A

y hand was cramping from how hard I was clutching my phone. I was still waiting for it t

it t

iet of the car. I didn't have to ask what he

It's

which somehow made it scarier. "You were just caught attempting to enter a legal union to brea

!" I snapped, finally looking at him

, I don't marry for love" he murmured. "I marry for advantage. Now,

r. I looked at the glass partition separating us from the driver. I wa

stranger's phone was part of the B

it. He just slid the p

pulled into a massive, circular driveway. "You don't speak to anyone from y

ed in my throat. Silas was an arrogant prick, but he wasn't entirely

pered, my heart sinking. "L

Silas interrupted. "He's a coward, Maya. And the sooner you realize that the world

pening in s

a black suit. Silas stepped out, ignoring my qu

despite myself. Everything was screaming luxury. I was too angry to truly enjoy t

n't want to walk forward, but Silas placed his hand at the small of my back, hi

ward with a slight bow. "G

ave a c

. Blackwood. I'm the h

ckwood?

ord straight, but Silas squeezed

eeds to rest," Silas said, his vo

study. The room looked simple and expensive. Just a desk cluttered with paper

sturing to a black chai

me what's happening in six month

eboard and poured himself

If I catch you trying to reach him again, I'll make sure he h

of the house suddenly feeling s

drink. "There's a difference." He didn't raise his voice

ecause my legs felt tired. "Sounds the same to me." I looked arou

ld be a reasonable adult t

illed to meet him." He paused for a few seconds, his

s, my fingers starting to fi

red. "The apartment. Did you le

ed, his eyes returning to me. "I let you go because I wa

't c

t's discuss your new life."

ather have my

iet study. "I need a hell of a distraction, and you're going to provide it. You'll b

"Does this kidnapping and n

uth twitching in what might have b

his voice dropping an octave. "But you're asking for a paycheck? You're livin

wn debts," I countered. "If

e taking it bette

d a fucki

pitching my voice deep and arrogant ju

strings and a mind of its own. I'd make him wish he'd

here we fall in love. Public dates, expensive vacations, a proposal in six months.

," I mumbled. "But sur

onight, but don't make running your mouth a habit in this ho

r. "Don't be a fool. This house doesn't have