“There is,” he says, “one minor complication.”
Every instinct in my body goes on alert. “No,” I say flatly.
Lucien’s lips curve. “You don’t know what it is yet.”
“I don’t care. There’s no room for complications in this plan.”
He steps closer, lowering his voice. “Before she leaves, there is something you both should understand.”
Iris frowns. “Understand what?”
Lucien looks at her with something like genuine sympathy. Then he looks at me. “You’re not just guests here,” he says. “You are legally recognized occupants under the trust. It’s the only way two guests of opposite sex are allowed to be under this roof.”
I frown. “We know this, that’s why we signed a continuity accord.”
“Yes,” Lucien agrees. “A marital continuity accord.”
The words hit like a physical blow. “What the fuck?” I ask softly.
Lucien doesn’t blink. “Under San Isidran emergency civil law, the document you signed constitutes a legally binding marriage.”
The world narrows. “That’s not possible,” I say.
“It is,” he replies. “You’re married.”
Iris’s face has gone pale. “You said it was procedural,” she whispers.
“It was,” I say sharply. “Lucien?—”
“Julian,” Lucien cuts in gently, “read the fine print next time.”
Anger surges, hot and vicious. “You did this on purpose.”
Lucien shrugs. “I ensured my land remained protected.”
I step toward him, fists clenched. “You manipulated us.”
“Yes, because I can’t afford anyone to challenge this land trust.”
Iris’s breath catches.
I turn back to her, words tumbling out too fast, too raw. “I honestly didn’t know. I would never have signed it if I knew we’d be married.”
Hurt flashes in her eyes. “Of course. You’ve said several times that you’re not the marrying kind. And that our lives don’t mesh,” she says quietly. “I understand why you’re angry.”
“I’m angry because?—”
“Because you’re stuck with me,” she finishes, voice trembling. “Because now I’m your problem.”
“No,” I snap. “Because now you’re in even more danger.” Fuck. If she’s tied to me, there’s now a big target on her back. “Nobody can ever find out about this.”
She laughs, but it’s a broken sound. “Of course not. Your dirty secret is safe with me.”
“Iris—”
She steps back, palms facing me. “It’s fine. I get it.”
“I don’t want you shackled to me,” I say, desperate to make her understand. “This isn’t a life I would ever choose for you.”
