Page 32 of Twisted Truth

I sit and pull the blanket tighter around me, then shake my head a little to clear it. I need to focus if I’m going to have this conversation.

Asher taps his forefinger and thumb on the table for a second before speaking. “As I just mentioned, I am aware of the gravity of what I’m asking you. I understand all too well what this attention will bring to you. It can be a positive thing at times, but mostly it is a cross to bear. And by asking you to bear that cross, I will reward you accordingly. The number I reached with the board is five million dollars. That sum will be paid in increments during our ‘dating’ period. And since you’re also an employee, you would obviously keep your regular salary, however, I will double that because you would be viewed differently by your colleagues.”

Five million dollars?Five fucking million dollars?

And double my salary? My head spins.

“Are you alright?”

“I think I’m in shock. I don’t think I heard you right. Did you just casually say, ‘five million dollars’?”

He chuckles darkly. “I did.”

“Jesus Fucking Christ,”I hiss under my breath.

“Does that seem like a fair price?”

“Only a billionaire would ask that question.A fair price?That is life-changing, world-changing money. That is . . .I could . . .” A flood of possibility washes over me. “I could pay Maya’s tuition; I could get her out of that shitty dorm. I could pay off my mom’s house so she could retire.” I know I’m muttering to myself, but I can’t help it. This money would change everything for our little family of three.

“Good. If that’s agreed to, then I’ll warn you of some other stipulations,” Asher says, and I’m brought back to the present. “You would be expected to wear certain types of clothing. Designer, high-end labels, that sort of thing. Since my lifestyle and status are what they are, that expectation would naturally extend to you. Your wardrobe would be provided for you. You would obviously have a say in that clothing, but you would not be financially responsible to purchase any of it, and a stylist would be provided.

“Any transportation needed would be provided by my personal staff. You would no longer be able to ride the subway or public buses; those would be out of the question as a matter of safety. I have three town cars, and I would hire another driver to meet your needs if necessary. A rotation of security guards would be provided to protect you twenty-four seven.”

Whoa. My heart hammers in my chest.Is this really happening?

“Again, I don’t want you to answer tonight. I want you to go home and think it through. This will change your life, irrevocably. Even after the end of the ‘relationship,’ you will have lived a public enough life that complete anonymity may no longer be possible. However, hopefully with time, it would settle to a manageable place. And any further security needs would be provided until they were no longer needed.

“If you do choose to go through with this, I promise youthat I will do everything I can to make the experience as good as it can be. We will need to blur some professional lines at events and in public. But outside of that, I would not expect anything of you. I think it would be best to keep the lines clear and keep romantic feelings out of it. We will just need to put on a good show and act in love when the world is watching. Otherwise, we will go on with our lives as normal.

“And last thing, obviously you wouldn’t be able to be involved with anyone else until this is over. There can be no secret, real boyfriend. You’ll have to settle for the fake relationship, and the fake relationship only, until it’s all over.”

I nod, trying to process everything he said.

“Is all of this in writing? It’s a lot to take in at the moment.”

“Of, course. The contract was finished up this morning. The only amendment I would make to it is your salary.”

He sets the contract onto the small table between us. “Read it over tonight. Let me know tomorrow by lunch. I know it’s a lot to decide in one night, but the board is breathing down my neck. They refused Matthew’s request for an extension. They want everything finalized by Friday, and that includes the full strategy, which we will have to adjust if you accept since you are also an employee.”

I lift the contract and start to read it.

“I had Matthew hire an outside lawyer who is not affiliated with Langford Holdings to look over the contract with you. He doesn’t know who has hired him so that it won’t sway his judgment. Matthew emailed him the copy just a few minutes ago, and he will comb through it tonight and be in contact with you in the morning. I want you to know that you’re protected on your end.”

Holy shit, he really has thought of everything. Which doesn’t surprise me. I know he’s brilliant at business. The success he’s brought to Langford Holdings is remarkable.

“I’ll look it over. But I should do it at home,” I say, suddenly feeling the need for privacy. There’s no way I can process all of this while I’m around Asher. He’s like a sun that pulls everything into its orbit. If I’m going to make a clear decision, I need to be away from that orbit.

“Andrew will drive you home.”

I readthrough the contract for the third time. I don’t know what half of the legal jargon means, but I understand the gist of it. It’s quite generous. The only demands or requirements of me are things I’ve really already agreed to: sign an NDA that prohibits me from ever speaking or exposing the truth, to keep up the charade until the given end date—which is yet to be determined—and fulfill all duties as required by Asher, Langford Holdings, aka the board, and the PR team. Basically, be a good actress, be a good fake girlfriend, and don’t expose the truth. And in exchange, I’ll receive five million dollars, double my current salary, and a whole new wardrobe.

It’s tempting. So, so tempting.

But then I think through what Asher said. He didn’t mince words or hold back when he described the frenzy of life in the public domain. Asher and his family attract as much, if not more, attention than even the most famous celebrities. Their family was always famous because of their status and wealth, but when Harrington married Catherine, a relative of the British monarchy, it seemed to solidify a sort of pseudo royalty moniker for the Langford family. Catherine’s fame is literally a global spectacle, and that fame very much extends to her three Langford sons, especially when it comes to their love lives. Asher’s, Declan’s, and Sterling’s dating lives have made the covers of tabloids and magazines since they were teens. It’s likethey’re three princes, and all of America, and the world, is salivating over who will be crowned as their princesses. They’re American royalty billionaires who could double as supermodels, so I get it.

But the question is, do I want to be a part of it?

Could I handle having my face splashed all over the media? Having people I don’t know recognize me? Having people take pictures and videos of me without my consent? Do I want to live with a security guard and a driver? My life as I know it would change. Maybe not forever, but certainly for the foreseeable future.