d seen better days. There were scratches along the pa

g faintly like engine oil filled Hailey's senses, cem

ween them was t

breaking it, her voice unnaturally loud i

avigating through mid-day Manhattan

" The doubt was still a bitter taste in her mou

the curb, shifted it into park, and took out his phone. He

from a hotel hallway. She saw herself staggering, cle

way. Julian. He moved with a swift, brutal efficiency that wa

form into his arms and carried her dow

er the truth. He had saved her. A complicated mix of emotions washed over

s?" she asked, her v

sion unreadable. "I asked the hotel m

as his permanent residence, the top floor his priva

He was a risk, but a known risk. Her

to mock the transactional nature of their visit. Inside, the proces

his man to be her lawfully wedded husband, she hesi

ing Knight's leering face. "I

s immediate, witho

arriage certificate in her hand. The paper felt flimsy, imp

married to a man she'd known f

iley reached into her purse and pulled out a folded document and a pen. She

ge will last for one year. During that time, you will act as my husba

the pages quickly. It was all obligations,

from her wallet, "you will receive a salary. I'll deposit twent

loyer. He was the employee. This was a transaction, nothing more. The money was

fortune for most people. A

e way she held her chin up, trying so hard to be

e contract with a steady hand. Julian Oneal. He then to

er stomach-relief mingled with s

st assignment." She met his gaze. "Wait for me here tomorrow morning

r, a low chuckle in h

c, sent unexpected warmth s