A/N: Thank you so much for continuing this fan fic journey with me. Sorry it's taken me so long to update. I've had to reread and make several changes to the next three chapters.

Please note Billy's penchant for matching outfits is the brainchild of Nashpar AKA Michelle_NasheP on Twitter. Please check out her Amilly fics!

Amanda ended her nightly call with Josie, lamenting how she allowed Ripley to do so much damage in her life. While they were together he isolated her from all of her friends including Josie and even negatively impacted her job when he began to follow her around during lunch breaks and after he got off work. Once she was meeting a client at a restaurant and looked up to see Ripley watching her from the bar. He wasn't even embarrassed or ashamed of himself. He thought it was his right, no his responsibility to keep a close eye on her. Now months had passed since she last saw him, yet his ominous presence still lingered in her orbit. When would she be free of him?

There were occasions when she was tempted to tell Billy, but she stopped herself every time. They were having fun and since he was doing her this huge favor, the last thing she wanted to do was bring the mood down. Also what would he think of her when he found out Ripley filed an order of protection against her and Josie as well. No, it was best not to divulge the details of that situation.

She was having a great time with Billy, but the fake fiancé plan was not working out the way she and Josie hoped. Several days had gone by and not one picture of her and Billy surfaced. But even if they managed to get a front page spread in the New York Times, this did not guarantee that Ripley would move on. Now if she was truly marrying someone else-whether the relationship was publicized or not-she would feel so much safer. But marrying a man for physical security was nothing she'd ever do. Love was the one and only reason to marry.

But first she had to figure out what it truly meant to love, and she was so unsure now after two years with Ripley. Her view of love was so warped she thought Ripley never wanting her to see friends and instead spend all of her time with him meant he loved her. But he didn't see her as a person, but a thing to control and possess. Now there were moments when she felt she had fallen in love with Billy after knowing him for less than two weeks! Yes, her views had gotten very warped.

It was true that Billy Abbott made her feel safe and wanted, but not in a jealous domineering way. Still with her history could she adequately judge? Best that she not get involved with anyone for the foreseeable future. She could use their fake relationship the way Billy said he was using it, to get her head on straight, to figure out what she really wanted. He said he would use their platonic liaison to create distance between himself and his old life, so he could after many years of entrenchment finally move forward.

Her volunteer assignment with the Legal Aid Society was going well. So far Amanda had met five of the clients she was going to be working with and delved into their cases. The executive director said he heard so many good things about her in such a short period of time, he wanted to figure out a way to bring her on as an official part of the staff. After the Devon Hamilton case concluded most likely she would not continue with nonprofits and instead go back to more lucrative private clients so she could invest in Josie's business. After feeling trapped and stalked in Madison, it felt great to have options.

Finally the day of the gala that Billy invited her to arrived. On that day Amanda and Billy did not meet for lunch or the movies for the first time since they began the daily ritual. Amanda wanted to use that time to prepare. She pulled out all of the stops-mani/pedi and even had her face made up professionally as she was not all that great at applying makeup. She had to look as good as the dress, which Billy had nonchalantly purchased for her tho it was the price of a year's rent for a decent studio apartment in Madison.

When the doorbell rang at exactly 7 pm, the precise time Billy said he would arrive, Amanda took one last look in the mirror and said to herself "Showtime!" She hoped that tonight would be the night their fake relationship would get put on blast for all of the internet to see. Then Ripley would realize she moved on and give up his obsession.

Billy was a sight to behold in black tux. Tall, handsome, debonair. When he produced red roses from behind his back, Amanda thought she would swoon. She was getting a vase for the flowers when she noticed something.

"Oh my God, no way!" she exclaimed. The pocket square in Billy's jacket matched her dress. She stepped in close to him and fingered the material. It was exactly the same. "Don't tell me you also like to dress alike when you're in love."

"Absolutely," Billy smiled down at her. "Matching jerseys at football games, and of course matching pajamas on Christmas morning opening presents with the kids."

"You cannot be serious," Amanda laughed. "You are the corniest playboy ever."

"Nothing says that playboys can't be sentimental. By the way, you look beautiful tonight. I do have great taste in fake fiancés," he said offering her his arm.

"Why thank you. You're not too bad yourself," Amanda smiled accepting his arm as they headed toward the elevator. "I could have met you downstairs like I usually do when we go out," she said.

"This is a real date. Not hotdogs in the park and a movie."

"We never had hotdogs in the park, but let's do that next time instead of some expensive restaurant. All of this is starting to add up."

