He gazed down at me. I didn’t know Rhodes well, but I thought he looked relieved. “Is that what you want, babe?”
“Of course it is.” I batted my lashes at him.
“Oh, for fuck’s sake,” Miranda said. She turned on her heel and stalked down the hall. “I am not falling for your act. The board won’t, either.”
“It was nice to meet you,” I called.
Her snort echoed down the hall.
That left the three of us. Rhodes loosened his grip on me. His brow was furrowed, and he appeared lost in thought. After a moment, he said, “Please bring Rory to my suite.”
“Of course, Sir. I’ll have her things sent in.”
Rhodes turned to me. “I have to work for a few more hours. I’ll see you when I come to bed.”
My stomach somersaulted, but I nodded. “Sounds good… babe.”
Rhodes’s eyes flashed—not in a good way—and he stalked off, leaving me with the butler.
“Shall we?” The unflappable Philips asked.
I smiled. “We shall.” But what I was thinking was:what the hell have I done?
I followed him meekly down the hall to Rhodes’s room. My adrenaline was starting to wear off, and the events of the day were beginning to catch up with me. I barely registered the luxurious suite as Philips gave me a brief tour. The space was ginormous, and by the time we’d finished, the staff had brought in my suitcases, unpacked everything, and said goodnight.
I kicked off my ridiculous shoes, wincing as I rubbed my sore feet, and lay back on the giant bed.
This had been the longest, strangest day of my life. And that was saying something, because I’d grown up with a wild, unpredictable mother, and I’d also been interacting with lots of strange men on the internet. Still, coming to Barrington Manor and becoming fake-engaged stole the show.
I didn’t know what to make of the turn of events. The good news was that my grandmother’s farm would be saved. Rhodes had contractually agreed to make this happen. Also, I would become the legal guardian of Josie and Bo. That would protect them. No longer would I have to be afraid that they could be taken away from me, that my volatile mother could decide to swoop in, then just leave again when her mood changed.
Also, there was the money. Five million dollars was more money than I’d ever dreamed about. The security and freedom that kind of wealth would bring me seemed impossible, like a life that only other people were allowed to live. But not anymore. After five years, I’d be independently wealthy. I could take care of Josie, Bo, and Grammy for the rest of our lives.
I’d be rich.
My life had changed irrevocably for the better. And yet, I felt anything but happy.
I was separated from my family. I didn’t know when I’d get to see them again. I’d signed my life away—the next five years were spoken for. They’d be spent here, at Barrington Manor, doing God only knew what. Perhaps hiding from the terrifying Miranda Barrington would become my full-time job. Or figuring out how to dress, speak, and keep my hair looking this good so that someday, I might fit in.
But I already knew the truth: I would never belong at Barrington Manor. Whowerethese people? Neither Rhodes nor Miranda Barrington seemed to be grieving their very recent losses. Instead, they appeared to be on the offensive, positioning themselves to fight for control of the company.
I glanced down at my enormous diamond ring. It sparkled in the soft glow of the bedroom’s lights, mesmerizing me.I’m engaged? To a billionaire? That I just met? That’s sort of a douche?
That might be joining me in bed soon?
I was still staring at the ring as I curled myself into a ball and promptly fell asleep.
INCONVENIENT
RHODES
I retreated to my office,locking the door behind me. There’d been enough disturbances for one day.
I sank into my chair, mind whirling. I needed to work, but I couldn’t concentrate right now.
I am not falling for your act.Miranda’s words rang in my ears.
I’d expected this, but it was still unfortunate. Everything was happening at once—the girl arrived, we’d signed the contract and gotten “engaged,” and Miranda was already convinced that it was an act devised to take control of Barrington Enterprises.
