ce of the ballroom. Kaitlyn followed the bouncer, her heels clicking softly on polished marble, ec

l set of mahogany doors. The man knock

said simply, s

f the room. It was a study-warm and expensive. Shelves lined with books, a f

g casually behind a massi

d perfectly to his frame. There was a commanding stillness to hi

voice low and smooth. "Y

e froze. "Thank you.

smile, gesturing for her to sit. "

him, still gripping the edges of the chair. "You

his elbows on the desk. "I'v

knit. "Wat

sharp, discreet. You carry burdens most people would col

you-what? Invited me here bec

ew." He reached into a drawer and pulled out a black f

s scanning the words at t

al Marriage

k up. "Is this so

return, I'll pay off every debt you and your husband owe. You'll live in comfort. No intimacy require

nst her chest. "You want me

amily's expectations, a few public appearances. I need someone

"I-I can't just agree to someth

who's in debt with dangerous people. Who took out a

opped h

ou know a

s, Kaitlyn. Things you shouldn't have to deal wi

e idea was insane. Unreal. She was nobody-just a broke girl trying t

en know me,"

u 48 hours to decide. No pressure. No obligations.

the desk and han

door creaked

rned s

d in. "Mr. Roberts, your

ng eye contact with Kaitl

oice. "Why me, though? You could have anyone. A model.

l smile. "That's exactly why

"Think about it. And if you decide yes-call t

t into the hallway