house, staring at the preliminary marriage agreement. Her mind felt like it was unrave

ze fixed on her like she was a variable in a high-stakes e

he said flatly. "We need to be seen togeth

nked. "T

t. Time is not a luxury

me exactly what you expect from me. I wa

ith boundaries. Our relationship will be public, but behind closed doors, we maintain our

. "That part, at le

expected to attend functions. Charity events, dinners, corporate galas.

?" she rep

h. She'll help you become

f I me

ou do, the contract will be terminated. You'll

ugh the tension like a blade. "You don't have

said coolly. "Sentiment get

ed. "And what worl

side of the room and tapped a code into a locked draw

n over the last few days. At the hospital. At her apartment. E

ood ra

d me fo

't a game, Emma. If I'm putting my empire a

e rigid. "What i

did

e. Instead, she shoved the folder back acro

ne shifting to something more guarded. "You'll be

ou mean your exe

of

s. "What are you hi

ly, lowering his voice.

h, his assistant, Ma

of your engagement. They've requested a cou

ant me to play the loving b

r the ring. And you'll make them believe every mom

-

acked. It was already there when she arrived. Filled with designer clothes, shoes that cost more than he

.

Black

ent a shiver

and checked her pho

what he seems. Stay clo

hands t

reply, the mess

le

ity glittered beneath her, vibrant and alive. B

k sounded o

led, masking the u

mall velvet box. "Mr. Blackw

lawless diamond ring, brilliant and sharp.

speaking again. "He

brow. "What, b

carefully. "Let

ryptic rema

r bones. She didn't feel close to Alexander. If anyt

, could destroy ever