“You aren’t marryingme, Selena. You’re entering a contract with a man who will hand you a future. And don’t tell me you didn’t love my cock. You may not be in love with me, but you like the fantasy. We are both getting something out of this.”
“Do you evenlikeme?”
“I fucking adore you.” And strange as it seems, that is the absolute truth.
She exhales slowly. “This just feels wrong.”
“Of course it does. Itiswrong. But it’s also pretty straightforward.”
I step inside the glass doors and pick up the manila envelope on the console table.
“The main points are what we discussed. We share a bed and a room. You receive five million dollars at the end of year one, with renegotiation for subsequent years. Just before the end of the first contract, we will discuss terms for renewal. Other provisions include a stipend for clothing, beauty, and home decor. You are not to work. You must attend all public functions with me.”
I pause.
“And you are forbidden to tell anyone outside of the two of us about our arrangement. That is the most crucial point. The NDA includes family members. It is non-negotiable. You will tell them I swept you off your feet, that I adore you, and that I’m lavish. Blame my age if you must.”
This is the sticking point. I know she’s close to her sister.
“So no one will know this is a marriage of convenience?” Her face falls.
“No. My public persona—and my partnership—is at stake here.”
“My sister is never going to believe I married a man on impulse.” She glares at me. I love how she fights back.
“Say the money and power were too tempting to pass up.”
“I’m not like you, Griffin. Money and power aren’t my motivators.”
“Then why did you agree to this?”
“Temporary insanity?” She flashes a weak smile.
“You did it for security. For law school. And just a wee bit of power. The sex is also good, admit it.” I grin.
“You,” she says softly. “I liked theyouI met at the club. But now I think I’ve made a mistake.”
Tears finally spill over.
I pull her into a bear hug, enveloping her against my chest. “I liked themeyou met there, too. Perhaps with you in my life, you’ll see more of him. You can do this, Selena. There’s nothing wrong with wanting a better life. I can give you that. That is the one and only thing that is truly mine to give. Other than my stunning cock.”
She laughs through her tears. “I’m not vapid for doing this?”
“No.” I kiss her wet cheek. “You are saving my life. We are sacrificing for each other.”
“Why do we have to share a bed?” I knew she wasn’t over that hurdle.
“Because that’s what married people do. When we have guests, or when the press digs into our lives, we can say with total honesty that we sleep together. What we do in that bed is no one’s business.”
Though I’m secretly hoping we do a lot.
The hour passes quickly. We’re in the town car, heading to the clinic. She is silent, watching the city blur past the tinted windows. I remember this is a completely new world for her. I'm a stranger, and she hasn't had time to process the wreckage of her previous life.
“This has got to be strange,” I say, breaking the silence. “Last week you were meant to be marrying another man.” I laugh because the absurdity is staggering. “And here you are, marrying me.”
“I've officially gone insane,” she whispers against the glass.
“You've officially chosen a life of adventure.”
