“Absolutely,” she answered while folding her arms. The look in her eyes was even more defiant. “A very ruthless game that could backfire on you.”
“Well said, Ms. Blair, and I can’t have anything backfiring on me, as I’m certain you can’t afford either.”
The quizzical note in her eyes was followed by a slow and easy laugh. “Most professionals can’t. At least those who play by the rules.”
“Ah. Rules are so boring.” I’d still yet to look at the pages because I just didn’t care.
“Perhaps for some, but for others, they keep life from turning to chaos. You can take today to make your decision, but all the women on the pages have other jobs pending.”
“Noted. I won’t take much time. And the terms? Are they acceptable?”
She dragged her tongue across her bottom lip and my cock twitched. I could sense she knew exactly what she was doing. “No. My fee is two million dollars.”
I took and held a deep breath while rubbing my thumb and finger across my jaw. “Unacceptable, as are the choices you’ve provided.”
At least part of my answer she hadn’t anticipated and her frustration with me was increasing. I could tell by the single bead of perspiration glistening on her porcelain skin. Funny how I craved to lick it off.
“You haven’t so much as looked over the list,” she countered.
“That’s because I don’t need to.” I closed the distance, tossing the papers on her desk. When she took a step back until she was only inches from the wall, I took another one, planting my palm on the wall and lowering my head.
“Why is that?” Now breathless, her eyes darted back and forth across mine.
“Because I’ve already made my choice and I’m happy to pay a five-million-dollar fee.”
“Who is your choice, Mr. Elliot?” She tipped her head once again in defiance.
Slowly, I folded my finger, brushing my knuckle across her chin. “You are, Ms. Blair. As of this time next week, you’re going to become Ms. Vanessa Elliot. My wife.”
CHAPTER 13
Vanessa
The man was fucking out of his mind.
Not only was the fury unleashed from deep inside, but I sensed my mouth had dropped open. Christian had gone for the shock and awe factor, which he’d momentarily accomplished, but I quickly regrouped, allowing him to see my clear annoyance.
Even more irritating than what he’d demanded was the fact he was glowing from the revelation, which only added to his insanely handsome appearance.
Dressed in a charcoal suit with a crisp white shirt that likely cost more than my mortgage payment, he appeared like the billionaire mogul he enjoyed portraying. The red tie screamed of power and dominance. That’s exactly the reason he’d chosen the tailored outfit. Did he actually think he could impress me?
I snorted a partial reply. “I don’t think so.” As I took a deep breath, I chastised myself for my body’s reaction. Tingling all over in front of him wasn’t allowed. He seemed to know everyvariant in my emotions and desires. Plus, with him crowding my space, the intense aroma of sandalwood, light musk, and the hint of ocean breezes was far too intoxicating.
So was the whiff of my own desire.
“And why is that?” As if to prove my point, he took a deep breath while slowly lowering his gaze. I suddenly felt more exposed than I had on Friday night.
His husky voice reverberated in my ears. “Because I’m not for sale. Not to you. Not to anyone. Plus, I’m the owner of the company. I make the rules.”
“The rules. You know how I feel about strict requirements. Plus, the fact you own the company makes my choice that much more desirable. Lastly,” he mimicked, half whispering as he dared place the tip of his index finger on my nose. Was he trying to admonish me for saying no? “A significant coup.”
“What the hell does that mean?”
He lowered his head even more until our lips were centimeters apart. I’d learned from round one with the man this was a signature method of obtaining control of a woman. I pressed my hand firmly against his chest, but he didn’t budge.
“That means you’ll become an incredible asset to me and to my company.”
“With a fake marriage?” My laugh sounded hollow because I knew he had an ulterior motive.