"Being with you reminds me that I can look forward into the future. That I don't have to crawl back to my old life. I don't have to be their puppet. I can be myself and that," he squeezed her hand, "is priceless."

"And don't forget all of the free legal advice that you might need one day. Trust me that's worth quite a bit."

"But it's not about the money, Amanda. If I had known I could pay for this, to feel this free, I would have done it a long time ago."

When the idea of paying for services rendered came up, Amanda had to fight that icky prostitute like feeling that sometimes plagued her in regard to the deal she and Billy brokered. Only from the outside he could also be considered the person hired, the gigolo, the escort to pose as her man. So there really was no need to feel any way about it.

The gala was a classy affair like dozens she'd attended in Madison working for swanky clients. The big difference being that she was Billy's date. Not just his date, but "the most important person in his life," or so he was telling everyone. He introduced her so many different ways, each more flattering than the next. His "special friend." or the lady he was " lucky enough to be spending time with…" and her favorite "my beautiful companion." For some reason that introduction made her practically giddy. She met Billy's siblings Tracy and Ashley, both of whom were so intrigued by her resemblance to Hilary Curtis that they didn't even question their whirlwind romance.

While separated from Billy, Amanda ran into Jill, who snubbed her. Thankfully she was the only sworn enemy in attendance. Devon seemed not to be there. Nor was Billy's ex Victoria. Billy told her on the drive over that Victoria had to represent Newman at another event that evening.

Billy was the most attentive date she ever had. To make sure she wasn't a clingy pain in the ass, she mingled with other guests on her own. She'd leave for awhile then find Billy again in the crowd. Once after spending about fifteen minutes in a group of women discussing the local political landscape, she rejoined Billy who was holding the rapt attention of three older gentlemen. As she approached she stood off to the side so she wouldn't interrupt their conversation. Somehow Billy sensed her presence and without looking in her direction or pausing in his conversation, he reached out and wrapped an arm around her, drawing her in close to him. Amanda was amazed. How did he even know she was there? It was like they were perfectly in sync, so intimately connected-like two people deeply in love.

They put on a damn good show.

After introducing her as "Amanda, the woman who is making me the happiest man in the world," Billy told the three gentleman, who Amanda found out were Jabot board members that they were going to get some champagne before dancing.

"They love you," Billy said, leaning down to whisper in her ear as they went to find one of the many wait staff who were circling the room with filled glasses balanced on trays. "Everybody loves you. They just wonder what you see in a man like me. And a few have made comments that once this honeymoon phase wears off, you'll run for the hills."

He dexterously swept two glasses from a tray as a waiter rushed by. Billy handed one to Amanda. "You have to be quick on the draw to get a drink around here," he said and clinked his glass against hers.

"It's not an easy job catering to hundreds of guests, not that you would know," Amanda teased and took a sip of her champagne.

"I did my stint as a waiter, a life guard and intern, so I do know," Billy responded.

"Now that you mention it, you do have that life guard look," Amanda said.

"There's a look?" Billy' s brown eyes sparkled with amusement.

"Yes, I can see you with your trunks and your whistle." Amanda knew she was flirting and also knew she shouldn't. Flirting was too dangerous with a man like Billy. He already warned her. But the words kept pouring out of her mouth. "All tan and strong and wet and everything." She giggled.

He cocked an eyebrow at her and frowned. For a moment their eyes locked but neither of them spoke. Now embarrassed, Amanda was about to make another trip around the room by herself when Billy said "Let's dance." Without waiting for a response he took her glass and set it on a table along with his before leading her to the dance floor.

Amanda wanted to sigh loudly when Billy took her into his arms for the dance and she was flush up against his lean form, molding and melting into him. His masculine scent-some woodsy cologne, soap and his own unique scent combined and filled her nostrils, traveling straight to her head mixing with the champagne. Her body temperature increased about twenty degrees. "You give off a lot of heat," she said. "You are making me sooo hot."

"So you told me, the other time you had too much to drink. We are switching to water tonight. You shouldn't say things like that to me, I am a man after all."

"I don't think I drank that much. That would have been my second glass."

"Enough for you to say things to me you wouldn't normally say if you weren't drinking."

"It's not like I'm drunk or even close to it. You feel so nice tho…"

Maybe dancing wasn't the smartest thing to do since it was obvious Amanda's one glass of champagne was doing all of the talking right now, which is exactly what he was trying to avoid.

