nor

ace reeked of old money and quiet power. Dark wood paneling, plush leath

ership, had secured us a semi-p

akeup that was subtle but sharp. A mask of cool professionalis

ogne. My heart was a frantic drum against my ribs. I mentally reh

whispered, leaning in close. "His private room

y throat su

I'd dismissed as the building settling was actually a tiny listening device transmitting our conversation to a private

ed to Hannah, my voice low. "Lay out th

gest bargaining

res my mother left me in a trust. I'll offer

ether he'd be impressed by

ays no?" Hannah frette

ct, no-strings-attached, contract wife who brings a business advantage to the table.

and pushed myself to my fe

a tall, imposing figure emerged from

The man from

ulders filling the space. Those silver-gray eyes seeme

?" I took an involuntary step b

w, resonant rumble that vibrated through the floor. "Miss Campb

tion. It was a s

ealization dawning on me. He'd

ck, but I forced it down. Fine. If he alrea

e directly. "Yes, Mr. Charles. I do. I'm

ook amused, or shoc

mply watched me, his stillness unn

hares, the board seat, the two-year contract, the mutual benefits, the

y. I held my breath, my heart pounding so hard I was s

he was about to laugh in

rig

et, so simple, I th

m, dumbfounded

ing unreadable in his eyes. "I accept your proposal. Ci

more second. "My lawyer w

istant in tow, walked out of the café, lea

that.