Page 25 of Sweet Surrender

“A security guard?” I bark out a laugh.

“Yes. Trust me on this,” Nathaniel says. “Granted we agree to each other’s terms, we’ll instate him tomorrow morning.”

“It’s not necessary—”

“It is. Just as a prenup is that you’ll have to sign along with the contract stating you forfeit any legal claim to his property, wealth, and assets during and after the forgone failure of the marriage,” Nathaniel says.

“Of course. What ridiculous person would assume they’d have any rights to it?”

“You’d be surprised,” Jase says.

“Then there are the events you’ll attend with Gizmo.”

Events? Of course. He’s a celebrity. The pictures I studied of him last night flash in my mind. Oh my God. That means I’ll forever be on the internet linked with him like those other women were. “Like?”

“We’ll get you a list but there won’t be many. You’re a woman who happened to fall in love with a drummer. We’ll play the narrative to the press that you’re very private and prefer to keep your life and your relationship as such.”

“That will only fuel people’s curiosity,” I say.

“We’ll figure out a happy medium. Maybe an interview to give them enough insight to back off. I’ll talk with his team about it,” Nathaniel says.

“Okay. It’s only fair that Jase attends some of my engagements as well,” I say.

Jase coughs into his hand in laughter. “Sure. Fine. Aunt Judy’s christening? Little Ezra’s bar mitzvah? What are we looking at?”

“We’re looking at you valuing my time and life and obligations as much as I’m to value yours. Just because you have platinum records framed on a wall somewhere doesn’t make you more important than I am.”

“No one said it did,” Jase says solemnly, almost as if he didn’t realize his teasing could hurt my feelings.

“And no, I’m not talking backyard picnics with Grandpa Bob, but if this is to be believed, you have to integrate yourself into my life too. No one respects a woman who gives up everything they’ve worked for and are working for because they fall in love with a superstar.”

“Savvy, beautiful, and self-assured.” Jase lifts a brow. “I like it.”

“Your flattery isn’t going to get you anywhere,” I say. I know it already has. I’m here entertaining this, aren’t I?

“What else?” Nathaniel redirects.

“Will anyone else know the truth? Like, I can’t let my family know, can I?”

“I’m sorry, no,” Nathaniel says directly. “I understand it’s hard to lie to family, but all it takes is one slip, one I told Sally and she won’t tell anyone and then Jase is in trouble with the judge and the whole purpose of this charade is nullified.”

“But my bandmates will know,” Jase states, causing Nathaniel to whip his head toward him. “What? They have to. They’ll see right through this bullshit if not. It’s . . . I trust them with my life.”

I don’t know the brothers well enough to make assumptions on the look between them, but if I did, it would be hurt. That those words Jase just spoke, hurt his brother.

Nathaniel gives a curt nod, but I can see him struggling to allow this.

“And you pay the taxes,” I add.

“What?” Nathaniel’s voice sounds surprised.

“My net is fifty thousand a month. You’re responsible for the taxes in however you want to cover them. This is California. That fifty would soon be twenty-five, and that’s nowhere near enough if you want me to sell this lie like the best of them.”

Nathaniel blows out a long, low whistle. “Miss Wright, you came to play.”

“No. I know my worth.” The comment is matter-of-fact and complete false bravado, but I don’t see them noticing.

“Noted, understood, and agreed to.”