t sofa, her phone screen still lit up

end the term

al groan from her refrigerator. She glanced around her tiny living space-the cr

ally consi

her mind. She didn't know Leo. He was a CEO. A man with cold eyes and

ht, he had taken

ed her. He had

imply

n front of a locked door she didn't w

-

envelope arrived at h

contract printed on ivory paper, sealed with the Hartford

y Engageme

Hartford and M

rst few lines and

al intimac

appearan

nth dur

ion: $200,

rly dropped

ed thousa

oans. Move into a better apartment. Maybe even help her younger b

r stomach

to love a

ng a

lt...

-

of her building again. He didn't step out this time.

hesitantly, the env

e passenger seat. "

ed at her

now if I c

here to f

ing for even a trace of mockery. But

-I don't want to sell myself

in a public image. And I'm helping you gain financial freedom. Tha

tract. "What happens if I

alk early, you keep what's alre

ay the full

e's a bonus at the e

let out

e murmured. "And my mom's medical b

espond. He d

them was heavy-but

t a pen. "You don't have to decide today. But i

trembling. She stared at the

creamed at

al whisper

si

-

or of a luxury boutique in downtown Atlan

heels that didn't pinch. A touch of lip gloss. Her silky br

ed... ex

d like hi

ng room, adjusting the sleev

nodding. "Perfect. Papa

her arms. "Thi

. "You get

g chased aroun

now how to p

"You really think peo

ad in the eye. "

-

rendy café in Midtown. Leo's driver parked discreetly as they e

clicked

whispered, "Smile

felt like it might break he

h his teeth. "You look l

alm lightly. "Don

tos from across the street. Cecilia stirred her latte and leaned c

as didn't bother her as much. Leo was surprisingly good at this-

ouch her arm gently, when to lau

ye

n't fe

enti

-

er apartment, Cecilia stare

had been

them. The compliments.

d

what she

gant, or deman

were moments-tiny cracks in the armor-wh

ng vuln

t it. Not yet.

eyes wide open,

only the

mo

eeli

str

bus

od she could k