them again, her voice came out low, so low it sounded like so

y calm, the voice of a hollowed-out doll. "A

ence was its

said. "I'll

-tossing her onto the massive bed in the adjoining room and covering her nakedne

, looking down. "

herself to sit up, meeting his gaze directly for t

t she wasn't scared - it was that she was too scared, scared enough to use logic t

grandfather has tied us together. Yo

im, and an heir to secure you

face. He pulled a chair from the wall and sat by the bed, cr

s marriage in public. I will play the part of Mrs.

e child is born and confirmed as your heir, we divorce. Secretly. You let me go,

usiness partners. Separate rooms. Separate lives. No interferen

couldn't even look at his eyes, but she forced herself to pronounce

n unreadable. He studied her w

heer absurdity and amusement. "And what makes you

emain calm. "A compliant, cooperative wife with a clear objective is far more valuabl

cling to you. When the deal is done, I will be gone.

his he was taking in. All she knew was that she was cutting herself into pieces, putting t

He stood and walked to th

d. He leaned down, his fingers closing ar

at badly?" His voice was soft,

e had debased herself, thinking it would appeal to his cold logic. Ins

rushing over her lower lip, "I'll need to inspect the asse

akable. The blood drai