a P

e registration hall. The scent of cold pine and somethin

n my tongue. I braced myself for his laughter. It was the

link. He took a sip

on

ve he'd agreed so easily. A new suspicion took r

ss in his eyes. "My name is Aiden. Just Aiden. And as you saw, I'm

where did you get a million doll

nce package, you could call it. It was meant for my new life with... her." He

laced by a pang of sympathy. He was j

ee. But we need a contract. I'm not making t

val in his eyes. "Of course.

rted writing on a clean, crisp napkin.

age is one year, or unti

ill have separate private li

are mates. You wi

ey were exactly what

e the fourth

h a place to stay. As you

ue live in my apartment? With m

"It's just me and my broth

on the couch," he said, his voice low. "I won't

ad approached him. He had met my price. Ho

n sleeping on a park bench... it stirred

ght. "Fine," I finally bit ou

returned to his lips

rrangement, sent a hot flush to my cheeks. "When

oss the table. "The million is

ot in my hand. This card was a chain, bind

ance of control. "I, Kira Hayes, will be your

, noncommittal smile, as

ent. Two copies. We each fo

go to the bank,

aid, also standing. "Here's my number. Conta

ck was straight and proud, but for a moment, I saw

the phone number, feeling l

y hands shaking as I inserted

screen, a dizzying string of zero

d myself into a sham marria