life pretending to be someone I’m not, and he's asking me to show the part of me I swore no one would ever see.
But the more time I spend with him, the harder it is to remember why I'm pretending.
He’s everything I shouldn’t want, but somehow, I can’t stay away.
Avery
Creed is the last person I expected to fall for—rough around the edges, emotionally closed off, and clearly running from something.
But with my mother pressuring me to get married for the good of the family business, I needed someone who could play the part, and Creed was desperate enough to accept.
I thought I could keep things simple, strictly business.
But every time I peel back another layer of his armor, I want more.
And I’m starting to think this fake relationship might be the most real thing I’ve ever had.
If only his past didn’t threaten to rip us apart before we even begin.
Editors:
Cover Artists:
Genres:
Pairings: M-M
Heat Level: 4
Romantic Content: 5
Ending: Click here to reveal
Character Identities: Gay, Straight
Protagonist 1 Age: 18-25
Protagonist 2 Age: 18-25
Tropes: Fake Relationship, Forced Proximity, Hurt / Comfort, Pretend Boyfriend / Girlfriend
Word Count: 65535
Setting: Chicago and Michigan
Languages Available: English
“I’m in a bit of a bind,” I confessed, the weight of my situation heavy on my shoulders. “I need a boyfriend. For Thanksgiving. My family—” I paused, swallowing hard at the thought of my mother’s relentless matchmaking. “They won’t leave me alone about settling down. If I don’t show up with someone, I’m going to hear about it for days.”
Creed’s expression remained impassive, and I pressed on. “I know it sounds crazy, but hear me out. I need someone who can pretend to be my boyfriend for a weekend. And I can pay you for it. Just name your price.”
His brow furrowed, confusion flickering across his features. “You’re serious?”
“Absolutely. It’s an opportunity for both of us. I get a hot guy to show off and distract my family, and you get a trip and some cash for your troubles. Win-win, right?”
READ MORECreed studied me for a long moment, the silence stretching between us like an unbridgeable gap. Finally, he scoffed, a hint of amusement breaking through his skepticism. “There are a thousand dudes you could choose from. Why me?”
“Because you have that rugged charm, Creed. You look like someone who can hold their own in a family gathering, and I need that. Plus, you’re good-looking; I wouldn’t have to fake any attraction.”
A flush crept up his cheeks, and for a moment, I thought I saw a flicker of interest in his eyes. “And what’s in it for me? What do you want from me?”
“I want you to show up, hang on my arm, and let my family assume we’re together. No funny business. Just play house for a few days.”
He leaned back, arms crossed, clearly weighing my proposition. “What happens if I say yes?”
“Then we come up with a backstory, we go to Michigan for Thanksgiving and you get a few home-cooked meals. Maybe some homemade pie,” I said, trying to sweeten the deal. “I can even throw in an extra grand.”
He let out a low chuckle, and I couldn’t help but smile back. “Alright, I’m in. But this is strictly business,” he said, his gaze steady. “No Pretty Woman makeovers. And definitely no falling in love.”
“Deal,” I replied, trying to suppress the thrill coursing through me. “All we have to do is pretend. You just have to be my eye candy for the weekend.”
COLLAPSEContent Warning
Pretend You’re Mine contains themes and situations that may be distressing to some readers, including:
- Mental health struggles and trauma, including references to PTSD.
- Discussions of grief and loss, including the death of a loved one.
- References to past violence and combat situations from military service.
- Mention of homelessness and the struggles associated with it.
- Themes of discrimination and homophobia.
- References to past dishonorable discharge and the resulting stigma.
- Occasional strong language.
Readers are encouraged to take care while reading and seek support if needed.