Amanda felt along his bicep muscles, digging her nails into his flesh, commenting on how strong he was and as he felt all the blood in his body rush straight to his groin, Billy reminded himself what Amanda said about their fake relationship. It was nothing more than bug spray, insect repellent to keep her ex away.

Although he still doubted her true motives, his goal was to use the ruse for a similar purpose-to stay away from Victoria. This could be something to anchor him so he didn't drift back into the familiar. Yes, he liked Amanda very much, but she said she wasn't interested in starting at the ground floor of a new relationship right now. So what would be the point of pursuing her?

He placed her roaming hand over his shoulder. "Behave." He tapped a finger on her nose.

"You're right. I'll be serious." She pulled his head down and joined their lips together in a quick kiss. "There's a photographer right behind you," she said in explanation, gazing over his shoulder. "I'm so happy to see so many photographers here. I'm sure our pictures will be somewhere tomorrow. Kiss me again."

Billy didn't hesitate to do as he was told. But he also did not follow her lead ending the kiss quickly. Since he was invited-she did order him to kiss her-he decided to stay awhile lingering over her soft full lips for a long time in a series of featherlike strokes of his lips against hers. No tongue per their agreement. Nevertheless the almost chaste intimacy was highly arousing. Amanda sighed against his mouth, her curious hands found their way into his jacket again. All this could lead to a place Amanda said she did not want to go. Billy broke the kiss.

"Tell me honestly why you want to be seen as my fiancé. The real reason," he said. Thinking of their agreement reminded him he never did get the official contract Amanda insisted she draw up specifying expectations. Certainly she didn't forget, so what was her angle? His suspicions were piqued again even tho he wanted nothing more than to lower his hands to her ass and press her into the erection that was progressing by the second.

"You know why I need to make it appear that I'm in a serious committed relationship with you. So my ex can back the hell off and I can finally be free."

"You have no other agenda that will come back to haunt me later? Tell me the truth." He bought her hand to his lips kissing her knuckles. "You warned me about what could happen. Maybe that really is your agenda. Your plan is to make it so I either marry you legitimately or face a lawsuit for breach of contract."

"Now why would I do that when you could just turn around and have the marriage annulled or sue me for a divorce. Wouldn't it be smarter for me to blackmail you for the rest of your life with all of the things you told me? I could threaten to write a tell all book or something with lots of juicy insider Abbott information. I bet I could get a lucrative book deal." She giggled and rested her cheek against his chest.

Hos blood ran cold, for a split second before the heat returned to his body full force. He was on fire for this woman. Why did the idea that things were not what they seemed with her drive him crazy with lust? Her mystique, the idea this might be a con appealed to the gambler in him. If he was right about her and she really was this beautiful, complicated and ultimately harmless woman he won. But if she was out to get him...

"These scenarios make me feel like one of those femme fatales in our old film noir movies," she said, fluttering her long eyelashes up at him.

"Yeah and even tho he knows the dame is nothing but trouble, the hapless male lead just can't help himself. He gets involved with her anyways. All in, hook line and sinker," Billy said noting the seeds of foreboding taking root in his mind.

Amanda shook her head, her long black hair flowing about her bare shoulders. The corners of her eyes crinkled. "You do know I'm only kidding right? I appreciate all you're doing for me and I would never, ever double cross you."

"Of course I know you're kidding," Billy lied. At the moment he didn't trust her at all. Not that it mattered much. He looked down at her mouth and Amanda's full, glossy lips parted beckoning him and he had no desire to resist. The only unseen parts of her he wanted to explore at the moment were physical. He'd sort out the psychological stuff, her true motivations later.

"At least you better be on the up and up," he said before kissing her deeply and she responded growing breathless and needy in his arms. Then little by little while continuing their dance, he threaded them through the crowded ballroom until they were at the edge of the dance floor. From there he guided her to the coat check and out of the door.

"Where are we going?" she asked when they were waiting for the valet to bring around his car.

"To re-negotiate our contract."

"It says here that it takes one to three hours for a glass of alcohol to leave your system." Billy scrolled through his phone. "That's an hour to go."

"Billy," Amanda said as she wrapped her hands around her coffee mug. "I already told you ten times that I'm not drunk. Hardly, after one glass of champagne." They were sitting in a small booth at Crimson Lights where Billy plied her with a giant mug of coffee.

"You were behaving more like 'Kim,'" he finger quoted "than Amanda back at the gala, and I need to be sure."

"I thought you enjoyed that embarrassingly drunk, table dancing version of me, but I'm sorry if I scared you."

"You didn't scare me. And if I said I didn't enjoy how you were behaving, I'd be lying."

"So you whisked me away from the party when we were having a really good time because...why?"

"Because I need to know exactly how good of a time we can have."

"I'm not getting what you mean," she paused, "Oh..." She took a huge gulp of her coffee. It had cooled quite a bit since they first sat down.

"Yeah, oh…"

"What exactly do you want to know?"

"Trust me if this situation were different, I would never, ever bring it up like this. I don't know how to be subtle right now. So I'm just going to say it. I want to change our fake fiancé agreement to include sex."

"Billy?!" Amanda exclaimed like he'd said the most shocking, reprehensible thing she'd ever heard even as his words sizzled and her panties began to dampen.

"I apologize for not figuring out a more romantic way of putting it and it's not like this just cropped up. Since I met you, I've wanted to slowly strip you completely naked and…"

"Okay," Amanda held up her hand, "Stop right there. I don't think details are necessary at the moment."

The corner of Billy's mouth lifted in a heart stopping, sexy grin. "Don't you want to know what you'd be getting...if you say yes?"

A technicolor image of Billy making sweet passionate love to her flashed in her mind. She crossed her legs and tried to breath normally. "I don't need a visual."

"What do you need?"

"Billy, I have no idea what I'm supposed to say. You're putting me on the spot."

"I wouldn't, but I don't see any other way. It's not like things can progress naturally since this is already a manufactured situation," he leveled an intense gaze at her "that you manufactured. You and your friend Josie."

"Don't act like you didn't co-sign and then agree that you could also benefit from having a fake fiancé."

"I'm not saying it's not a good idea. But in terms of those benefits, I'd like to expand what that means." He cocked his head to the side regarding her. "It's a simple question Amanda. Why are you stalling?"

"It's not a simple question." Amanda had that prostitute-like feeling crawling all over her again even while she wanted to scream YES! Something prideful in her wouldn't allow it. "Who negotiates sex over coffee?"

"We do," Billy retorted smoothly. "The way I see it, we're friends right? We're adults, I think it's been pretty clear especially tonight that we're both attracted to each other. Neither of us is in a committed relationship outside of this sham, so why not?"

"Those are some seriously broad strokes, I'm sure outside of the fake fiancé part, there are plenty of women who fit into that paradigm you just described. Would you propose sex with them too?" A part of Amanda was a bit offended that Billy was not being more specific about why he wanted her specifically, yet she couldn't deny she was also curious and aroused.

"No one else is relevant. I'm asking you."

"How could anyone say yes to such a question in a coffee house over a latte?"

Billy rubbed his chin and leaned back in his chair. "I find it very interesting you're not saying no either. Does your ambiguity have anything to do with your aversion to being intimately involved with a white man?"

"Uh, you're kind of my fake fiancé," Amanda said in a chiding tone and shrugged dramatically. "Duhh.."

"Fake being the operative word."

Then she sighed. "I already apologized for all of the things I said the night we met. I don't know why I even said them. I don't go around consciously discounting white men."

"And subconsciously?"

"Well...uh…." Amanda stammered then grew irritated and answered defensively. "Well if I'm having subconscious thoughts, I can't exactly tell you about them can I? Since they're not you know conscious and I'm unaware."

Billy smiled "Touché."

"What about you," Amanda picked up her coffee and took a sip, eyeing him over the rim of the mug. "and black women."

"If you knew me better, you wouldn't ask that question. I'm Billy Abbott and I'm equal opportunity, I don't discriminate. A beautiful woman is a beautiful woman."

"We're talking sex tho right?"

"Yeah, I've been intimate with a black woman. More than one….more than two now that I think about it. Just thought of another. Wow and another."

"Okay, sheez," Amanda said. "So, you've slept with black women. Did you love any of them?"

For the first time since they started this conversation Billy looked uncomfortable shifting in his seat. She had finally turned the tables, at last. She raised her eyebrows. "Men," she said derisively and scoffed. "You can have sex with anyone, but the true test is who can you love? And I guess equal opportunity Billy Abbott blah blah blah can't pass that test can you? Are we done here?" She drained the rest of her coffee and started to stand until Billy reached out a hand to stop her.

"I have loved a black woman deeply and passionately. Her name was Charmain," he said to Amanda's surprise. "But what I want to know is why you brought up love when the topic of sex was on the table?"